Like the Christian period of Lent and Easter, Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fiter, which occurs on the last day of the month, represent a period of repentance and spiritual renewal for the Muslim community.

Sheikh Osama Abdullah al-Khayyat, a prayer leader in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, focused his sermon last Friday on how believers should embrace the Ramadan spirit.

Speaking on Saudi television, which is broadcast on satellite television across the Middle East and Asia, he urged Muslims to enter the month with a pious mindset and dedication to doing good deeds and making kind gestures toward others.

He warned against taking shortcuts or cheating on the fast — like smoking in private or sleeping throughout the day so as to alleviate the discomfort of not eating or drinking during daylight hours. The pain of doing without, he said, was for a greater good.

Once the sun sets, Muslims break their fast with a light meal called "iftaar" and formal prayers. These are followed by large social celebrations, where family and friends gather to eat and drink as much as they'd like.

Ramadan nights are some of the most exciting of the year in the Middle East. Cairo is famous for its iftaar street festivals, where entire neighborhoods feast, dance and sing. Dubai, the shopping capital of the region, offers special late-night sales.