The last day of Ramadan is tomorrow, which means it's time for Eid ...

For the past few weeks, Muslims around the world have been fasting from sunrise to sunset for the holy month of Ramadan. 

But Ramadan is nearly over, which means it's nearly time for celebration — a festive period called Eid al-Fitr.

Once this happens, daytime meals will be back on the table for people observing the fasting period, but there are still a few sleeps to go. 

What is Eid al-Fitr?

It's known as the "festival of the breaking of the fast" because it comes right after Ramadan.

Ramadan is a holy month on the Islamic calendar, when many Muslims don't eat or drink (no, not even water) from sunrise to sunset. 

Instead, they have their morning meal before dawn and their evening meal after the sun has gone down. 

It's not just about abstaining, however, with observers using the month as a period for reflection and doing good deeds.

But once Ramadan is over, Muslims around the world gather with their loved ones to indulge in a celebratory feast. 

The season's all about enjoying great food with great company.

It's almost time for the feasting to begin for people who observe Ramadan. (Reuters: Hayam Adel)

When does Ramadan end in 2024?

The last day of Ramadan 2024 is on Tuesday.

That's according to the Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Abu Mohamad.

The dates for Ramadan change year to year because the Islamic lunar calendar is based on the Moon cycle.

This is a different system to the Gregorian calendar, which gives us dates, months and days of the week and is based on the Earth's movements around the Sun.

This means that Ramadan usually falls about 11 days earlier than the year before. 

Because of this, Ramadan doesn't line up with the seasons — so while it was in the early Australian autumn this year, it will be in summer in the year 2030. 

And, depending on where you are in the world, the dates might be a little different because it also depends on the sighting of the Moon.

But we've gone with the grand mufti's declaration. 

That method of determining the dates took into account the sunset and moonset times for both Sydney and Perth — which are on opposite sides of the country and are in different time zones. 

In a statement, Dr Abu Mohamed and the Australian Fatwa Council said the method was "based on the calculated birth of the Moon before sunset, the duration of the moonset after sunset and the possibility of sighting the Moon".

"This is a method that many prominent and reputable global scholars councils have adopted."

When is Eid al-Fitr in 2024?

Eid al-Fitr begins as soon as Ramadan ends, which is Tuesday evening.

So, the first day of celebrations will fall on Wednesday, April 10. 

Hang on, isn't there another Eid?

Yes, but they're different. 

Muslims celebrate two major Eids (which translates to "feasts" or "festival") in a year: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Fitr is at the end of Ramadan — that's the one that will be celebrated this week. 

Eid al-Adha occurs on the last month of the lunar calendar, which also follows the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj.

It's also known as the "festival of sacrifice", because it involves the slaughtering of livestock, such as goats, cows and sheep.

The meat is then to be shared equally among neighbours, friends and the less fortunate.

This year, the last day of Ramadan is April 9.(ABC: Tyne Logan)

How do people celebrate Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr usually lasts for three days but, in some countries and cultures, the celebration can extend for a month.

Some countries, such as Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia and Singapore, also declare Eid al-Fitr a public holiday.

Like many other religious and cultural traditions, the festive season starts with worship.

However, before attending the communal prayer, Muslims are obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is a small donation given to the poor or those in need.

The mandatory donation often equals the cost of one meal or 1 kilogram of rice and wheat, so this differs between countries and regions.

That money goes to the poor and needy, including widows, orphans, refugees and people experiencing homelessness.

Those who have missed fasts during Ramadan and are unable to make up for them afterwards due to health reasons, will also have to pay "Fidya".

Each day a fast is missed will cost a meal's worth to donate.

While charity is an obligation, it is also a reminder to stay humble and to share the joy of Eid with everyone in the community. 

Following morning prayers, Muslims don their finest outfit and open their beautifully decorated homes to visits from family and friends.

Guests are usually greeted with an array of sweet and savoury foods to sink their teeth into, as music and laughter fill the air.

In the spirit of giving, it is common for elders to gift money, toys or sweets to children.

Eid al-Fitr also provides an opportunity to forgive and seek forgiveness with one another after a month of spiritual cleansing during Ramadan.

How do I wish someone a happy Eid?

Saying "Eid Mubarak" is the most common phrasing.

Mubarak means "blessed" and Eid means "feast" or "festival".

But you can also just say "Happy Eid".