A Malaysian Islamic authority performs the “Rukyah Hilal Syawal,” the sighting of the new moon to determine the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Thursday, July 16, 2015. (AP)

Saudi: Friday is the first day of Eid al-Fitr

A new moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, heralding the start of Eid Al-Fitr holiday

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Staff writer, Al Arabiya News

Published: 16 July ,2015: 12:00 AM GST Updated: 20 May ,2020: 10:47 AM GST

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announced Friday as the first day of the Eid al-Fitr holiday after sighting a new moon, Al Arabiya News Channel reported.

For Muslims, the Eid al-Fitr celebration begins after the fasting month of Ramadan ends. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drinks and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk, which is an exercise in self-restraint, intended to bring the faithful closer to God.

Eid al-Fitr starts when the new moon is spotted in the sky, making the Eid holiday different around the world.

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Muslims in the UK, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Friday, while Muslims in other nations such as Iraq and Bangladesh will observe the holiday on Saturday.