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LONDON (UK): The British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his Ramazan message has spoken of the huge contribution the Muslim community is making to Britain’s success in terms of its prosperity, society and culture.

“Ramadan teaches patience and humility, and reminds us of our shared moral universe; our obligation to others,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of the holy month, Brown said the message of empathy for the less fortunate is reflected in Ramazan by the daily fast.

“Ramadan’s message of compassion and social justice spreads beyond Muslim communities; it speaks of shared values that unite us all,” he added.

Recalling the hadith of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), he said it emphasised the duty of care we owe one another and this special month is also the occasion to celebrate the diversity that contributes to Britain ‘s strength.

The Prime Minister pointed out Ramazan is an opportune time to consider the contribution of Islam not just to Britain , but to the world as the Islamic art, science, and philosophy have enriched our lives over many centuries.

He said Ramazan is also a time to recall the holy Prophet’s message that “the best richness is the richness of the soul,” while stressing to look forward to continuing positive engagement with British Muslim communities across the UK.

FS David Miliband

The Foreign Secretary David Miliband sending his good wishes to the two million Muslims in Britain said the occasion provides a chance for Muslims, to look at their own lives and judge them against the high standards that they set for themselves.

“But Ramadan is also a chance to look outwards as well as inwards. To look at compassion, charity, responsibility not just within the Muslim community but across all our communities,”.

He said the Ramazan is a month of contemplation, prayer and spirituality and provides a big opportunity for those who are not Muslim to learn, to understand and to engage with Muslim citizens living close to them and ensure that all are working together to bridge the divides of race and religion that too often pull people apart.

David Miliband issued a statement to coincide with the first week of Ramadan. He said: 'This is the first week of Ramadan and I am delighted to be able to send my very good wishes to the two million Muslims in Britain who will be celebrating this important festival and of course to Muslims around the world as well.

Ramadan is a month of contemplation, prayer and spirituality. A chance for Muslims to look at their own lives and judge them against the high standards that they set for themselves, he has said.

'But Ramadan is also a chance to look outwards as well as inwards. To look at compassion, charity, responsibility. Not just within the Muslim community but across all of our communities.

I think this is a big opportunity for those of us who are not Muslim to learn, to understand and to engage with Muslim citizens who live close to us and ensure that we are working together to bridge the divides of race and religion that too often pull people apart. In that sense I am honoured today to be able to say Ramadan Mubarak.'