Arab states announce Eid al-Fitr celebration to be marked Sunday

By AL ARABIYA
The Muslim feast of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of
Ramadan is to start on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's religious
authorities announced.
Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and the United Arab Emirates also
announced the celebration to be marked on Sunday, following the
sighting of the new moonthat will mark the beginning of the lunar
month of Shawal, which follows the fasting monthof Ramadan in the
Muslimhijri calendar.
Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from drinking,
eating, smoking and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan fasting is one ofthe five pillars of Islam, alongside the
belief in theOneness of God, the finality of the prophethood of
Mohammed, establishment of the dailyprayers, concern for and
almsgiving to the needy, and the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca for those
who are able.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the two biggest Muslim holidays of the year,
oftencompared to Christmas in its significance and revelry. The other
major holiday is the sacrificial feast of Eid al-Adha, at theend of
the hajj, the annualpilgrimage to Mecca.
In predominantly Muslim countries, the celebration can last for three
days. Muslims fill the mosques early in the morning to attend the
congregationalEid prayers.