Eating, praying and sharing the love. How Australia’s Muslim families are celebrating Ramadan this year

For Muslims worldwide, including 600,000 followers of Islam in Australia, the fasting month of Ramadan begins on Saturday 2 April. And for the first time since COVID-19 hit, families can celebrate free of pandemic restrictions.

Masum Alam with his extended family Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

Md. Masum Alam was busy putting the finishing touches to his Sydney burger bar this week, hanging Ramadan decorations and festive posters.

“It is the month of giving and charity, caring and sharing,” says Md. Alam, 42.

“However, it has been very tough for everyone in the world because of this pandemic.”

In recent years, families were unable to gather in large numbers during lockdowns or under strict social distancing restrictions. However, he welcomes a return to normal festivities in 2022.

“We have an open Ramadan celebration after two years. So we all blessed and happy,” Md. Alam says.

Masum Alam with one of his signature burgers. Credit: SBS News / Sandra Fulloon

The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, commonly known as the lunar cycle. As a result, the Holy month of Ramadan falls approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

During Ramadan, adherents fast during daylight hours and are expected to give to those in need. At night, families gather to break their fast together by sharing food.

Those changed eating habits during Ramadan force Muslim business owners like Md. Alam to adapt.

“People who are fasting, do not come for the lunch,” he says at his eatery Sydney Friend’s Burger in Gladesville.

Masum Alam busy cooking for Ramadan. Credit: SBS News / Sandra Fulloon

“Then we have a rush when it is time to break the fast. So we are planning to be open late for dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday and nights.

“We have increased staff in the evenings to cope with the rush of orders coming in, mostly for deliveries.”

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Md. Alam migrated from Bangladesh in 2004, after completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the Asian University of Bangladesh.

Arriving in Sydney, he found work as a kitchen hand while completing further studies in marketing, and gradually re-skilled as a chef.

“I love challenge because I was the lowest man in the kitchen. I had to get on the top of the profession. So that was a challenge to learn and become a qualified chef,” he says.

Masum Alam and his son Md. Ali Credit: SBS News / Sandra Fulloon

His ambition now is to celebrate with family and share Halal food with his customers.

“The happy month of Ramadan is here, and it is time to connect with loved ones,” he says.

A month of festivities is also underway in Sydney’s Liverpool, where the Bearded Bakers are running their famous Knafeh food truck.

“The campaign is called Most Blessed Nights and is a celebration of food and people and culture,” says Ameer El-Issa.

Ameer’s family is Palestinian, and he is an Orthodox Christian. His Knafeh team includes both Muslims and Christians, and with Easter falling in the fasting month this year he says its an inclusive celebration.

“Ramadan is about people from a range of backgrounds coming together to celebrate food and hospitality.

“We are going to be baking and shaking Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for the month of April. And we are looking forward to bringing some joy to people.”

Charitable organisation Muslim Aid Australia (MAA) is also working to share some joy, distributing food packs worldwide.

Muslim Aid Australia's Shazil Rehman Credit: Supplied: Shazil Rehman

“Food is a big component of Ramadan. Although people are fasting, they also have to break their fast,” says MAA’s head of marketing Shazil Rehman.

“Yet there are lots of thousands of people, especially in Asia and Africa, who do not have enough even for one meal.

“Our mission is to help at least 600,000 people in Ramadan in over 21 countries around the world.”

Muslim Aid Australia donates food worldwide Credit: Supplied: Muslim Aid Australia

MAA receives almost half of its annual donations around the month of Ramadan and he says Australians typically give generously.

“A lot of Muslims give during Ramadan because it is the month of mercy. Giving is part of our faith. It is one of the five pillars of Islam,” he says.

“And parting with 2.5 per cent of your wealth every year is mandatory for every Muslim.”

Through its Meals of Mercy campaign, MAA has raised more than $1 million in the past year, Mr Rehman says.

Donations have funded emergency aid to displaced Ukrainians, and also paid for flood relief on Australia’s east coast.

“A key focus area for us, is ensuring that everyone gets food around the world. Food is a basic necessity,” he says.

MAA Emergency food packs Credit: Supplied MAA

For Md. Alam, who speaks four languages, the Ramadan greetings may be given in various ways but the message remains the same.

“We are especially blessed to be living in Australia in a multicultural society.

“And during this month of Ramadan we should all ask for forgiveness and share happiness with our families, as we work together to overcome [the impact of] worldwide calamities including the pandemic.”