Sunni-Shiite tension mars Iraq's Eid

The Iraqi Sunni Endowment authority and a number of religious Shiites bodies on Sunday announced the first day of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end to the holy month of Ramadan. Shiite official Ali al Sistani announced that Sunday was the last day of Ramadan while the government took a neutral position where it announced that the whole week was granted as a holiday to state offices. The offices of Bashir Najafi, Mohammed Said al  Hakim and Kaim al Haeri stated on Saturday night that “Sunday is the first of the Shawwal Month and first day of Eid.” The same was announced by the Iraqi Sunni Endowment authority. Most Arab and Islamic countries announced that Sunday was the first day of Eid, while different Islamic sects in Iraq disagree over their doctrinal and sectarian affilitations. The Iraqi government kept distance from the differences between its people and their religious beliefs about when to celebrate Eid and declared the entire week an official holiday according to government spokesman Ali al Dabbagh. Eid al Fitr is the first Muslim holiday which is celebrated the first day of the month of Shawwal - which comes after the fasting month of Ramadan – where Muslims break their fast, followed by Eid al Adha in the month of Dhu al Hijja.