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Ramadan is a holy month of fasting which is a very special time for billions of Muslims around the world. Along with its spiritual benefits, Ramadan also brings with it an opportunity to promote interfaith sharing and dialogue which strengthen relationships between members of different faiths and cultures.

In Victoria, many different interfaith networks and organisations hosted interfaith iftars in the spirit of brotherhood and unity.

1. Prime Minister Turnbull first PM to host iftar for Ramadan

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hosted a Ramadan gathering at Kirribilli House on 16 June which is believed to be the first Iftar hosted by an Australian prime minister and Mr Turnbull used a speech to acknowledge the important contribution that Muslims have made to Australian society.

The dinner's multi-faith guestlist included Gold Logie winner Waleed Aly, sociologist Dr Susan Carland, Hass Dellal from SBS, AFL footballer Bachar Houli from Richmond FC, and Ali Fahour from the AFL, as well as Islamic organisation leaders. Read more >>

2. Victoria Police Commemorates Ramadan

Victoria Police hosted its 12th Chief Commissioner’s Iftar dinner on 14 June to commemorate Ramadan together with representatives and leaders from Victoria’s Muslim and faith communities.

More than two hundred and eighty people attended the event, including more than 100 women of Muslim faith, 80 police officers and employees, and Muslim and faith communities from across the state. Read more >>

3. Melbourne Jewish Community Iftar dinner

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria  has co-hosted its first Iftar Dinner with the Islamic Council of Victoria on 19 June.

Attended by 80 community and faith leaders from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities,  Iftar dinners are traditionally held by Muslims to break the fast during Ramadan. Read more >>

4. Interfaith Iftar held by Islamic Council of Victoria

The ICV held its second annual Interfaith Iftar at Melbourne Docklands on Saturday 11th June with a 150-person guest attendance representing diverse groups and community sectors. Read more >>

5. Australia's Grand Mufti holds multi-faith Ramadan dinner

Australia’s Grand Mufti Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohammed invited members of various Christian denominations to an interfaith iftar held on 12 June in Sydney, in an attempt to dispel ongoing misconceptions about Muslims. Read more >>