DEARBORN — During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, parents and minors should be reminded that a curfew will be enforced.

In Dearborn, where many residents observe Ramadan, the city never sleeps. During this month, fasting Muslims congregate at sundown to eat and pray and some stay up until dawn to prepare for the next day of fasting. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During the holy month, Muslims are religiously mandated to refrain from consuming any food or drink during the day. 

Residents staying up late means some businesses open longer and bakery shops are always open. 

Because people of all ages will be up late, Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad advised parents to be especially aware of their children’s whereabouts during the time from the sunset meal “iftar”, through the pre-dawn meal “suhur”, both of which fall during the curfew times and when many Muslims observing Ramadan are active in the community.

Unless accompanied by a parent, Michigan’s Code of Ordinances make it unlawful for minors under the age of 17 years to “loiter, idle, or congregate” in any public area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the curfew takes place from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. This curfew is ongoing and not specific to the month of Ramadan.

“When we find them in curfew violation we take them home the first time,” Haddad said. “And the second time, we give them a ticket

He added that police will add special patrolling around the places of worship and community centers during the holy month.