RAMALLAH, July 31, 2011 (WAFA) - Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Mohammad Hussein, Saturday night announced that Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer for Muslims, will begin on Monday.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, in order to learn patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.

In a related matter, President Mahmoud Abbas, in a speech on Saturday, congratulated the Palestinians on the arrival of the holy month and called for austerity and to avoid extravagance during Ramadan, due to the current difficult situation faced by Palestinians owing to the financial crisis.

R.Q./F.J.