Eid Al Fitr starts Friday

AMMAN — Friday was announced as the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the feast marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. 

At a ceremony to spot the Shawwal crescent in the presence of scholars, astronomy experts and officials, Chief Islamic Justice Ahmad Hilayel on Thursday said that according to astronomical calculations and Sharia guidelines, Friday marks the first day of Shawwal, which makes it the first day of Eid Al Fitr. 

Eid Al Fitr starts with the sighting of the new moon at sunset on the preceding day, in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Mohammad. 

Accordingly, Muslims declare the start, as well as the end, of the fasting month on the basis of the sighting.