Palestine, Syria and Jordan Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr on Wednesday

Jerusalem, MINA – Palestine declared Eid Al-Fitr falling on Wednesday. Jerusalem’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein said Palestinian Fatwa Council (Dar al-Iftaa) on Monday night. Al-Aqsa Mosque complex could not see the new moon.

“Therefore, fasting of Ramadan was extended until Tuesday, and Eid Al-Fitr fell on Wednesday,” Hussein said, quoted from Wafa News Agency.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gave Eid al-Fitr congratulations to all Palestinians and Muslim countries in the world. Other countries that celebrate Eid Al-Fitr today include Egypt, Syria and Jordan.

The Countries in Middle East celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with different times. Usually, countries in Middle East follow Saudi Arabia’s decision to determine Eid. This difference is called because of political factors.

In Gaza, mosques called for Eid to fall on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia announced its decision. However, when Mufti Hussein stated that he could not see the new moon on Monday night, the Eid Al-Fitr celebration in Palestine changed. A priest at the Al-Khalidi Mosque called on pilgrims to follow the decision of mufti.

Meanwhile, religious authorities in Libya initially stated that Eid fell on Wednesday. But the celebration of Eid al-Fitr changed to Tuesday following the announcement of Saudi Arabia.

An Islamic movement expert and professor at An-Najah National University in Nablus, Farid Abu Dhair said there was speculation that Gaza, Jordan and Palestinian Authority did not follow Saudi Arabia’s decision for political reasons.

They believe that implicitly Saudi supports the peace plan between Israel and Palestine initiated by President of the United States (US) Donald Trump. He added this could worsen the division of Muslims.

“Mufti will always question astronomers. If the Muslim community can approve astronomical observations, it will be a positive sign to find common ground in the Arab world,” Abu Dhair said. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)