UN chief sends 'warmest wishes' as Muslims prepare for Ramadan

WASHINGTON

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent on Friday his "warmest wishes" to the world's more than two billion Muslims as they prepare to mark Ramadan.

The UN chief said Ramadan is a time of "compassion and empathy, a time for reflection and learning," and added he will resume a tradition he began as the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees in which he will visit Muslim-majority countries, "fast in solidarity," and break bread with Muslims.

The UN chief suspended the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The holy Quran teaches us that God created nations and tribes so that we might know one another," he said. "In this holy month, and every day let us take inspiration by working hand-in-hand for the safety, dignity and prosperity of all women and men. Let us learn from each other, and together build a peaceful world. Ramadan Kareem."

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on Saturday. Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan is one of Islam's five main pillars.