JEDDAH, 11 October 2004 — The Interior Ministry yesterday requested non-Muslim foreign residents to respect the feelings of Muslims during the fasting month of Ramadan by abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day.

The ministry also warned that violators of the rules could face deportation. “Authorities will take deterrent measures such as terminating work contracts of, and deporting, violators,” said a statement from the ministry carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

“Non-Muslim residents of this country 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,” the statement said.

The ministry reminded non-Muslims in the Kingdom that they are obliged to respect Islamic rules and follow the Kingdom’s regulations on the basis of the terms of their contracts. The ministry called upon companies and individual employers to explain the statement to their non-Muslim staff and caution them against violating it.

Ramadan is expected to begin on Oct. 15 depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

The Supreme Judiciary Council has urged Muslims in the country to look on Wednesday evening for the new moon which will signal the beginning of Ramadan. The council advised those who sight the crescent to contact the nearest Shariah court or governorate to register their sighting.

Ramadan Meals

The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) in the Makkah region said it would distribute meals among the poor in 28 Asian and African countries during Ramadan.

Dr. Abdul Wahab Noorwali, WAMY’s assistant secretary-general, said his organization had allocated SR665,000 for that purpose. “We will also organize Islamic lectures, Qur’an classes and Taraweeh prayers in those countries during the month,” he added.