Jordanians to look for crescent moon on Friday

AMMAN –– Jordanians will look for the crescent moon (hilal) at sunset on Friday, which means that the fasting month of Ramadan will begin either Saturday or Sunday. 

Last week, Chief Islamic Justice Ahmad Hilayel called on the public to look for the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the holy month, on Friday. 

Anyone who sees the moon can contact the closest Sharia court. 

If the sighting is confirmed, Muslims in Jordan will start fasting on Saturday; otherwise, Ramadan will begin on Sunday.
The crescent marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. 

In accordance with Islam, sighting the hilal at dusk on the evening of the 29th of Shaban (the eighth month of the lunar Islamic calendar known as Hijri) is the only way to determine the beginning of Ramadan.

The Hijri calendar’s months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted.

Other Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, have also announced that they will look for the crescent moon on Friday. 

Earlier this month, the government said that working hours for state employees during Ramadan will be from 10am to 3pm.
In a communiqué, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour noted that the decision excludes employees whose departments require them to work for longer hours.