TEHRAN (IRNA) – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad felicitated nations and leaders of the Islamic world on the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with issuing a congratulatory message on Saturday.

The president expressed hope that the Islamic Ummah (People) could take the most advantages of the spiritual opportunities which would be created during the holy month to promote brotherhood and good relations among world Muslims and improve peace and tranquility amongst themselves.
August 22 was announced the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in Iran by the Supreme Leader’s headquarters for moon sighting. The moon sighting is the searching of the night sky for the first sign of a waxing crescent moon which signifies the beginning of each Islamic month.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During the holy month Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, sex, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; from dawn to sunset.