Celebrating unity: Australia's largest open-air Iftar and Eid prayer day

In a remarkable demonstration of community spirit and inclusivity, the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) closed out Ramadan 2025 with two monumental events: the largest open-air Iftar ever held in Australia on Wednesday 26 March and an as always memorable Eid Prayer day on Monday 31 March at Australia’s most iconic masjid, Lakemba Mosque, five days later.

The LMA’s inaugural open-air Community Iftar drew nearly 3,000 attendees, marking a historic moment for the organisation and the broader Muslim community.

Wangee Road in front of the Lakemba Mosque became a scene of vibrant activity, with a row over 300 ten-person tables that stretched further down the street than the eye could see.

The event was the result of meticulous planning and coordination, resulting in a seamless experience for guests, the vast majority of whom of course had been fasting since sunrise.

Lakemba Mosque’s resident Qari, the internationally renowned Sheikh Mohamed Harbi performed the Adhan at the commencement of Australia’s biggest open air community iftar.

A highlight of the Iftar was the Adhan, beautifully recited by internationally renowned Qari Sheikh Mohamed Harby from atop the mosque’s minaret, filling the air with a powerful reminder of faith and unity.

This year’s open invitation approach was a significant shift from the past, where gatherings were often limited to just a few hundred guests.

This inclusive spirit reinforced the LMA’s commitment to embracing the entire community, transcending barriers of faith and background.

As always, the LMA also hosted Australia’s largest Eid Prayer gathering, with well over 40,000 worshippers gathering in and around Lakemba Mosque in spite of threatening weather.

Well over 40,000 worshippers attended the Eid Prayer at Lakemba Mosque on Monday, 31 March in spite of threatening weather.

LMA spokesman Gamel Kheir, expressed immense pride in the success of these events and other initiatives facilitated by Australia’s oldest non-profit Islamic organisation during the Holy month.

“Given the recent focus on Islamophobia and misconceptions about Islam, these initiatives provided a vital platform to showcase the ‘new LMA’—a welcoming and engaging organisation devoted to community outreach and unity,” he told AMUST.

Indeed, the LMA’s efforts this Ramadan embodied an inspiring commitment to growth, connection and inclusivity, illustrating the potential for communities to come together, and celebrate their shared values.