4th University of Melbourne Iftar Dinner 2024
The University of Melbourne & the Australian Intercultural Society co-hosted their fourth iftar dinner. It was a vibrant and meaningful Iftar dinner, bringing students, academics and members from the university along with community members of all backgrounds to connect in a cultural exchange.
The evening commenced with a warm Welcome to Country by Uncle Andrew Gardner, a proud descendant of the Wurundjeri clans of the Woi-wurrung people. Uncle Andrew eloquently highlighted the similarities between indigenous spirituality and Islamic beliefs, emphasising the importance of respecting elders and caring for the land.
Following the welcome, Professor Abdullah Saeed (Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne), took on the role of Master of Ceremonies. His presence added a scholarly depth to the evening, setting the stage for an enlightening discourse on the significance of Ramadan and interfaith dialogue.
Ahmad Wamiq Ghowsi’s melodious call to prayer and Quran recitation enriched the spiritual ambiance of the gathering, inviting attendees to reflect on the blessings of Ramadan and the importance of communal prayer.
Professor Pip Nicholson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne, expressed gratitude for the diverse array of attendees and emphasised the university’s commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding. She highlighted the pivotal role of the AIS in promoting harmony and cooperation within the community.
The keynote address, delivered by the Rector of Newman College within the University of Melbourne, Prof Dan Madigan who centered on the theme of solidarity. He eloquently spoke of Ramadan as a time of transformative solidarity, where fasting fosters empathy and compassion for those less fortunate. He called for collective action to address the humanitarian crises in conflict zones like Gaza, highlighting the shared responsibility of believers to advocate for peace and justice and be steady in that role for the long haul as it takes time and effort to work towards peaceful objectives.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Ahmet Keskin, Executive Director of the Australian Intercultural Society. He underscored the importance of respectful dialogue and civic engagement in building a harmonious society. His words echoed the sentiment of unity and inclusivity that permeated throughout the evening.
This year’s University of Melbourne’s Iftar dinner proceeded in challenging times. The fact that there were people of good will who believed strongly of the importance of coming together in testing times showed these gatherings at the core remind us of our oneness in humanity and the fragility of our social harmony. Little steps need to be taken regularly and with such conviction and resolve to withstand the winds of change that attempt to tilt us off our course. Social harmony is a prized and precious gift we need to protect and grow, irrespective of the challenges that lie ahead.
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