'Happy Ramadan' - Party chief of Xinjiang

Zhang Chunxian, Party chief of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region wishes Muslims of the region a happy Ramadan before the holy month begins tomorrow.

"Ramadan is about peace and self-reflection as well as dedication and self-discipline. It also makes people advocating good deeds and lending a helping hand to those less fortunate," Zhang said after visiting the Xinjiang Islamic Institute on Sunday.

Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This year the holy months falls between Jun 6 and July 5 in China.

He hopes Muslims from Xinjiang to promote faith in the righteousness and more importantly to preach peace and tolerance so the families, neighborhoods and the society can be more harmonious.

Zhang also urges Islamic leaders to be more competent and stand against religious extremism by setting good examples when he talked to the teachers and students of the institute, the only Islamic institute in China that teaches in the Uygur language.