Feature: Afghan president appeals for peace on eve of Ramadan

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani called on all Afghan people and Muslims all over the world to promote peace and brotherhood as Muslims across the globe began Thursday to observe the fasting month of Ramadan.

In a message released by his office on the eve of Ramadan on Wednesday, Ghani warned that those who ignore the appeals for peace during the month of Ramadan and instead continue to resort to war and bloodshed "should understand that they would have no way to escape the wrath of the valiant personnel of the country's national security forces."

Ghani was referring to the Taliban who have ignored calls for peace by the government and have continued with their armed attacks not just against security forces but also against civilian targets.

In almost all mosques in the country, the war-weary Afghans, on the eve of Ramadan, prayed to Allah that peace and stability would be restored in Afghanistan.

"The protracted war has destroyed our country, our unity, our brotherhood and everything, oh Allah, our Great Lord bless us to achieve lasting peace, prosperity, brotherhood and national unity, " a prayer leader prayed after offering Ramadan prayer on Wednesday night.

Ramadan is the month of peace, forgiveness, tolerance, and reconciliation, the prayer leader said, calling upon the armed oppositions to respect Ramadan, the month of forgiveness, and give up fighting, at least during Ramadan.

Also on Wednesday, the eve of Ramadan, devout Afghan Muslims were busy shopping for foodstuff and fruits to be eaten after the fast at sundown.

The first day of Ramadan is national holiday and almost all the shops are closed.

During the whole month of Ramadan, all television channels and radios avoid airing music and instead air special religious programs.

As religious obligation the wealthy Afghans would help with needy ones during the month of Ramadan and those who have enemies are enjoined to reach out to their foes in order to have peace.

The council of Afghanistan Ulema or religious scholars has also called on Taliban militants to cease hostility during Ramadan, but the insurgent group, which believes in war as jihad or holy war, has rejected the appeal, and instead vowed to increase their violent attacks during Ramadan.

The Taliban militants, that conducted relentless attacks during last year's Ramadan, are expected to continue their attacks, especially if they perceive that security forces are lax in doing their job.

Ramadan usually lasts for 28, 29 or 30 days depending on sighting of the moon. Endi