Muslims all across the world are in the last preparations for Islam's holiest month – Ramadan.

Based around the lunar calendar, the fast falls at a different time on the Western Gregorian calendar each year but Muslims in all countries will begin the fast on roughly the same day. During the month-long fast, followers of Islam will not eat or drink anything in daylight hours.

The fast is broken each night after sunset with the traditional Iftar meal, normally shared in large groups. Muslims usually rise early to eat before sunrise as well.

Across the globe the fast is accompanied by a host of traditions and customs that give an insight into what the month means.

A shopkeeper in Kolkata, India, carries a prayer timetable detailing the different prayers Muslims may prayer during each day and what time they will fall. 

Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus decorate their street ahead of the fast. 

Muslims in Jakarta, Indonesia attend Istiqlal moque for Ramadan's special Tarawih prayers. The night time prayers are specific for Ramadan and mark a change in the usual five daily prayer times observed throughout the rest of the year.

El Mesaharty, Hussein, a 40-year old man in Cairo, Egypt, uses a drum to wake residents for their pre-dawn meal on the first day of Ramadan 2016. 

A market stall in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, displays a selection of dates ahead of Ramadan's first day. Traditionally Muslims break the fast after sunset in the evening with a few fresh dates and a sip of water before their full meal. 

Al Amin mosque in Beirut, Lebanon, chose a display of dancing orphans for its Ramadan 2016 decorations. The holy month is traditionally a time where Muslims are particularly generous and give to the poor. If someone is unable to fast for health reasons they are encouraged to feed a needy person for everyday of the fast they miss.