Dar Al-Ifta said Thursday, 19 March, marks the 29th and final day of the holy month of Ramadan, and that Friday will be the first day of Shawwal for the year 1447 AH.

Eid Al-Fitr, which falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar, is determined by lunar sightings. Islamic months last 29 or 30 days, depending on the visibility of the crescent moon. Traditionally, the crescent must be seen after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan for Eid to be declared the following day.

In Egypt, Eid prayers are held in open areas next to mosques to accommodate large numbers of worshippers. On Friday, Eid prayers will begin at 6:24 am Cairo time (GMT+2).

The government has declared the period from Thursday, 19 March, to Monday, 23 March, an official paid holiday for employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, and both public and private sector companies on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

Eid El-Fitr, celebrated over three days, is one of two major religious holidays in Islam, along with Eid El-Adha, which falls on the 10th day of Dhu El-Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar.