Accra, Sept. 22, GNA- Former President Jerry John Rawlings has congratulated the Muslim community for the successful conclusion of their Ramadan fasting period culminating in the Eid ul Fitr celebration on Monday, September 21. A statement he issued in Accra on Monday said the Ramadan period drew Muslims faithful closer to Allah and strengthened their spiritual wellbeing.

He said: "We live in a world full of secular activities and sin then such periods ensures that we cleanse ourselves of all negativity and rejuvenate our spirituality. "As we celebrate Eid ul Fitr.reciting praises to Allah, let us use the opportunity to encourage particularly our youth to take their religion seriously and live by the ideals of Prophet Mohammed and the Holy Koran.

"I also call on my Muslim brothers to use this occasion to strengthen unity within their communities," stressing that there was the need for greater prayers especially for the conflict prone areas in the country.

The former President called on Muslims to pray for Ghana explaining that there are several challenges facing the country and "it is imperative that we pray for God's guidance in the daily affairs of the country and seek God's support in government's policies to bring justice where it is denied as well as economic sustenance and development".

"Eid ul Fitr is a period of joy so let us all celebrate but ensure that we do not over-indulge. That will defeat the purpose of the month-long fasting we have gone through," he said. He acknowledged that God is the Greatest and there is no deity but God and to God goes all praise. 22 Sept. 09