Reported by Dr. Faroque Amin (Editor): The spirit of Ramadan was bright on Monday evening as the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) held a grand Iftar dinner at Armani Restaurant.
On February 23, 2026, the centre of Parramatta became a place for the community to come together. Hundreds of people, including religious leaders, politicians, and community workers, joined to break their fast.
The event was held at a beautiful venue, with purple lighting and traditional lanterns. It was a strong reminder of the kindness and giving that define this holy month. Guests from diverse backgrounds sat together, underscoring the event’s main message: “Hand in Hand for a Brighter Australia.”
There were many important guests at the dinner, showing AFIC’s role as the main group for Australian Muslims. Members of prominent Shariah councils attended, including well-known scholars who lead Muslim communities across Sydney. Local politicians and council members also came to show their support for the Muslim community.
Having these leaders present showed how important it is for different groups in New South Wales and Australia to talk to and understand each other. This is especially true during Ramadan, a time for reflecting on others and helping the community.
As the sun went down, the call to prayer signalled the end of the fast. Guests broke their fast with water and dates before enjoying a large meal of traditional Middle Eastern food. The room was filled with a warm and friendly feeling. Older community members shared stories with young professionals, and religious leaders spoke with political representatives.
During the event, AFIC leaders spoke to the crowd. They said that Ramadan is a time for change as well as personal and community growth, not just about fasting. They also talked about AFIC’s 57-year history of helping people through education and social work.
As the night ended, everyone felt a strong sense of unity. The Iftar was not just a religious event, but a celebration of Australian life. It showed that a country is stronger when people from different cultures respect one another. For the hundreds of people in Parramatta, the message was clear: by working together, the community can build a better future for everyone.