MADRID, Spain: Muslims around the world will take pride to venerate Ramadan that is the holy month of renewing dedication. It’s the ninth month of the lunar calendar and the chief of all months and the most glorious one.

The starting date is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon in each country concerned, or by astrological calculation.

This year, Tuesday October 4 is the first day of Ramadan in several countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Libya, Italy and Sudan, while some countries including the United States, Oman, Yemen and most of the European and Asian States will begin Ramadan on Wednesday and some others on Thursday.

In the holy city of Najaf, the office of Al-Marje` Al-Aala Ayatullah Sayyed Ali As-Sistani said the holy month would begin Wednesday.

Ramadan is the month not only of fasting, prayer and worship but it also serves many purposes. It’s an opportunity to put into practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. It’s an opportunity to become aware of the suffering of the hungry, thirsty and unprivileged people.

Chief of Prophets (S) said exercise strict control over your tongue, eyes, ears, thoughts and deeds and do everything possible to seek the pleasure of Allah.

Accordingly, by renewing our dedication to being kind for those in need, doing good deeds, and strengthening relations and neighborhoods, these actions reflect many of the values that Muslims share with people of other faiths around the world, including courage, kindness, and charitable service.

During this month fall many special occasions including death anniversary of Holy Prophet (S)’s respected wife Malika`tol Arab Sayyedah Khadija`tol Kobra (A) on Ramadan 10, birth anniversary of Holy Prophet (S)’s grandson Al-Imam Al-Hasan Al-Mojtaba (A) on Ramadan 15, martyrdom anniversary of Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (A) on Ramadan 19-21, Revelation of Holy Quran on Ramadan 19, 21 and 23, and Joma`tol Wedaa on the last Friday of the Ramadan.

Preparations are also being made to observe these occasions with fervor and veneration by holding mahafil, majalis, mourning processions and spiritual gatherings.

For many of leading hotels, appearance of the new crescent moon heralds the start of a month of daily preparation for the culinary feast that begins each evening at Iftar.

In Arab countries, it also means the colorful tradition of setting up tents, where guests are welcome to break their fast and enjoy quality time with family and friends from sunset until the early morning.

Most of the venues offer not only the usual Iftar and Ghabga (late-night dinner) buffets, but also entertainment.

Different organizations have made arrangements for a series of lectures on the Islamic system of life during the period.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets have been witnessing unusual rush since the weekend as many people flocked to these stores to buy provisions for Ramadan. Vegetable and Fish Markets also saw a big increase in the number of customers.

In New York, police officials have met several hundred Muslim clerics, activists and community leaders to discuss their plans to provide added security to mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.

Separately, Saudi Arabia has warned non-Muslims in the kingdom that they risk being expelled if they indulge in daytime eating, drinking or smoking during the fasting month of Ramadan.

"Non-Muslim residents must respect Muslims' feelings by refraining from eating, drinking or smoking in public places, in the streets and in workplaces" during the dawn-to-dusk fast observed by Muslims throughout the holy month, an interior ministry statement said.