Monday, 13 July 2015

Jordan to observe Shawwal crescent on July 16

Chief Justice Ahmad Hilayel has called for the observation of the Shawwal crescent marking the start of Eid al-Fitr on the evening of Thursday July 16, the Jordan News Agency has reported.

The new moon (hilal, هلال) will mark the start of the month after Ramadhan, Shawwal. First Shawwal is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr. A number of locations have been chosen for observation of the Shawwal crescent across the Kingdom.

The Chief Justice instructed shari'ah courts to be opened Thursday evening to hear citizens' testimonies according to shari'ah conditions.

The Supreme Judge Department will hold a religious celebration, in the presence of the Grand Mufti, Awqaf minister, senior religious officials and astronomy specialists, where Hilayel will announce the proven or unproven sighting of Shawwal crescent and determine whether Eid al-Fitr on Friday the 17th or on Saturday the 18th.