Jordan celebrates Eid Al Fitr today

AMMAN — Jordan marks Eid Al Fitr today, the top religious authority announced.

His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday congratulated the nation on the occasion.

In a tweet, His Majesty wrote: “May God accept our good deeds and may this blessed occasion return with peace and prosperity for our country and its people.”

For his part, HRH Crown Prince Hussein tweeted "Happy Eid Al Fitr, May Allah accept our good deeds and return Ramadan with blessings. Eid Fitr Mubarak!”

His Majesty and the Crown Prince received cables of congratulations from leaders and senior officials and officers.

Also on Saturday, the King exchanged Eid Al Fitr greetings in phone calls with Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Bahrain’s King Hamad Al Khalifah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and Palestenian President Mahmoud Abbas.

His Majesty also exchanged greetings with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Bahraini Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

At a ceremony to spot the Shawwal crescent in the presence of scholars, astronomy experts and officials, The Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Mohammad Khalaileh on Saturday said that according to astronomical calculations and Sharia guidelines, Sunday 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 Islamic traditions. 

Muslims are not allowed to fast on the Eid day to share the joy of the celebrations with community members. 

The holiday, the government has announced, starts Sunday and continues through Wednesday evening.

The Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) forecasts hot weather during Eid Al Fitr, with temperatures expected to soar above 30°C, bringing hot weather conditions across the country.

Authorities said they were ready to ensure a smooth, trouble-free holiday.

The Public Security Department (PSD) said that all its security and traffic units will be on alert in residential areas and marketplaces, to ensure residents and visitors’ safety and protect public and private assets, according to a PSD statement.

The PSD has prepared security and traffic plans to facilitate traffic flow in the cities during the last days of Ramadan and during the holiday.

The department warned residents against leaving their houses unlocked, leaving valuable items exposed and urged them to watch out for pickpocketing at marketplaces
and busy areas.

The Civil Defence Department on Monday said it is well prepared for any emergencies, with inspection tours of parks, malls and theme parks planned to ensure public safety.

Tourism Minister Lina Annab announced the forming of committees at the ministry and its directorates during the holiday, Petra reported.

She said that these committees will monitor tourism programmes and follow up on the readiness of tourist and archaeological sites to receive visitors during the holiday.

For its part, the Amman Greater Municipality (GAM) announced that King Abdullah II, King Hussein and other public parks were ready, as well as zoos.

GAM has conducted maintenance for all 142 parks in Amman and increased the number of staff working there, according to Petra.

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the largest Muslim nations, also announced Sunday as the first of
Shawwal.