Manal and her husband Nabil are among Brimbank's many practising Muslims now observing Ramadan.

During the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, devotees fast and pray five times a day before gathering at nightfall to enjoy "iftar"- the break-of-the-fast meal.

Mrs Teffaha says Ramadan, which is also a time for good deeds, is her favourite month - she wishes it was Ramadan every day.

The 27-year-old Lebanese-born Muslim came to Australia nine years ago after meeting her husband in Tripoli.

She left her family behind to marry Mr Teffaha, whom she has two children with.

The young couple invited the Advocate over for dinner last week to show off their traditions.

Mrs Teffaha, who usually goes to her mother-in-law's for dinner during Ramadan, says fasting is not as difficult as some people think.

"It's the first three days that are hard, then your body readjusts," she says.

She started fasting when she was seven and says her children are given the option to do so. Her eldest child, Aya, 6, fasts on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility and spirituality. During that time they offer more prayers than usual.

As well as fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the Koran. Some recite the entire Koran by means of special prayers.

The Teffahas break their fast with some water and a date before praying and then starting their meal with a bowl of soup.

Mrs Teffaha says it is a healthy way of detoxing and feeling the pain that many hungry and disadvantaged people go through.

Mr Teffaha, who was born in Australia and speaks limited Arabic, says a lot of people ask him how he manages to go through the day without food.

"Sometimes I go hungry, but it isn't a struggle as it makes you feel better. I don't get that bloated feeling; it cleans you out.

"You finish work and you come home and you know you've got good food on the table, but there are people who don't have much to eat.

"Fasting is the slightest feeling of knowing what it feels like when your stomach rumbles."

Although their neighbours are not Muslims, the Teffahas often give them food out of goodwill.

Mrs Teffaha says people respect her more when they hear she is religious.

"I pray five times a day and in three places I worked I was offered a room to pray so it was never a hassle for me."