CAIRO – British Prime Minister David Cameron sent his greetings to all Muslim communities for the holy month of Ramadan, in Britain and around the world, in a special video message marking the start of the holy month on Sunday, June 5.

“It’s the holy month of Ramadan – a time when mosques open their doors, community centers welcome in their neighbors, and even churches and synagogues offer up their spaces as Muslims break their fasts – and people of all faiths and none are often asked to join,” Cameron said in his video message to Muslims.

“Coventry Cathedral is holding its own multi-faith iftar. In Manchester, they’re combining an iftar with England’s European Championships appearance. And homeless shelters up and down the country are holding ‘Iftars with the Homeless’.”

The British Premier praised Muslims efforts to help the less fortunate during the blessed month.

“Of course, fasting is what comes to mind when we think of Ramadan. It’s part of the month that really puts Muslims’ faith to the test – especially during these long, warm days,” he said.

“But there is much more to it. There is all the energy and money people donate to those who are less fortunate and all the extra time spent in prayer and contemplation.”

He urged them to remember refugees whose lives were torn by Syria civil war.

“Uppermost in all our minds this Ramadan are those whose lives have been torn apart by the twin evils of Assad and Daesh, all those families spending this holy month in refugee camps mourning loved ones; yearning to go back to school or work; wondering when they’ll return home again,” he noted.

Finally, he praised the country’s rich Muslim community, praising its diversity.

“Let’s continue to come together for iftars and community events. Let’s celebrate the proud, multi-racial, multi-faith democracy we live in,” he said.

“To everyone in Britain and around the world – Ramadan Mubarak.”

Britain is home to a Muslim community of nearly 2.8 million.

In 2011, think tank Demo found that Muslims in the United Kingdom are more patriotic than the rest of population.

Responding to the statement “I am proud to be a British citizen”, 83% of Muslims said they are proud of being British.

Muslims in UK and most Muslim countries started fasting on Monday, June 6, on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.