Mosul, Iraq ? No eating, drinking or smoking in public: That word is going out to American soldiers in Iraq as Muslims prepare to observe the holy month of fasting, Ramadan.

During Ramadan, expected to begin Monday, Muslims are supposed to abstain from food, drink, cigarettes and sex during daylight hours. It is a time for reflection, when religious feelings run strong.

The U.S.-led coalition is clearly concerned that those feelings could erupt into violence against American troops by religious Iraqis deeply offended that their country will be spending Ramadan under military occupation by non-Muslims.

“We have made sure all our forces are well-aware of the implication of Ramadan,” said Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of U.S. and coalition troops.

“We’re making sure our forces clearly understand what the traditions are, and what the sensitivities are to make sure that we’re being respectful of the Iraqi people.”

To that end, American and other allied troops have been attending “cultural sensitivity” classes, where instructors, mostly chaplains, explain Islamic traditions and the meaning of the holy month.

“We don’t want our soldiers to challenge any of those social customs or taboos or religious practices out of ignorance,” said Lt. Col. Chester C. Egert, a chaplain with the 101st Airborne Division in Mosul.

Muslims believe Ramadan was the month when God began to reveal the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad 1,400 years ago. During the month, Muslims break their fast with an evening meal at sunset.

For many Muslims, Ramadan is a time for sumptuous nighttime banquets, get-togethers with family and friends and staying up late to have one last meal before sunrise. Mindful of the traditional evening festivities, the U.S.-led coalition is canceling the nighttime curfew in effect in Baghdad since the city fell to U.S. forces in April.