Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday April 20 that Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will take place in the kingdom on Friday.
Birthplace of Islam and of the great pilgrimage of the hajj, the rich Gulf monarchy is home to the holiest sites of this religion, starting with Mecca, and thus retains a particular influence throughout the Muslim world.
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Tomorrow, Friday, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr
", Thursday being the last fasting day of Ramadan, the royal cabinet announced, quoted by the official SPA news agency.
The date of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar.
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One of the five pillars of Islam
Ramadan fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is observed by millions of Muslims around the world.
During this month, from sunrise to sunset, they are forbidden to drink, eat and have sexual relations.
Beyond the religious dimension, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are also an opportunity for large family gatherings or with the rest of the Muslim community.
Eid al-Fitr is also marked by gestures of charity towards the poorest, strongly encouraged by the religious at this time of the year.