Ramadan begins - but security is beefed up

Muslims around the world are currently observing Ramadan, a holy month in the Muslim calendar.

Waislam nchini Indonesia washiriki katika sala ya jioni la 'tarawih', jioni ya kwanza ya mwezi wa Ramadan, ndani ya msikiti wa Istiqlal mjini Jakarta,Indonesia Source: AAP

Though most observations contain a handful of core practices, some specifics differ by region.

This year's Ramadan comes just months after the deadly Christchurch mosque attacks, which has led to many mosques around Australia ramping up security.

Time zone advantages make fasting during Ramadan easier for those in Australia, who this year will only fast for around 12 hours a day.

Some Europeans will see more sunlight each day, and fast for up to 19 hours. At times through the year in a few places above the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets.

In these cases, authorities have decreed Muslims can either fast along with the closest Muslim country or with Mecca, Saudi Arabia -- the birthplace of Islam.