Parramatta Muslims have started the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.
Local Muslims joined their brothers and sisters across the globe to start the period of fasting during the day and feasting at night.
Falling in different times of the year, in ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is a time accountability and reflection.
During the period Muslims are required to fast, give to charity and pray.
Parramatta Mosque’s Neil El-Kadomi said fasting wasn’t limited to food and water.
‘‘When we fast we don’t eat from dawn to dusk,’’ he said.
‘‘You also have to fast from things like swearing — that is very important.’’
At the conclusion of Ramadan on the evening of August 17, the Eid al-Fitr holiday will commence.