“Dear compatriots, let me congratulate you with Ramadan month on the behalf of the Uzbekistan Muslims Board,” the message reads. It said: “Thanks to God, the country meets Ramadan in peace and tolerance, as well as in the period of strengthening of national and religious customs.

Usmonhon Alimov said that Ramadan month was symbol of kindness, tolerance and generosity in Uzbekistan.

Mufti called the Uzbek people to organize events within Ramadan month without wastefulness and assist relatives, neighbours and low-income families.

Observed by more than one billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification achieved through fasting, self-sacrifice and prayers.

Celebrated during the ninth month of Islamic calendar, the fast is observed each day from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five Pillars of Islam. The Islamic belief that requires that Muslims perform five central duties in order to strengthen their faith.