The holy month of Ramadan starts in Palestine

Monday September 01, 2008 12:21 by George Rishmawi - IMEMC News

The Mufti of Jerusalem has declared that the Holy Month of Ramadan started in Palestine, on September 1, 2008, as the religious courts confirmed seeing the crescent moon of Ramadan.

Palestinians attempt to enter Jerusalem through one of the gates in the wall (archive)

The sighting and an agreement are required to officially declare the beginning of the month.

On Saturday night Chief Justice Sheikh Taysir Al Tamimi set all of the Religious courts in Palestine ready to monitor the crescent moon.

The Palestinian Authority has also announced the change of clock to fall to daylight saving (GMT +2) which will ensure one hour less of the fasting time.

This month is of a very religious importance for Moslems. They increase their social activities and exchange family visits, and do a lot of charitable work.

On the other hand, in Ramadan Israel beefs up its military and police presence Jerusalem and makes it harder for worshippers to reach teh Aqsa mosque for prayers.

At least 200 thousand worshippers attend the Friday prayers in east Jerusalem, under heavy military and police presence.

palestine | miscellaneous | news report george at imemc dot org