Islam Times - Muslims in several countries begin celebrating Eid al-Fitr

Islam Times - Muslims in several countries have begun celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Throngs of worshippers gathered at mosques on Monday across the Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia and Malaysia to offer their Eid prayers.

Thousands of Australian Muslims also celebrated their religious Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.

The first day of the month of Shawwal on the lunar calendar is called Eid al-Fitr which is decided when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted.

So Eid al-Fitr day may differ from one country to the other. During the Eid, Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to sermons and give Zakat al-Fitr or donations to the poor.