Top ecumenical leaders gave words of blessing and encouragement to Muslims worldwide during their celebration of Eid, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.

"It is with feelings of love and respect that we convey to all Muslims around the world our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes upon the occasion of the end of Ramadan," said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople. "After this extended period of fasting, which has also been a time of reflection, prayer and almsgiving, the time has come for each to celebrate their labor and receive their just reward from above."

"In the spirit of peace, love and understanding we wish you once again a blessed celebration, praying that God Almighty grant you every spiritual blessing from above in the hopes that the world may live as one," he continued.

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams sent "warm good wishes" to the Muslim community and commended the recent headway made in Christian-Muslim relationships.

"Much has been achieved in the building of relationships between Christians and Muslims in local neighbourhoods, in the workplace and in the very many dialogue and discussion forums that have grown up in recent years," he writes on his website, citing numerous examples including the preparation of the new White Paper on International Development, the highlighting of work towards the 2012 Olympic Games and others.

"There are nevertheless all too many darker episodes to set against these signs of hope and light," he continued, "the provocative actions of small racist groups in recent months in Luton, Birmingham and Harrow; the conviction of young men of Islamic conviction for attempted mass murder in the air; the violence against Gaza and southern Israel; the killings of Christians in Pakistan and Nigeria; and the continuing detention of the Baha'i leadership in Iran."

Despite the negative incidents, Williams said that such episodes have been "significantly mitigated" by those who have stood against them, citing in particular the joint efforts between Jews, Muslims and Christians in bringing humanitarian aid at the time of the Gaza Crisis.

"My great hope for the coming year is that our festivals will increasingly be occasions of mutual gladness for our different communities and for the wider society of which we are part," Rowans concludes. "This will happen the more we come together to address the issues of our times and the more we stand out against the darker currents present in our society."

"In this spirit may this festival be a joy to you and a gladness to others."