Islamic clerics announce feast ending Ramadan to begin Sunday

CAIRO, Egypt -- Islamic clerics in the Middle East said Friday that the feast ending the holy month of Ramadan will begin Sunday, but the normally festive period is clouded this year by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and fighting in Afghanistan.

Ramadan, a time of reflection when Muslims abstain from indulgences from sunrise to sunset, comes to an end if a crescent moon is seen on the 29th day of the month in the lunar calendar. If the moon is not sighted, the 30th day is considered the last day of fasting.

Clerics in several Mideast countries said Friday that since a new moon had not been sighted, Ramadan would last one more day and the three-day feast of Eid Al-Fitr would start Sunday.

Ramadan commemorates the month when Muslims say God started revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muh-ammad about 1,400 years ago.

On Sunday, Muslims will crowd mosques for special Eid Al-Fitr prayers. Children put on new clothes, women bake special pastries and sweets, and families exchange visits.