Interfaith Ramadan Dinner at Al Siraat

Noori Ahmad

The 7th annual Interfaith Ramadan Dinner was held at Al Siraat College on Tuesday 4 April 2023 with the aim of to foster unity and understanding among people of different faiths. The event provided an opportunity for spiritual renewal, self- discipline, and charitable acts.

The program commenced with a moving recitation of the Qur’an by Year 4 Hifz student, Harris Wardak followed by Indigenous Muslim elder Uncle Hassan Andrew Gardiner of the Wurundjeri people delivering the Welcome to Country.

College Captains Ms Zainab Rida and Mr Osama Akkad skilfully led the proceedings as masters of ceremonies. Notable guests gave special speeches:

Ms Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Resources, Climate Action, and State Electricity Commission

• Ms Kathleen Matthews-Ward, Member for Broadmeadows

• Commissioner Mr Andrew Crisp, Emergency Management Victoria

• Chief Executive Officer Ms Jane Miller, Ambulance Victoria

• Ms Gurinder Kaur, President of Whittlesea Interfaith Network and

• Mr Fazeel Arain, Principal of Al Siraat College.

There was about 100 attendees on the night including different faith and community leaders as well as representatives from St Monica’s College, Al-Taqwa College,

Huntingtower School, Minaret College, Ilim Dallas Secondary Campus, Victoria Police, CFA Epping, City of Whittlesea and members of Whittlesea Interfaith Network were in attendance at the iftar dinner.

Attendees had the opportunity to network and connect with representatives from various organisations. The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by College Imam Sheikh Waseem Khan.

The sponsors of the event included Khan’s Foods, Craigieburn Quality Halal Meats, Aboulaban Sweets, Afiouni Sweets and Khalsa Sweets and Snacks.

The highly successful event was held with the team effort provided by Al Siraat Student Leadership team, including the Interfaith, Media, and SRC students, as well as the PFC, Canteen Staffs, Mr Bajram Arifoski, Ms Gulhan Yoldas, Ms Noori Ahmad, and many others.

Noori Ahmad is the Student Leadership and Interfaith Coordinator at Al Siraat College. She is quite active in community services projects and works as a teacher in Melbourne, Victoria.