IRNA � Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in separate messages on Tuesday congratulated the Islamic states on advent of the of the holy month of Ramadan al-Kareem.

In his messages to heads of the Islamic countries, Rouhani hoped that the Islamic states would pave the way for establishing peace all over the world.

He described Ramadan as month of love, mysticism and renewal of the covenant between man and Almighty God.

Rouhani wished dignity and prosperity for Muslims.

Some Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Lebanon and Libya have declared Monday (May 6) as the first day of fasting month of Ramadhan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk.