Kazakhstan: Ramadan timetable 2027, Imsak and Iftar times

A winter Ramadan on the steppe

Kazakhstan observes Ramadan 1448 in the heart of winter. Astana, one of the coldest capitals on earth, often sees temperatures well below minus fifteen in February, with snow on the ground and short days, which makes the opening fasts relatively brief.

From 11 h 38 to 13 h 22 in Astana

As the days lengthen quickly at 51 degrees north, the timetable above shows the fast in Astana rising to 12 h 28 on day 15 and 13 h 22 on day 29. Iftar moves from 17:17 to 18:06 over the month.

Imsak changes even more noticeably, from 05:38 on the first morning to 04:45 on the 29th. In total, fasting people in the capital add one hour and 44 minutes to their daily fast between the start and the end of the month.

Almaty in the south

Almaty, much further south at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, starts with a longer fast of 11 h 59 but breaks it earlier, at 17:13, because it lies further east. Its days grow more slowly than those of Astana.

Calculation method and the official calendar

These timings follow the Muslim World League method, 18° for dawn and 17° for nightfall. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan publishes its own official calendar, and its times can differ by several minutes, so mosques across the country follow that schedule.

The same administration fixes the dates of Ramadan in advance and also announces the recommended amount of the fitr charity, known locally as pitir sadaqa. Fasting people should check the figure published for 1448 before paying it ahead of the holiday.

Iftar traditions in Kazakh homes

Kazakh hospitality shapes the evening meal: tables are set with baursak, small fried breads, dried fruits, dates and tea with milk. Main dishes may include beshbarmak or kazy sausage, while mosques and restaurants organise collective iftars, sometimes in large heated tents.

Tarawih at Hazrat Sultan and elsewhere

The first tarawih is expected on the night of Sunday 7 February 2027. In Astana, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque gathers large congregations, and mosques across the country stay busy until late. Laylat al-Qadr is expected on the evening of Friday 5 March.

Oraza Ait 2027

Oraza Ait, the Kazakh name for Eid al-Fitr, is expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027, or Wednesday 10 March after a thirty-day month. Families visit relatives and share festive meals, although the day is not among the national public holidays, unlike Kurban Ait.

Staying well during a cold Ramadan

The cold means less dehydration than in hot countries, but dark mornings and icy streets require care. A warm, protein-rich suhoor, layered clothing for the walk to tarawih and enough sleep make the weeks of fasting more manageable.

• Set a new suhoor alarm each week as imsak moves earlier.
• Follow the official calendar of your local mosque.
• Dress warmly for evening prayers in Astana.
• Pay pitir sadaqa before the Oraza Ait prayer.

What time is iftar in Astana on the first day?

On Monday 8 February 2027, the expected first day of the month, iftar in Astana is calculated at 17:17 and imsak at 05:38. By Monday 8 March, the expected 29th day, iftar has moved to 18:06 and imsak to 04:45.

Why does Almaty fast longer at the start but less later on?

Almaty lies about eight degrees further south than Astana, so its winter days are longer but change more slowly. On day one Almaty fasts 21 minutes more than the capital, while Astana catches up as spring approaches.

Is Oraza Ait a day off in Kazakhstan?

Oraza Ait is widely celebrated but is not an official public holiday, whereas Kurban Ait is. Many employees take leave to attend the morning prayer and visit relatives, and the atmosphere in mosques and family homes remains festive.