Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan (during which they fast from dawn to dusk) with great reverence and religious tradition. There is a chance that Eid ul-Fitr (the Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan) will fall on or a day before 9/11.

This year's Eid will be different from previous years because it is coming at a time when hate groups are running a charged campaign against the construction of an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero. The situation demands great care and caution from Muslims while fulfilling their religious obligations during Ramadan. Muslims going to mosques must be especially careful in their conduct. They must ensure that they park their vehicles properly, not blocking the street or someone's driveway. They must not indulge in any acts that warrant action from law enforcement.

America's Muslim community should also observe Ramadan as a month to promote interfaith understanding and to condemn terrorism. On Eid Day, the community must remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We must also inform our precinct police about this year's Eid and explain to them that it's just a coincidence that a Muslim festival is coming on the anniversary of 9/11. We should tell them that Muslim months are lunar and that on Eid Day American Muslims will not just celebrate the end of Ramadan but also pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11.

We understand that the US Constitution guarantees complete religious freedom but we also know the current charged environment wherein some racist groups are exploiting every possible occasion for propaganda against Muslims. Thus the possibility of such groups launching fresh attacks on Muslims on the occasion of Eid cannot be ruled out. The situation demands greater political action and wisdom from members and leaders of the community.