WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a statement at the beginning of Ramadan, urging security agents and travelers not to be alarmed by Muslims practicing religious rituals at airports and on airplanes.

“TSA has reminded its security workforce that traveling passengers may be observed at various areas in the airport – including security checkpoints or on aircraft — engaged in religious practices and meditations during Ramadan,” reads the statement. “TSA would also like to inform the traveling public that they may notice passengers who are observing Ramadan.”

The statement says that in Ramadan it is more likely for Muslims to abstain from eating and drinking; pray; cleanse for prayer in airport bathrooms  (perform the wudu); read and recite verses of the Quran; or “carry prayer beads and ‘whisper’ prayers constantly.”