The period of Ramadan is a period of seeking Allah's mercies, Asiwaju Adekola Adeoye says and calls on all Muslims to be prayerful in the month of Ramadan.

"As Muslims around the globe commence observance of the Ramadan fast, I invite all and sundry to re-dedicate themselves to seeking the mercies of Allah, pray for our dear nation and its leaders," says Adeoye in a press release in Ibadan,

"Seek forgiveness and forgive one another as this is the spirit of Ramadan and its lessons are built in having a taste of what others feel, especially the have-nots.

"The Ramadan month calls on all Muslims to show more tolerance to other faiths, relate well and then maintain peace and ensure harmony at the community level, up to the national stage.

"The month is a month of increased charity and good deeds, so do not be limited in spreading good words and deeds; even a smile is charity.

"Overall I pray God accept our fast as an act of worship, forgive our sins and bless our nation."

Meanwhile, China has banned its citizenry, especially Muslim Xinjiang region, from fasting during Ramadan and ordered restaurants to stay open.

China's ruling Communist party is officially atheist and, for years, has restricted the practice in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur minority.