By Syed Wajahat
On March 9, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community hosted the interfaith symposium ‘Fasting in my Religion’ at the Melton Community Hall.
The event provided a unique platform for speakers from various religious backgrounds to discuss the significance of fasting in their respective faiths, highlighting the shared values of sacrifice, discipline, and spiritual connection.
The event was attended by 140 community members, including 48 external guests and seven distinguished speakers. The gathering featured insights from religious and community leaders, who reflected on the role of fasting as a means of self-discipline, reflection, and
empathy for those in need.
Highlighting the significance of the ‘Fasting in my Religion’ event, Imam Atif Zahid, Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria said “This program has become a permanent feature of our Ramadan schedule. It allows us to invite different faith groups, community members, colleagues, neighbours, and friends. It enables us to portray to them the true and peaceful teachings of Islam.“
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi praised the Ahmadiyya community’s commitment to social welfare and community service, specifically in the
City of Melton.
“The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is a vibrant, progressive group in Australia. Its members are proud Australian citizens who work hard to make a difference in our city. They actively participate in Australia Day celebrations, Clean Up Australia Day, Red Cross door knocking,
blood donation appeals, and raise thousands of dollars for Australian charities. They are known as peace-loving, God-fearing individuals, whose motto – ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’—is one we are proud to see in our city,” he remarked.
The discussions highlighted how fasting fosters self-discipline, spirituality, and a deeper connection to the struggles of those less fortunate.
From the Christian perspective, Bishop Smith Tafili of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasised fasting as a tool for spiritual renewal.
“Fasting allows us to step away from worldly distractions and draw closer to God, reinforcing our faith and strengthening our spirit,” he noted.
Imam Atif Zahid, in his concluding remarks presented a comprehensive perspective on fasting in Islam and how it fosters a sense of spiritual discipline, universal balance, and community harmony.
“Ramadan is a lunar month, so it keeps changing around the world in relation to the solar month. This year, Ramadan started on the 2nd of March. Last year it was on the 13th of March. Every year Ramadan moves back by 10 to 12 days, depending on the movement of the moon. This creates a universal balance among believers worldwide, and when the cycle is completed in 36 years, Muslims would have fasted on every single day of the year,“ he explained.
He further highlighted how this cycle allows Muslims to experience different seasons while fasting, reinforcing gratitude and appreciation for nature’s blessings.
“Another benefit of this cycle is that Muslims get to enjoy the different kinds of fruits and vegetables that grow in different seasons,“ he added.
As the call to prayer (Adhan) concluded, guests joined the Muslim community in experiencing the Iftar tradition firsthand, breaking the fast together before sharing a communal dinner. The gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to continue conversations, exchange
reflections, and strengthen interfaith relationships.
