Eid al-Fitr live updates 2022 as Saudi Arabia announces Eid date

Eid al-Fitr is almost upon us as Ramadan comes to an end and Muslims around the world gear up to sight the crescent moon. People across the world have been eagerly awaiting the news that the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of the religious holiday, has been spotted. Eid al-Fitr traditionally begins the day after the sighting of the new crescent moon.

The announcement has come from Saudi Arabia that astronomers there have been unable to see the crescent moon this evening. That means Eid will be on Monday, May 2 in Saudi Arabia and for other countries that follow the Saudi declarations. The UK Government body HM Nautical Almanac had previously calculated that the new moon would arrive at 9.28pm on Saturday 30 April but said no sighting would be visible worldwide on the night.

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 with family and friends.

After the sighting of the Shawwal moon, Eid al-Fitr will commence, marking the completion of the Ramadan fast and beginning the celebration during which worshippers will gather to commemorate the end of the fast. The moon's first appearance can be spotted at different times depending on where you are in the world.