WASHINGTON – `Eid Al-Fitr is expected to start on Sunday, June 25, the Fiqh Council of North America (FQNA) has announced, citing astronomical calculations.

The Council stated that “The Astronomical New Moon is on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2:33 Universal Time. On that day, somewhere close to South Africa at sunset the elongation is 8 degrees and moon is 5 degrees above the sun.”

“Therefore, first day of Shawwal 1438 is on Sunday, June 25, 2017, insha’Allah,” the Council stated.

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 25 or 26.

The assistant director of Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences, Dr Ibrahim Al Jarwan, had earlier predicted June 24 as the final day of Ramadan, which would make Sunday, June 25, the first day of `Eid Al-Fitr, reported The National.

Marking the end of Ramadan fasting, `Eid Al-Fitr is one 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.