Like every year, practicing Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in the coming days.

The event, which literally means "Feast of Breaking the Fast", serves to mark the end of Ramadan, a holy month that is one of the five pillars of Islam during which the faithful must abstain from drinking and eating dawn to dusk.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the following month, called Shawal.

When and how will Eid al-Fitr take place this year?

To determine the start dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Muslim institutions around the world base themselves on the Hijri calendar.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar used in France, this one is made up of lunar cycles.

It is therefore possible to estimate the D-day thanks to astronomical calculations which are then verified during "the Night of Doubt".

This consists of observing the sky to confirm the presence of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the new month.

This year, "the Night of Doubt" is scheduled for this Saturday, April 30, announced the Paris Mosque in a press release.

A religious commission will therefore meet at the end of the afternoon to confirm the date of Eid al-Fitr, although it has already been announced for Monday May 2.

Astronomical calculations are only very rarely wrong, so the date of the party should not change even after "the Night of Doubt".

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid el-Fitr, not to be confused with Eid-el-Adha (“Festival of Sacrifice”), the other major Muslim holiday, begins with a morning of common prayer at the mosque.

Before attending, religious must pay Zakât el-Fitr, alms to the poorest, if they have not already done so the previous days.

Its celebration may differ according to cultures and traditions but it is customary to wear new clothes on this day.

It is also an opportunity for Muslims to get together during large family meals or with friends and to give each other gifts.

Depending on the country, Eid al-Fitr can last up to three days.

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