WASHINGTON – `Eid Al-Fitr is expected to start on Friday, June 15, the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) has announced, citing astronomical calculations.

The Council stated that “The Astronomical New Moon is on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at 19:43 Universal Time. On that day there is no place on earth where at sunset the elongation is 8 degrees and moon is 5 degrees above the sun.”

“Therefore, Shawwal cannot start the next day. Hence, the first day of Shawwal 1439 is on Friday, June 15,” the Council added.

Saudi Arabia and many Muslim-majority countries depend on the information given by moon sighters and the ensuing decision of the Judicial High Court.

Therefore, `Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin on either June 15 or 16.

Abdulaziz Al Husseini, a senior Saudi meteorologist has said that Ramadan is expected to last this year for 29 days, meaning the `Eid al-Fitr holiday will be celebrated on June 15.

He added that this astronomical calculation is on condition of atmospheric clarity on the day of the moon sighting for `Eid.

Marking the end of Ramadan fasting, `Eid Al-Fitr is one of the two main Islamic religious festivals along with `Eid Al-Adha.

During `Eid days, families and friends exchange visits to express well wishes and children, wearing new clothes bought especially for `Eid, enjoy going out in parks and open fields.