Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta religious authority announced that Thursday will mark the first day of the Arabic month of Shawal of the Islamic Calendar year 1434, making it the first day of the religious holiday Eid Al-Fitr. The moon has been spotted by the naked eye, which according to Islamic tradition, indicates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, the government institution that issues official edicts, Dar Al-Ifta announced In a statement released on Thursday night. This year, Ramadan was 29 days long. Arabic months, based on a lunar system, may be either 29 or 30 days long. Eid Al-Fitr lasts for three days. Ahram Online wishes all of its readers happy holidays. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/78574.aspx