Customers eat in the early morning at Golden Bakery in Dearborn.

Ramadan is a month of spirituality and forgiveness for Islamic communities around the world. It is also a time of joy and celebration. 

As local Muslim Americans celebrate the month, they should have compassion and consideration for those who do not observe it.

Temperatures have risen sharply over the past few weeks, which means that fasting will be physically challenging this year. 

Refraining from food and water from sunrise to sunset in this weather can be exhausting. That’s why many Muslims will opt to stay up late and sleep a few extra hours during the day.

Dearborn becomes more lively and exuberant during the Holy Month’s warm nights. 

The crowded cafes; long lines at bakeries; groups of young women and men rushing for a man’oushe cheese pie before sunrise; quiet streets at iftar and cheerful worshippers at the mosques. It is a uniquely Muslim American vibe that reflects the comeliness of the faith and the nation. 

At a time when Muslims are in the crosshairs of the bigotry that vilifies them, it is important for our community to proudly display its joyous presence.

As we did last year, we encourage our readers (Muslims and non-Muslims) to decorate their front porches to reflect the happiness of Ramadan. 

We have called on the city of Dearborn, local chambers of commerce and individual businesses to work together to promote Dearborn’s vibrant Ramadan nights to attract both diners and worshippers.

But our advice has fallen on deaf ears.

Installing Ramadan-themed lights, for example, can bring business to the city and serve as a political statement about the transformative economic and cultural impact of the community.

The Arab American News has always urged business owners to work together. Starting with the Holy Month, they can launch a campaign about the little-known culinary and cultural gems in Dearborn. Such a program would benefit their finances and serve the community as a whole. 

Worldwide, Ramadan is an opportunity to strengthen family values, mend ties with old foes and give to those who have less.

Let this Ramadan be a chance to combat sectarianism, tribalism, fanaticism and all the other harmful isms.

As we unite in bliss as a community, we should be mindful and gracious about our surroundings. 

In previous years, some members of the community have acted as if Ramadan is a license to be a nuisance, engaging in loud and obnoxious behavior late at night. Suhor, the meal before sunrise, is said to be spiritually and physically important. However, honking, riding roaring motorcycles through the neighborhoods, reckless driving and loud gatherings in back yards are not an integral part of the Holy Month. 

As a matter of fact, inconsiderate behaviors are contrary to Ramadan traditions.

Islam is clear in commanding the faithful to be nice to their neighbors, regardless of their faith or creed.

“Do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers,” reads verse 4:36 in the Quran.

Another residential issue that arises during Ramadan concerns playing sports in the neighborhoods after iftar.

While physical activities may be too tiring and dehydrating during the day, the answer to getting your joints moving is not playing basketball or soccer at the street corner at midnight, keeping residents awake in the process.

Jogging quietly or going to the gym may be better options. 

The Arab American News wishes you a Ramadan Mubarak.