Saudi Arabia has sighted the crescent moon, officially announcing the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. As per a statement by the royal court shared on the official Saudi Press Agency's Twitter account, Friday is confirmed as the first day of Eid al-Fitr for this year, with Thursday being the last day of Ramadan.
The timing of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon as per the Muslim lunar calendar. The holiday is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving.
Ramadan, considered one of the five pillars of Islam, is a month of daytime fasting, during which observant Muslims refrain from consuming food and drink from dawn to dusk. It is also a time of intense prayer and reflection, with the faithful gathering in large numbers at mosques, especially at night.
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, is known for widespread observance of fasting during Ramadan, and is home to the holiest shrines in Islam in Mecca and Medina. For Eid al-Fitr, Saudis are expected to observe a four-day holiday, with many engaging in religious activities and traveling to visit family and friends.
