"I only put the scarf to cover my hair, not my brain," she said.

Hailing from Meshmesh, a village in Northern Lebanon, Fatima is now studying a Masters in Health Management and is a qualified midwife.

The tensions behind religion and misinformation are left at the door at the Al Aseel Lebanese Restaurant in Greenacre in south-western Sydney.

It's a full house at 5pm every evening during Ramadan as families gather to share plates to celebrate the annual festival and the breaking of the day's fast.

The atmosphere is warm, there's a constant stream of hot plates of shish​ taouk​, falafels and kafta being served and an influx of chattering people sitting back to back.

Ramadan, the holy celebration for Muslims is known for its month-long fast, but it represents more than that.

"It's the month of giving," said Ahmad, a Lebanese immigrant who has lived in Australia for 15 years.

For Ahmad and his family, Ramadan is more than just food – it's also a time to pray, to read the Koran, and learn more about their religion.

Fatima said Muslims fast to strengthen their empathy.

"We suffer hunger, just to feel for other people."

Asif, a Bangladeshi immigrant, said that he was taken aback when his colleague asked if fasting was "what you do to lose weight".

Another diner, Jasmine, said that she was asked if taking a shower meant that she would be breaking her fast.

"It's not a punishment," said Adala, a mother and business owner.

She said that her 12-year-old daughter insisted on fasting, and has donated all her savings for the month.

Adala said that the month is about reflection, and "appreciating what you have".

Leyla is a young woman of Somali background, who described a typical day during Ramadan as one filled with prayer, and helping her family with the chores.

"At night, when it's time to break the fast, we share a meal with the family."

Her friend, Safiya, reflected on the holy celebration, was unable to muster the words to adequately describe its significance to her.

"It just feels different in the month of Ramadan. You just feel the peace."

What is Ramadan?

A holy month for Muslim people to pray, read the Quran and celebrate their religion with their families.

When is Ramadan?

It is during the ninth lunar month of the Muslim calendar. The last 10 nights of Ramadan are very spiritual and are known as Laylatul-Qadr (Arabic for the Night of Power).  After the month, there is a one day festival called Eid al-Fitr, during which Muslims gather at an early morning Eid prayer, are expected to wear their best clothing, feast and exchange gifts.

What do people do for Ramadan?

Muslims will continue to pray five times a day, study the Koran, and are encouraged to visit the mosque more frequently. Fasting usually occurs between sunrise and sunset. The pre-dawn meal is known as suhoor, and is eaten before the morning prayers. Those fasting will abstain from food, water, swearing, smoking and other 'vices'. After sunset, the fast is broken by taking a sip of water and eating dates, known as iftar.

There are also extra prayers Muslims during  Ramadan which is a time of celebration and making an effort to eat with family and friends.

Religious meaning of Ramadan

Ramadan is significant to the Muslim community as it celebrates the month in which the Koran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. This is why reflecting upon spirituality, and the meaning behind the holy text is emphasised during the period.

Fasting is seen as a good deed that is rewarded by God. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a means of entering Paradise in the afterlife.