For many years, Brother Radwan, a devout, 36-year-old Muslim, loving husband and father, found himself yearning for a simpler, more fulfilling way of life.
In 2019 but after many years of planning, he made the life-altering decision to exchange the bustling metropolis of Sydney for the serene expanses of the Riverina, in the southwest of New South Wales.
These days based in a tiny hamlet of around 20 residents and with the closest mosque more than 100 kilometres away, Radwan and his wife and four children have embraced both the challenges and the rewards of their new lifestyle.
Raised in the Sydney suburbs of Yagoona and Bankstown, Radwan (a Lebanese Australian) has always felt a deep connection with nature.
Reflecting on his early teens, he fondly recalls trips to the market gardens in the then-rural areas of Austral, Kemps Creek, Leppington and Rossmore with his aunt, uncle and cousins to purchase produce for the family’s stand at the Flemington markets.
“I loved the serenity of those places,” Radwan recalls.
This love of nature became even stronger as he grew older and began driving trucks, a profession that took him through some remote but breathtaking Australian landscapes.
One pivotal experience during the long haul from Melbourne to Brisbane solidified his dream.
After stopping for a rest, he woke up at dawn to pray Fajr and found himself captivated by the beauty and the tranquillity of the countryside.
It was then that he stumbled upon a parcel of land that caught his eye.
“It was so quiet, so beautiful, to be amongst nature. I discovered that the property was for sale for a very reasonable price and I eventually bought it,” Radwan recollects.
This marked the beginning of a decade-long journey of extensive planning and preparation, culminating in the young family’s permanent relocation five years ago.
Radwan’s decision to move was essentially driven by a desire for a slower, less stressful, more contemplative life.
He and his wife find immense peace in the serenity and the remoteness of the countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Shed life….Radwan has traded the hustle and bustle of Sydney for the beauty and tranquillity of ‘the bush’ and this amazingly spacious shed where he lives with his wife and children.
“We live on a one-acre block in the middle of a huge expanse of land,” he reveals.
“Currently on my own property, I am farming winter vegetables.”
“I also help out at neighbouring properties where we sew canola, wheat, barley and lupins (turmus).”
“I drive tractors and trucks and we harvest the crops on a big ‘header’ (combine harvester).”
The scenery in this area is breathtaking and you are always contemplating the creations of Allah, so you get closer to your religion,” he explains.
In contrast to the unavoidable distractions of city life, the rural setting allows Radwan and his family to focus on their faith and appreciate the simple beauty of nature.
Living in a rural area also means no traffic lights, no peak hour and no stress when driving from place to place.
Campfires and colourful sunsets have replaced stress and traffic lights in Radwan’s world.
Instead, their days are filled with the sight of cows, sheep and kangaroos, not to mention endless acres of beautiful, green landscape, creating a peaceful and stress-free environment.
However, living far from Sydney comes with its own set of challenges.
“We have to drive an hour to get fresh Lebanese bread in Wagga,” he says.
“And being a Lebanese Muslim family, we miss having access to Lebanese food.”
“We love to cook but the occasional break from it would be nice; however, there are no restaurants or takeaway places around, only a hotel.”
Every Friday, the family embarks on a journey of over 100 kilometres to attend Jumu’ah prayers at one of the nearest mosques: Young, Wagga or Griffith.
Young has a busy mosque community and is one of three masjids in the Riverina that Radwan regularly visits with his family for Jumu’ah prayer.
However, in addition to the obvious religious benefits and blessings, Radwan also views these trips as opportunities for family outings and a chance to connect with the wider Muslim community.
Naturally, faith plays a central role in Radwan’s life. especially in a small community where his family is the only Muslim household.
“All eyes are on me and my family and my behaviour plays a big role,” he emphasises.
“By following the teachings of the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammed (s), I try to be a positive influence and a good neighbour.”
The rural environment has provided unique benefits for Radwan’s four children.
With ages ranging from nine years to just five months, they thrive in the natural surroundings.
“People love visiting the country and being amongst nature but my kids have all this, 24/7.”
“It’s like a medication for the soul, Alhamdulillah.”
Peace and tranquillity are constants in Radwan’s life these days.
Radwan’s wife Nazek (a qualified teacher) home-schools the children, allowing them to receive a tailored education that incorporates not only the standard curriculum but also hands-on learning experiences from their parents.
“We teach our kids about country life including farm skills and they are active in the local community as well,” Radwan continues.
“And they have more access to nature to learn about the amazing creatures of Allah.”
“They understand the process of growing food – from the paddock to the plate,”
“They practise Islamic manners when looking after the animals, they are kind and polite to our neighbours and help keep the house – and the local area – clean.”
Radwan and his wife Nazek teach their kids about country life, including farming skills.
“My kids interact with people of different ages, not just their own age group, and are very well-adjusted.”
Despite the physical distance from their extended family, technology helps to bridge the gap.
“We stay connected through Facetime, WhatsApp and phone calls,” Radwan says.
Additionally, the local community in their village is very welcoming and supportive.
“Everyone knows everyone; we are one big family and we all look out for one another.”
“Keeping the town clean is a team effort and gives everyone a lot of satisfaction,” he adds, highlighting the close-knit and collaborative spirit of rural life.
Radwan recently planted garlic for the first time.
Looking ahead, Radwan is content with his family’s current lifestyle and has no immediate plans to return to city life.
“We are happy where we are and have had no thoughts of returning to suburbia but at the end of the day, only Allah knows what he has planned for us,” he says.
Encouraging other Muslim families to consider a move to the country, Radwan highlights the affordability and stress-free nature of rural living.
“The cost of living, of buying a place or renting, is just so much cheaper in the country.”
“It is a beautiful, stress-free lifestyle and I feel so much closer to Allah.”
Radwan’s journey has also led to him creating Shed Life Australia, a private Facebook group that has grown to a staggering 160,000 members.
The group provides a platform for people seeking a simpler, more affordable lifestyle, by converting sheds to homes or building sheds as homes from scratch.
“Houses are complex to build and a shed is much cheaper,” Radwan points out.
The Facebook group’s rapid growth, especially during COVID-19, reflects a widespread desire by Australians to escape city life and and to embrace the tranquillity of ‘the bush’.
But Radwan’s sense of community extends way beyond his immediate surroundings.
He empathises deeply with the suffering of the people in Gaza.
“The Muslim ummah is one big family, and if one suffers, we all feel it….they are in our minds and in our prayers at the same time,” he says.
Radwan’s story highlights the unique blend of tranquillity and challenge in rural life.
His experiences offer valuable insights for other Muslims contemplating a similar move, illustrating how faith, community and a deep connection to nature can create a fulfilling and spiritually enriching lifestyle.
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