Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the holiday is celebrated the following day.^[9] Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country.^[10] It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid, and a specific prayer is nominated for this day.^[11] As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy (Arabic: Zakat-ul-fitr) before performing the ‘Eid prayer.^{[12][better source needed]}