Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sent his greetings and best wishes to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as they commenced the 30-day Ramadan fast.

In his message to the nation on the beginning of the Ramadan made available to journalists by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said fasting was not just meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.

“It is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,” he said.

Buhari enjoined fasting Muslims to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity, and gratitude.

While saying the Holy Prophet Muhammad used to spend generously on the poor and the needy during this period, the President urged Muslims in the country and all over the world to copy the good example.

He called on Muslims and all Nigerians to always remember men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation.

The President prayed Allah to grant all Muslims the strength to successfully complete the fasting period.