When is Eid at-Fitr? LIVE updates and crescent moon sightings as end of Ramadan nears

Muslims across the globe are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as the holy month of Ramadan draws to an end this week.

Those who are observing Ramadan abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk before gathering with family and friends for indulgent nighttime meals.

According to Islam, fasting draws the faithful closer to God and reminds them of the poor’s suffering. Alongside eating and drinking, smoking and sex are also prohibited during daylight hours in Ramadan.

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Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month, and celebrations often include families receiving new clothes and gifts.

The dates of Ramadan and Eid are decided by sightings of the moon. In the Islamic calendar, the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the month. It takes 29 and a half days for the moon to pass through each of its phases, so in an Islamic month, there can be either 29 or 30 days.

Ramadan, which started on March 23 this year, cannot last longer than 30 days. This means Eid will automatically fall on Saturday, unless there is a sighting of the crescent moon before that.

You can follow our live blog below for the latest moon sightings across the world and other updates on when the holy month will come to an end.

Muslims in Singapore will celebrate Eid on Saturday, April 22.

The moon-sighting committee of Japan announced that Eid will be on Saturday, April 22, after the moon was not sighted on April 20. It said it follows the rulings of Islamic authorities in Malaysia, where Eid is also on April 22.

Eid in Australia has officially been announced to be on Saturday, April 22.

The Australian Fatwa Council said in a statement: ""he Australian Fatwa