Ramadan Saudi Arabia
Muslims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque on the first day of Ramadan in the holy city of Mecca Reuters

Ramadan is upon Muslims once again. The 30-day Islamic holy month is a chance for reflection and self-betterment. Muslims are obliged to fast between the hours of dawn and sunset until the end of Ramadan, when Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period.

There are also extra prayers in the evenings with special recitals of the Quran. Ramadan marks the anniversary, Muslims believe, of the Quran being revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. The festival is one of the five pillars of Islam.

In Britain, the 2017 Ramadan period begins on 26 May and ends on 24 June. As the start of Ramadan is marked, here are 10 popular messages to share with your friends and family at home and elsewhere in the world by SMS text or email.

Read in abundance the Holy Quran
Abstain from food, drink and cohabitation
Maintain your nightly trips to Masjid for Taraweeh
Absolve yourself from Hellfire through seeking forgiveness
Deeds of good, never too many to have
Attempt to find and utilise the Night of Power in the odd nights of the last 10
Never return to the sins you have turned your back on in this month

Ramadan month unites everyone, its teachings gives us happiness and gives satisfaction when we help others, and rewards which we receive are bountiful, Ramadan Mubarak.

A beautiful greeting wishing that your family receive bountiful blessing and peace throughout the Ramadan month.

This holy month of the Quran. Pray that you be blessed and freed from the clutches of Satan. Ask Allah for forgiveness and do good deeds.

May the Ramadan bring you peace and prosperity, good health and wealth, and brighten your life forever.

The holy month starts when the crescent new moon is visible. May this Ramadan month bring you bountiful joy and happiness and helps you gain rich rewards on Judgment Day.

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).

Prophet said: "Whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."

May the spirit of Ramadan illuminate the world and show us the way to peace and harmony.

Once again the time has come to repent for the sins we've committed, for all the wrong doing we've done. Wish you a blessed Ramadan!

More about Ramadan