`Eid Al-Fitr is expected to start on Thursday, May 13, the European Council For Fatwa and Research (ECFR) has announced, citing astronomical calculations.
“The moon of Shawwal will be born on Tuesday, May 11, 2020 at 19:00 GMT (22:00 Makkah time),” the Dublin-based council said in an Arabic statement obtained by AboutIslam.net.
Accordingly, it would be impossible to see the moon before sundown on Tuesday, May 11, either with naked eye or modern sets in Makkah.
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Therefore, “Thursday, May 13, will be the first day of `Eid Al-Fitr,” ECFR announced.
On the other hand, the Fiqh Council of North America (FQNA) announced earlier that `Eid Al-Fitr would be marked on May 13.
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Marking the end of Ramadan fasting, `Eid Al-Fitr is one the two main Islamic religious festivals along with `Eid Al-Adha.
After special prayers to mark the day, festivities and merriment start with visits to the homes of friends and relatives.
However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, more restrictions are expected to limit Eid festivities and visits.