Muslims in Australia are expected to start fasting on 12 March, following the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan will start in Australia on Tuesday 12 March, following a declaration by the country's Grand Mufti, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad. The month of Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon around the Earth. Since it’s 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, the dates for Islamic occasions vary every year. The first day of the holy month is decided by the sighting of the crescent moon by the naked eye.
The holy month ends with feasting and gifts on Islam's biggest festival, Eid al-Fitr, which this year will start on 9 April. The holy month is a significant time of spiritual reflection. During this month, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset while increasing prayer and charity. While fasting, Muslims also abstain from smoking , taking medication, and sexual activity.