oruç

Oruç is the Turkish term for the religious practice of fasting in Islam, most prominently observed during the lunar month of Ramadan. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, and is intended as an act of worship, self-discipline and spiritual reflection. Ramadan fasting commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam for adult, sane, and capable Muslims.

Practical features of oruç include a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and the meal that breaks the fast at sunset (iftar). Special nightly prayers (tarawih) and acts of charity are commonly associated with the month. Observance is governed by Islamic law, which also requires a sincere intention (niyya) to fast; legal schools vary on details such as the timing of intention and other technical points.

Exemptions are accorded to those for whom fasting would cause harm or undue hardship, including young children, the elderly, the ill, pregnant or breastfeeding women, travelers and menstruating women. Missed fasts are typically made up later (qada), and in some cases compensation (fidya) or expiation (kaffara) is prescribed according to jurisprudential rules.

Beyond Ramadan, Muslims may observe additional voluntary fasts (nawafil) and specific recommended fasts such as those on the Day of Arafah or Ashura. In Turkish culture, oruç is also associated with communal iftars, charitable giving such as zakat and fitr (fitre), and broader social rhythms during the month of Ramadan.