As Ramadan comes to an end, thousands in Melbourne's Muslim community are enjoying the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.
However, as conflict erupts in Sudan, Muslim Victorians with ties to the country say it's difficult to celebrate.
Sudanese Community Association of Victoria president Mohamed Salih said Eid al-Fitr is normally one of the biggest days of the year for his Muslim community, which would usually hold a festival with "songs" and "happiness".
"It will not be like that this year. It will just be people connecting, the prayer, we'll share the food," Mr Salih said.
"People will not want to celebrate … they will not feel the happiness in their heart for celebration."
Mr Salih said the conflict in Sudan was impacting everyone in the community.
He said that, while conflict in Sudan was always difficult for the community, fighting was often restricted to smaller sections of the country. This time the entire country is impacted.
"You just need to talk to anyone … and they will tell you horrible stories about what's happening back home and how they are concerned," he said.
Days of fierce fighting between government and paramilitary forces in Sudan have left hundreds dead, with a declared 72-hour Eid truce between two warring factions failing to bring an end to the violence.
There have been reports of children sheltering in schools, without food and water, while fighting rages on.
While Mr Salih's association will still hold an Eid al-Fitr lunch for the community to gather together and support each other, the focus of Eid will be to raise awareness and support for Sudan.
A day of reflection rather than celebration
Anhar Abdelmagid would normally attend large celebrations in Melbourne for Eid, but she hasn't been able to find any joy in them this year.
The 24-year-old's father left Australia for Sudan's capital Khartoum less than a month ago, with plans to return in mid-April to be home in time for Eid.
He is now stuck, with no clear timeframe on when he will be able to return home.
"He was meant to be back … celebrating with us," Ms Abdelmagid said.
"It's extremely terrifying because now, when I call him, I can literally hear gunshots in the back and I can hear all the running, and the yelling, and everything."
Ms Abdelmagid said her family would normally share a morning meal and spend time together on Eid al-Fitr, before welcoming guests throughout the day.
This year there won't be many visitors, with some in the community having family who have died in the conflict in recent days.
"People don't have electricity. People are being locked up in universities and people's homes have been destroyed, and children have been killed," Ms Abdelmagid said.
"We're so worried about what's happening … we don't feel that spirit anymore."
Providing support and raising awareness
Endeavour Youth Australia co-founder Mohamed Semra said that, for the last week of Ramadan, Muslim Sudanese youth had been finding ways to support each other.
When fighting first broke out, his organisation held an Iftar for 100 Sudanese youth to bring them together "in a safe environment", with many having family in Sudan.
"There's a lot of Australians [who] I know in Sudan [who] are very anxious, including my brothers. I have my brother there who's basically trapped," he said.
He said many in the community wanted to know how the Australian government was helping.
In a statement, a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is aware of at least 117 Australians and their family members in Sudan who have registered through its online portal.
"We are providing consular assistance to these Australians and their families, and working with partners on the ground to gather more information. The situation in Sudan remains highly volatile and dangerous," the spokesperson said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong condemned the violence in Sudan in a tweet, urging for peace.
"We call on all parties to observe their obligations under international law to protect civilians, humanitarian actors & diplomats. The SAF & RSF must cease hostilities and return to negotiations," the tweet said.
Mohamed Salih said Eid al-Fitr would be a day to raise awareness for Sudanese Muslim Victorians and for the community to be there for each other.
"There's lots of concern, lots of sadness," he said.
"But there's also lots of hope that things will end up in a better way."
