KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 -- As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims in Malaysia and around the world are preparing for Aidilfitri.

However, the exact date is only confirmed close to the event, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.

In Malaysia, the start of Aidilfitri is determined using two methods: hisab (calculations or mathematics) and rukyah (moon sighting).

These methods determine the start of Syawal, the Islamic month that marks Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

What are hisab and rukyah?

Hisab is a scientific method that determines the moon's position through mathematical and astronomical calculations.

This method can predict when the hilal, an Arabic word for crescent moon (anak bulan), should be visible, making it precise and con...