Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the Eid al-Fitr holiday will begin on Friday, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The declaration followed confirmation by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, which determined the conclusion of the fasting period based on the lunar calendar.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the court stated: “The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow is the completion of the 30th day of the month of Ramadan, and that is the day of the Blessed Eid al-Fitr.”
Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s most significant celebrations, is observed at the end of Ramadan, a month during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as an act of worship and self-discipline.
The start of the festival is traditionally determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in line with the Islamic lunar calendar.
During Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The period also emphasizes charity, with believers encouraged to give to those in need.
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, including the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, sees widespread participation in fasting and religious activities throughout the month.
However, this year’s Ramadan across the Muslim world has been marked by heightened tensions in the Middle East, amid an ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The escalation has seen retaliatory strikes affecting parts of the Gulf region, with key infrastructure and civilian areas impacted.
Despite the tensions, millions of Muslims worldwide are preparing to celebrate Eid with prayers, feasts, and acts of generosity.
