Eid al-Fitr 2024 live updates as Saudi Arabia announces date

The date that Ramadan will end and Eid al-Fitr will begin has been announced as Muslims looked for the crescent moon on April, 8. Millions of people across the UK will be celebrating and special prayers will take place across many areas in the UK including outside spaces and mosques. Eid is one of two major holidays celebrated by Muslims all over the globe and holds a great deal of importance for observers.

After a day of preperations, it was confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia. on Monday, Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10th April 2024. This means that Ramadan will last 30 days this year, making the first day of Eid in many countries likely to be on Wednesday, April 10.

After sunset prayers tonight (Monday, April 8), the 29th day of Ramadan, moon-sighters faced west with a clear view of the horizon for a first glimpse of the crescent moon. If the new moon was visible, then the next day would be Eid. However, as it was not, Muslims will fast one more day to complete a 30-day month.

Traditionally, Eid prayers begin at sunset on the night the crescent moon is first sighted but many mosques will offer to do Eid prayers the following morning. Once prayers are finished, Muslims will visit their relatives and friends to wish them a happy Eid and often exchange gifts or sweets.

Ramadan has been taking place for the last four weeks, during which Muslims have fasted between dawn and sunset. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer and doing good, as well as spending time