Jordanians celebrate Eid Al Fitr Friday

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

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

In a Facebook post, the King wrote: “Wishing Jordanians and the Arab and the Islamic world a Eid Mubarak. May God bestow His blessings on your prayers and good deeds, and nourish our world with peace and prosperity. Abdullah Bin Al Hussein #ABH”.

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.

The holiday, the government has announced, continues through Monday evening.

The Public Security Department (PSD) said earlier this week that it will carry out a comprehensive campaign during Eid Al Fitr holiday to safeguard the security of Jordan’s citizens, residents and visitors.

A plan to facilitate traffic flow will be implemented to alleviate congestion within areas that witness road jams.

Police patrols will also be stationed at residential, commercial and recreational areas, the PSD said.

The PSD called on the public to cooperate with security personnel, abide by traffic regulations, lock their houses when going out, watch their children and keep them away from streets, and protect their valuables.

During Eid, Jordanians traditionally visit relatives, neighbours and friends to exchange good wishes. Some choose to spend the vacation in Aqaba or abroad.

The port city of Aqaba is the preferred destination for Jordanian holidaymakers during this Eid Al Fitr holiday, according to the Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents (see story on page 2). 

Sharm El Sheikh is the second most preferred destination, followed by Turkey.

In Amman, the municipality has said that it is prepared to deal with increased demand on public transport during Eid.

Most major transport lines will be operating during the holiday to ensure service supply, especially near shopping and entertainment areas, the Greater Amman Municipality’s (GAM) public transport operations department said.

The director of GAM’s park department, Mohammad Qteish, said on Wednesday that parks in the capital will be open 24 hours to visitors during Eid, except for the Bird Park, which will be open from 8am to 7:30pm, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.