More than 813,300 Australians will begin their month-long fast for Ramadan this week.

Ramadan is the ninth and most important month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

The holy month will begin on or around February 28, depending on when the new moon is sighted — which can differ in each country.

When is Ramadan celebrated in Australia?

The commencement date can vary depending on the calculation method as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.

The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has determined that the sun will set in Sydney at 7.32pm on Friday with the new moon visible at 7.44pm.

That will mark the first night, with Ramadan commencing on Saturday.

“The method by which the Grand Mufti of Australia and the Australian Fatwa Council had determined the commencement of the month of Ramadan is based on the calculated birth of the moon before sunset, the duration of the moonset after sunset and the possibility of sighting the moon,” ANIC said in a statement.

“This is a method that many prominent and reputable global scholars, councils and Muslim countries have adopted.”

Muslims observe 29 to 30 days of Ramadan.

Fasting begins each day from sunrise to sunset — about 5.20am to 7.35pm in Sydney.

The end of the month will be around March 29 or 30 and marked by Eid al-Fitr, also known as the festival of the breaking of the fast.

The day is full of celebration, festivities, prayer, food and friends and family.

Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar.

It is believed to be when the Qur’an and teachings from Allah were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

“It was sent down in the month of Ramadan, specifically in the last ten nights,” an ANIC representative said.

“A lot of Muslims, they amp up their worship, their prayer.”

Muslims adhere to a strict fast for what is considered to be one of the holiest months of the Islamic year. 

What is the purpose of Ramadan?

Ramadan is an act of worship and discipline believed to bring those participating closer to Allah.

It is also a way to emphasise with the less fortunate.

“It is a spiritual renewal, it’s a time for Muslims to reflect on their lives, seek forgiveness, feel closer to god,” an ANIC representative said.

“We are encouraged to reassess our values and priorities.

“It’s so much more than food, food is such a small aspect of it.”

What are the rules for Ramadan?

All Muslims who have reached puberty are obligated to fast but there are exemptions for those who may face hardship including the; sick, pregnant, menstruating or old.

The day begins with suhur, which is a meal eaten before sunrise when the fast starts.

After sunrise, Muslims do not eat food or drink water until sunset.

They then break the fast later in the night with iftar, when they pray and eat. 

Those participating also abstain from other behaviours considered sinful.

Muslims have five prayers throughout the day: Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.

Taraweeh is another night prayer performed during Ramadan.