CHICAGO – As nearly 1.7 billion Muslims observe the fasting of Ramadan, American Muslim activist, Linda Sarsour presents some advice to non-Muslims on how to deal with their Muslim friends and neighbors during the holy month of Ramadan.

In the video, Sarsour also tries to bring people closer to understanding why Muslims choose to abstain from food and drinks during daytime in the holy month.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It started in North America on Wednesday, May 16.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint, and good deeds.

It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.

Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.