Ramadan 2025: a community-focused month for the “new LMA”

The holy month of Ramadan, which commenced on Saturday March 1, marked a significant shift by Australia’s oldest non-profit Islamic organisation, the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA).

 

 

Ramadan 2025 heralded the introduction of several new initiatives by an organisation now being hailed by many in the community as the “new LMA”.

 

 

One of the most memorable events was the LMA’s inaugural open-air Community Iftar on Wednesday, 26 March. 

 

 

With an attendance of close to 3,000, it is believed to be the largest open-air Iftar ever held in Australia.

 

 

Wangee Road, in front of Lakemba Mosque, was closed to traffic, creating the remarkable sight of over 300, 10 person tables, stretched out over hundreds of metres. 

 

 

What on paper could have been a logistical nightmare in terms of serving a hot meal to 3,000 (most of whom had bee fasting all day) went off without a hitch, a credit to some meticulous planning – and the tireless work of the LMA team and its volunteers, caterers, police and other helpers.

 

 

A highlight of the two-hour event was the Adhan recital by internationally renowned Lakemba Mosque Qari, Sheikh Mohamed Harby, from the top of the iconic masjid’s external minaret. 

 

The spiritual significance of the moment, echoing across the streets of Lakemba, added to the unforgettable atmosphere of the night.

 

 

The scale and inclusivity of this year’s Iftar illustrate just how far the LMA has come under the current board. 

 

 

Historically, the organisation’s Iftars have been exclusive, invitation-only gatherings capped at around 300 guests either in the LMA Events Hall or at the Orion Function Centre in Campsie. 

 

 

By contrast, this year’s event was open to the entire community, regardless of faith, reinforcing the LMA’s commitment to unity and outreach.

As Islam’s most sacred month came to a close for 2025, the LMA’s efforts have highlighted its increased focus on community, unity and inclusivity, especially at a time when major issues including Gaza and a recent 500 percent spike in Islamophobia have heightened tensions in the broader social and political landscape.

 

With a record 3,000 for the Iftar, up to 5,000 worshippers attending the nightly Taraweeh prayers, more than 7,000 for Laylatul Qadr and 40,000-plus flocking to the Eid Prayer at Lakemba Mosque, Ramadan 2025 was, as always, both a spiritual and social success.

 

These attendances alone demonstrate the fervour of the Sydney Muslim community and the pivotal role Lakemba Mosque plays in Australia’s Islamic landscape.

 

For the first time in many years, the LMA also set up a Dawah stand for the duration of the popular Lakemba Night Markets on Haldon Street.

 

This initiative ran every Thursday to Sunday night throughout Ramadan and became a well-patronised feature of the markets.

 

On Thursday, 20 March, well over 1,000 worshippers participated in the LMA-facilitated Taraweeh Prayer on Haldon Street during the markets, listening to the beautiful Quranic recitation of Sheikh Mehmet Bilir, followed by a powerful reminder from Sheikh Yahya Safi.

The event also welcomed Sheikh Moutaisim Asali from Syria (a renowned reciter and Munshid) and local Mayor Bilal El-Hayek.

 

An initiative of the City of Canterbury-Bankstown Council, the Lakemba Night Markets are renowned for attracting thousands of visitors – between 30,000-70,000 nightly, including vast numbers of non-Muslims. 

 

For many, the LMA’s Dawah stand provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about Islam and the traditions of Ramadan.

 

“We are thrilled with the response to our new Dawah stand at the Lakemba Night Markets and especially the Community Iftar,” an elated LMA spokesman Gamel Kheir told AMUST.

 

“Given the recent focus on Islamophobia and at a time when misunderstandings and misconceptions about Islam are prevalent, these initiatives provided just the platform we needed to show what the “new LMA” is all about and that Muslims are warm, welcoming and engaging people.”

Doubling down on the organisation’s new focus on community,  for the second consecutive year, the LMA made the decision to forgo inviting politicians to its Eid Prayer, a move that resonated with many members of the community.

 

This is in stark contrast to the traditional speeches by political figures on the front steps of Lakemba Mosque every year since its opening in 1977, which so often overshadowed the post-prayer celebrations.

 

Eid Mubarak to all!