A pro-Hamas charity opened a Ramadan tent Monday to host moderate Islamic entertainment in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

The tent "observes the moderate, medial ideology to protect the youths from wrong behavior and destructive ideas," said Ahmed Elaian, head of the Islamic Society which sponsors the event.

In the Arab world, opening a Ramadan tent means 30 nights of party, music, dancing and hookah smoking from sunset to sunrise. Such tents no longer existed in Gaza Strip where Hamas had been holding sway for more than two years.

Ramadan tents usually open after the Palestinians finish their longest fifth prayer in early evening. There, people can listen to Islamic music, see theater shows and attend political seminars which mostly focus on Hamas' history, activities and leaders.

During Ramadan, Muslim are supposed to stay away from food, drink and even smoking from dawn until dusk.

(Xinhua News Agency August 25, 2009)