Rabat – Islamic website Time and Date predicts that Muslims in Australia are set to begin fasting for Ramadan on March 1. Muslim communities around the world await for the sacred sighting of the crescent moon to confirm the actual start date.
During this sacred month in Islam, able-bodied Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset and breakfast with dates, and sometimes milk.
Accomplishing fasting during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts from 29-30 days, is one of the five pillars of Islam that define a Muslim’s faith and practices.
Unlike most Arab and Muslim countries, most businesses will follow regular opening hours during Ramadan in Australia.
Like all Muslims living in non-Islamic countries, Muslims living in Australia create a special, secluded culture during the holy month.
Muslims engage in a variety of activities to enhance the Ramadan spirit, like inviting friends over for community iftars – the meals for breaking fast.
Ramadan’s iftar customs and practices differ from one culture to the other, and Australia is not an exception.
During the sacred time of iftar, Muslims traditionally break their daily Ramadan fast with dates and water or milk, following the example of Prophet Mohammed. This initial light meal helps gently prepare the body after a day without food or water.
The main iftar meal then follows, featuring a rich variety of dishes that vary by culture and region. Depending on the families’ original origin, many serve warming soups like lentils, vegetable shorba, or harira soup to nourish and hydrate.
Savory pastries such as samosas, borek, or meat pies are popular choices, along with special Ramadan dishes like pakoras and other fried delicacies.
Families and communities frequently gather together to share these blessed meals, making iftar a time of both spiritual significance and joyful connection.
A 2021 Census in Australia showed that there are roughly 813,392 people who identify as Muslim in Australia, representing 3.2% of the total population.
