Ramadan: A time of reflection, renewal and unity

The Holy month of Ramadan, which this year began on Saturday 1 March, is the busiest time of the year for all Muslim bodies and as Australia’s oldest non-profit Islamic organisation, the Lebanese Muslim Association is no exception.

The LMA has a long list of programs and other initiatives meticulously planned for its three Mosques at Lakemba, Cabramatta and Young during Ramadan and as Australia’s most iconic masjid, much focus during this month will centre on the revered Ali Bin Abi Taleb Mosque at Lakemba, which opened in 1977.

Nightly Taraweeh prayers invariably draw 3,000-plus worshippers to the famous Wangee Rd site, with attendance surging to between 5,000 and 7,000 on the sacred Night of Power – celebrated on the 27th night of Ramadan.

The vibrancy of the community is further reflected at the end of the month with the celebration of the Eid Prayer at Lakemba Mosque, when last year an estimated 50,000 devotees gathered (see feature image).

Now in its 63rd year and in the spirit of continual renewal and quest for excellence, the LMA is excited to announce two new major initiatives for this Ramadan.

These programs not only highlight the practices and traditions of Islam but will also serve as bridges to the broader community, especially at a time when unity and understanding are needed more than ever.

In partnership with Canterbury-Bankstown Council, the LMA will operate a Dawah stand at the renowned Lakemba Night Markets on Haldon Street, every night throughout Ramadan.

The LMA will host a free Iftar for the broader community at 6:30PM on the night of Laylatul Qadr, Wednesday 26 March.

These bustling markets, which attract 10,000 – 20,000 visitors from all over Sydney every night during Ramadan, provide the perfect platform to share the beauty of Islamic rituals and values.

The stand will offer a quality experience for all attendees by educating all its visitors about Islam, showcasing the LMA’s wide range of activities and extending a warm invitation to Lakemba Mosque – or any masjid, really.

LMA spokesman Gamel Kheir told AMUST, “We are thrilled to introduce our new Dawah stand at the Lakemba Night Markets.”

“This initiative is designed to offer visitors an informative and welcoming insight into the rituals and rich traditions of Islam.”

“At a time when tensions in the broader community are high, we believe that sharing knowledge and showcasing our faith in an open and respectful manner is more important than ever.”

LMA spokesman Gamel Kheir.

Adding to the month’s blessings, the LMA is honoured to host a community iftar outside Lakemba Mosque on Laylatul Qadr – the Night of Power – Wednesday, 26 March.

This free-of-charge event is open to everyone, regardless of background or faith and promises to be a memorable occasion where the spirit of Ramadan will be shared over a meal.

The iftar is designed to promote understanding, break down barriers and build friendships between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities, truly embodying the message of unity and harmony that Ramadan inspires.

“Our community iftar on Laylatul Qadr is an open and sincere invitation to the broader community to experience the true spirit of Ramadan together,” Gamel Kheir said.

“By breaking fast as one, we not only nourish our bodies but also build bridges between cultures and faiths.”

“In these very challenging times, initiatives like these remind us that shared values of compassion and unity can overcome any division.”

As the LMA embarks on another blessed Ramadan, its efforts over more than six decades and including these two and other new initiatives in 2025 echo the enduring message of Islam – peace, knowledge and community.