When is Eid al-Fitr? Explaining the end of Ramadan

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims are getting ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, 19 March. 

Muslims around the world observe Ramadan each year, a period of prayer, reflection, and abstinence, and fasting during daylight hours.

According to Islamic Relief South Africa, it is expected to begin on the evening of Thursday, 19 March and continue into Friday.

Eid al-Fitr is one of two Eid holidays per year, the other is Eid al-Adha, which coincides with the end of the sacred Hajj pilgrimage season.

Eid al-Fitr means Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. 

The exact timing of Ed al-Fitr depends on the sighting of the moon.