Muslim Australians celebrate the end of Ramadan
20 September 2009
The end of the holy month of Ramadan is being celebrated by Australia’s Muslim communities, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, remarked today.
Mr Ferguson extended his best wishes to Australia’s 340 000 Muslims for the festival of Eid ul-Fitr and yesterday he celebrated Ramadan’s completion by attending the Chand Raat Eid Festival in Liverpool.
'Ramadan involves a month of fasting and reflection. Eid, which means ‘festivity’ in Arabic, coincides with the sighting of the new crescent moon which marks the end of that month,' Mr Ferguson said.
'The observance of fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Muslim faith, and the festival of Eid ul-Fitr is a very special and significant event for Muslims.'
Eid ul-Fitr is a family and social time. After prayers, people visit each other, exchange gifts, socialise with extended family and friends and visit the sick.
'Muslims have been a part of Australian society since the 1800s and have been an integral part of the growth and prosperity of our nation throughout that time,' Mr Ferguson said.
'In modern Australia, Muslim communities contribute to the ongoing growth and success of our nation through their work in many spheres of social and professional life.
'I wish all Muslim Australians a happy Eid, by saying Eid Mubarak.'
The Parliamentary Secretary attended Lakemba Mosque this morning for the festival of Eid Ul Fitr.
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09046.htm
Last update: 21 September 2009 at 13:00 AEST