Muslims mark end of Ramadan with Eid celebrations
By Associated Press
Jul 28, 2014 7:53 AM CDT
A Bahraini fisherman points toward where a slim crescent moon should be visible to indicate the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in Malkiya village, Bahrain, Sunday, July 27, 2014. Bahrain and several other Gulf countries announced Eid will begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)   (Associated Press)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Millions of Muslims across the world are celebrating the first day of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the monthlong fast of Ramadan.

Families dressed in their finest clothes and children carried their new toys as they headed to mosques early Monday morning to observe traditional Eid prayers.

But the mood was dark for millions of people affected by the Syrian civil war, the Gaza war and the militant advance in Iraq.

Muslims in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, across the Middle East, Europe and the U.S. are celebrating Eid Monday. Millions in India, Pakistan and Morocco are still fasting and will likely celebrate Eid on Tuesday.

Muslims use a lunar calendar and a moon-sighting methodology that can lead to the month of fasting ending on different days.

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