



MILLIONS of Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as the month of fasting and reflection, Ramadan draws to a close.





The first day of Eid al-Fitr will be Friday, June 15, in most Islamic countries after the moon of the month of Shawwal has been sighted.





The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is determined by the sun.





Due to this, the exact date of Eid depends on when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted and changes every year.





It can also vary by region, as the new moon is sighted at different times by local religious authorities.





Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Malaysia were among the first countries to announce Friday as the first day of Eid.





The moon was not sighted in India or in Pakistan and Bangladesh, which means that Eid will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16.



