Jordan marks Eid Al Fitr on Monday

AMMAN — Monday 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 Sunday said that according to astronomical calculations and Sharia guidelines, Monday marks the first day of Shawwal, which makes it the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

Hilayel congratulated Jordanians, His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein on the occasion.

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.

The holiday, the government has announced, extends till Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Department (PSD) on Sunday said it would continue enforcing its Ramadan security plan during the Eid Al Fitr vacation.

In a statement on Sunday, the PSD media office said that the number of patrols deployed on highways, streets, malls and markets will be increased during the vacation, adding that more traffic personnel will be deployed near Eid prayer places.

In the statement, a copy of which was sent to The Jordan Times, the PSD called on citizens to avoid parking their cars on roadsides so as not to obstruct the traffic, and to lock their homes and keep their precious items in safe places when leaving for visiting relatives and picnicking.