With the worst of Covid, and its enforced social and personal isolation, now behind all of us, Muslims everywhere are entering the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a time where Muslims pray and fast in their quest to achieve a greater consciousness of God, and a closer relationship with Him.
In Arabic, achieving this consciousness is known as ”taqwa”, and this is why our College proudly bears our name.
As part of Melbourne’s Islamic and wider community, Al-Taqwa College is marking Ramadan not only by prayer and fasting, but by innovatively supporting Muslims in their faith, and reaching out to broader community to offer them a better understanding of what it means to be Muslim.
As Victoria’s largest Islamic school, this year Al-Taqwa College is doing two things that are Ramadan firsts for the College:
- A colourful night market on College grounds over the Easter long weekend to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan in Melbourne’s west. Starting after sunset, and open to everyone, the night market will enable Muslims to break their fast in a happy atmosphere, with delicious food. There will also be stalls selling Islamic clothing, jewellery, artwork, calligraphy, and more. The wider community will be warmly welcomed to share Ramadan with us to get a taste of Islamic life, cultures – and, of course, great food.
- Evening Iftar (fast-breaking) dinners hosted by Al-Taqwa College leaders during Ramadan both in their family home and at a reception centre, where Muslim and non-Muslim community leaders can talk, across the dinner table, about Ramadan, Islam, and what unites rather than divides the community. This will be part of the Al-Taqwa College “Politics with the Principal” Iftar programme.
Later in April, the College will host a highlight of its year, a grand celebration of Eid-ul-fitr, the joyous festival marking the end of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is a special time for all Muslims, and having endured the trials of Covid, at Al-Taqwa College it is especially so for us”, said College principal, Omar Hallak.
“Ramadan Mubarak (a blessed Ramadan) to all.”
