TEHRAN – In separate congratulation messages to the heads of the Islamic countries on the onset of the auspicious fasting month of Ramadan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says that Ramadan bears message of “mercy, peace, brotherhood and friendship”.

In his statement issued on Friday, Rouhani expressed hope that unity among Muslims would be increased in this holy month.

“The message of the auspicious month of Ramadan is mercy, peace, brotherhood, and peace; we hope in this auspicious month, with a reliance on Islamic teachings, we witness consolidation of unity and kindness, and spread of security and tranquility among the Islamic ummah,” Rouhani stated.

The president said in the current situation in which terrorism is rampant and the killing the innocent people is going unabated, spreading violence and extremism, creating division among Muslims and “portraying a wrong and violent image of Islam and Muslims are serious challenges to the Islamic world.”

He also said that it is essential for the Islamic countries to boost their unity and cooperation in line with realizing causes of Islam.

NA/PA