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TRANSCRIPT:
Muslim faithful from around the world have marked the beginning of Ramadan.
In Gaza City, residents are attempting to rebuild small sections of mosques that have been partially decimated over years of war.
Religious affairs ministry director, Amir Abu Al-Amrain, says hundreds of makeshift prayer spaces are being made.
"The free people around the world, including Palestinians who struggle to make ends meet, are contributing to rebuilding these mosques. Four hundred and thirty prayer areas have been rebuilt, some using plastic sheets from greenhouses, some made of wood, and some constructed with covers.”
Ramadan is a period marked by fasting.
That means it's a long 14 hours without food or drink during the daylight.
Accordingly, in Gaza, the United Nations and its partners are adjusting the times food is provided to residents at aid centres along the strip.
UN Secretary-General spokesman Stéphane Dujarric says the move is to provide dignity and ensure supply at a time residents are still unsafe.
"We and partners working on food security have adjusted the distribution hours to better align with fasting hours during Ramadan. This is to reduce overcrowding, especially ahead of the iftar meal. These measures are intended to ensure access for older persons, people with disabilities, and women who head their households.”
In Saudi Arabia, the first day of Ramadan - iftar- brings a boom in business.
Shoppers in Riyadh stocked up on fresh produce and dates this week, with fruit shop owner, Saleh Alahmari, saying the demand for dates doubles during this period.
"The turnout every year is the same and demand is the same. Thank God, it's a good turnout. It get more active naturally during Ramadan in the dates markets, because dates are an essential part of the iftar meal in Ramadan."
In the Australian summer, Ramadan is one of the busiest times of the year after dark for many restaurants and cafes.
Muhammad Sajid, who owns venues in Melbourne, is preparing for a big few weeks.
"It is very challenging, because in normal routines customers are coming and going. But in this time, all of the people and bookings - 200 people bookings, they all come at the same time and we have to look after, make sure everybody gets the right food, there are no delays and there is enough food for them."
For the South Asian Australian community, the fast begins tomorrow - with the first day, Iftar, following the first sighting of the moon.
Anm Masum owns a restaurant in Lakemba, an area of Sydney's west that is heavily populated by Muslim families.
Anm has told SBS Bangla it will stay open all through the night through Ramadan.
"4:30 to 5 o'clock in the morning, because you know, we need to finish our meal, which is called seheri before the sunrise. So, for that reason we need to open up and close in these special trading hours."
Arabic and South Asian restaurants especially will be run off their feet for the coming 30 days, with overall numbers higher despite a time crunch.
Mr Sajid says it's because Muslim families gather to break their fast together, at the end of a long day.
"It's like Christmas parties you know, we invite our friends, our relatives for dinners and for parties, work functions. So it is almost similar to that kind of event."
Australia’s Grand Mufti, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, has called on Muslims to demonstrate discipline and consideration throughout the month.
Dr Abu Mohammed says fasting is not limited to abstaining from food and drink.
It also involves self-restraint, ethical conduct and avoiding excess, describing Ramadan as an opportunity for spiritual growth and for reinforcing the values of peace, respect, and coexistence.
"Before speaking about Islam, our actions must reflect its values. The faith teaches that even removing harm from the road is an act of charity, a reminder to expand goodness and reduce harm wherever we can."
The Holy Month ends with Eid - with millions of Muslims gathering next month (March) to break their fast with a feast and hearty celebrations.
