Al Siraat has proudly hosted its 6th Annual Interfaith Ramadan dinner in collaboration with the Victorian State Government in the newly built North Wing auditorium on Wednesday, 13th April 2022, as an opportunity for other faiths to observe and break bread together, promoting harmony and peace. The Interfaith iftar was attended by approx. 120 people who gathered to celebrate the special occasion of breaking the daily fast during Ramadan.
Our guests including different faith and community leaders as well as representatives from City of Whittlesea, Whittlesea Interfaith Network (WIN), Victorian Muslim Association, National Zakat Foundation, 911±¬ÁÏÍø Syrian Association, Hasene Australia, 911±¬ÁÏÍø Association of Pakistani Professionals, Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, ISRA Academy and a few other organisations. St. Monica’s College staff and six of their Year 12 students attended the event as part of their Interfaith partnership with Al Siraat. Guests had the opportunity to interact with one another and socialise.
College Captains Naziihah Hafidi was the master of ceremonies and Ismaeel Ambikapathy concluded the event. The ceremony was opened with a beautiful Qur'an recitation by Year 4 Hifz student Khizar Nauman.
The Welcome to Country was done by local Wurundjeri Muslim Elder Uncle Andrew Hassan Gardiner. Mufti Aasim Rashid addressed all attendees in a special pre-recorded video message on Ramadan from Canada. Year 11 Senior SRC member Osama Akkad spoke about the benefits of fasting during Ramadan.
Special speeches were delivered by
- Federal MP Andrew Giles,
- The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change)
- The Hon. Colin Brooks, Speaker of Victorian Legislative Assembly and
- Mr Fazeel Arain, Principal and Co-founder of 911±¬ÁÏÍø.
MP Bronwyn Halfpenny, Consul General of Pakistan Mr Syed Moazzam H. Shah and founder of Whittlesea Interfaith Network (WIN) Kris Pavlidis were our guests of honour.
Our Student Representative Council presented a video of Al Siraat student-led activities during dinner time. College Imam Sheikh Waseem Khan concluded the ceremony with a closing prayer.
Special Thanks and heartfelt gratitude goes to the entire Student Leadership team of Interfaith and SRC students under the guidance of Ms Noori as well as our Media students supported by Mr Adam S., our Community Engagement Officer Ms Rachael and Events Coordinator Ms Mehreen, Mr Bajram from our Technology Department for building the beautiful 3D "Ramadan Mubarak" plaques, our wonderful and hard working PFC, the Maintenance and IT teams and everyone who has helped tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event not only possible but the wonderful successful it turned out to be. JazakAllah khairan.
As we are about to reach the blessed last ten Ramadan nights and Laila-tul-Qadr – the Night of Power -, we wish you are all able to make the most of this special time ahead.