PEOPLE of all faiths across Oxford are being encouraged to unite to celebrate Ramadan together.

Muslims began fasting from dawn to dusk last Thursday.

Hojjat Ramzy, director of the Cowley-based Oxford Islamic Information Centre, said different faith groups need to come together to build bridges within the community.

The imam has invited families to join Muslims within the city’s mosques each evening during Ramadan to celebrate Iftar, which marks breaking of the fast.

Dr Ramzy added: “We have to have a brotherhood of Muslims and non-Muslims. What we need to do is talk to each other.

“This will bring integration, multi-culturalism, peace and security between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.”

Ramadan is celebrated by people across the globe to mark the time when the holy book the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Dr Ramzy said the Qur’an instructs healthy Muslims not to eat and drink between sunrise and sunset during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

He said the holy month is an important time to get to know neighbours and said he feels “total happiness” breaking his fast each evening with members of the community.

Dr Ramzy added: “It’s good to come and sit in a neighbour’s house.

“It’s important to understand each other and understand that Islam is a peaceful religion.

“Many people don’t know each other and have not seen each other for a long time. There’s a real sense of community. It brings us all together and that’s a great thing.”

The Leicester Diabetes Centre launched their national Safer Ramadan Campaign this month to raise awareness of staying healthy while fasting.

Researchers at the centre warned fasting can lead to a higher risk of low blood sugar levels, dehydration and an increased risk of high glucose levels before and after fasting.

Dr Ramzy said Muslims in the UK may have to battle through long, hot days with Ramadan falling on some of the longest days of the year this summer.

But he said fasting is good for the digestive system and lets the body “repair itself”.

Dr Ramzy added: “The spiritual benefit is important. At the end of the month we have achieved something.

“It’s like we have climbed to the top of Mount Everest. It’s like we are an empty jar filled with pure water.”

“It’s an honour for us. We are doing it for the sake of Almighty God, for the sake of our body, our faith and we are proud to do it no matter how long it is.”

Hundreds gathered at Oxford Spires Academy, in Glanville Road, on Tuesday to learn about Ramadan and break their fast.