Ramadan commenced on Thursday 19 February, and the Lebanese Muslim Association has a series of important events programmed for the remainder of this Blessed month.
As Australia’s oldest non-profit Islamic organisation, the LMA continues to create opportunities for worship, reflection and community connection, as it has done for the past 64 years, with much focus on Australia’s most iconic masjid at Lakemba, in addition to its other masjids at Cabramatta and Young.
The LMA will co-ordinate a very special one-off outdoor Taraweeh prayer on Haldon Street, Lakemba, on Thursday 5 March, welcoming worshippers for an evening of devotion and spiritual reflection in the midst of the famous Ramadan Night Markets.
On Saturday 7 March, the Lakemba Mosque Quran Competition will celebrate the recitation and memorisation of the Holy Quran and is open to participants of all ages.
This will be followed on Monday 9 March, by the inaugural LMA New Muslims Iftar in the LMA Events Hall in the Association’s services building next to Lakemba Mosque (see separate article in this edition of AMUST).
A huge highlight of the month will be Australia’s biggest open air Iftar – the second annual LMA Grand Community Iftar on Friday 13 March.
Open to all, this event transforms the entire street block in front of the iconic Lakemba Mosque into a lively, welcoming communal space where local residents, friends, families and other community members from many different backgrounds are invited to break their fasts together.
Drawing inspiration from last year’s gathering of nearly 3,000 attendees, the 2026 Grand Iftar event will again be a huge logistical operation, with hundreds of tables – and thousands of chairs – stretched along the length and breadth of Wangee Rd as far as the eye can see.
Lakemba Mosque Qāriʾ Sheikh Mohamed Harby recited the Adhan prior to the inaugural Grand Community Iftar at Lakemba Mosque last year.
The evening will begin with the Adhan, beautifully recited from atop the mosque’s minaret.
Guests will then share a meal in the spirit of generosity and unity, supported by volunteers, ensuring a seamless experience for all in attendance.
The sacred Laylatul Qadr will be celebrated on Monday 16 March, offering a full night for reflection and heightened devotion.
In addition, the LMA will host a stand at the Ramadan Night Markets on Haldon Street every Thursday and Sunday throughout the month, providing insight into Islamic practices, showcasing LMA programs and offering a warm invitation to the broader community.
Taraweeh on Haldon St is always a spectacular sight and this year the prayer will be facilitated by the LMA.
“Ramadan is a time for reflection, compassion and coming together as a community,” said Br Salim Allouche, the LMA’s Religious Affairs and Events Administrator.
“Our Grand Community Iftar is a perfect example of this spirit – an opportunity for people from all walks of life to share in the blessings of the month, break their fasts together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding across the wider community.”
“We look forward to welcoming everyone and celebrating Ramadan in unity and peace.”
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