Muslim and Arab countries will announce Wednesday night whether the feast of Eid al-Fitr will start on Thursday or Friday, depending on the sighting of the new moon that will mark the beginning of the lunar month of Shawal, which follows the fasting month of Ramadan in the Muslim hijri calendar.
Both the start and the end of Ramadan are determined by observing the crescent moon.
Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from drinking, eating, smoking and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, with the Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Mohammed, establishment of the daily prayers, concern for and almsgiving to the needy, and the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the two biggest Muslim holidays of the year, often compared to Christmas in its significance and revelry. The other major holiday is the sacrificial feast of Eid al-Adha, at the end of the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
In predominantly Muslim countries, the celebration can last for three days. Muslims fill the mosques early in the morning to attend the congregational Eid prayers.
Housewives usually bake the Eid cookies at home. Families wear their best clothes, exchange gifts, plan special meals with friends and relatives, sometimes decorate their homes inside and out, and organize carnivals for children.
(Compiled by Abeer Tayel)
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