Area Muslims are watching the skies tonight, looking to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan with special prayers and celebrations.

Local Somalis, members of the mosque on Lisbon Street, said they planned special prayers this weekend to mark Eid ul-Fitr, the end of the month of fasting.

Ramadan is the highlight of the Muslim calendar and daytime fasting during the month is one of the five pillars of the religion. It ends with the sighting of the new crescent moon, called “hilal” in Islam. That first sighting should come any time Friday or Saturday, according to Muslim moon-watchers.

According to Islam Councils of North America, the new moon occurs at 9:28 a.m. eastern time Friday and the first new crescent should be visible soon afterward.

That marks the beginning of the month of Shawaal and the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. Muslims celebrate Eid with morning prayers, followed by feasting and celebration.