Bridging faiths: Shepparton’s interfaith Iftar celebrates shared values

By Khadija Hadjab

Mar 21, 2024

Standing together: Reverend Jerome Francis, Cr Shane Sali, Imam Atif Ahmed Zahid, State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe, Dr Tejraj Tawde, Gurmeet Singh, dinner co-ordinator Aziz Bhatti and Charles Oguntade. Photo by Contributed

Each year, the worldwide Muslim community practises fasting during the lunar month of Ramadan.

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Fasting during this holy month for the Muslim community stands out as one of the most widely practised pillars of Islam, with up to 80 per cent of Muslims observing it. During this period, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Shepparton organised an interfaith Iftar dinner on Saturday, March 16, to celebrate the annual occurrence and to extend its hospitality to the broader community.

Leading religious scholars from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Islam came together to “break bread and barriers” and “embrace unity” in their diverse faiths.

Notable community members such as City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali and state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe were also at the South Shepparton Community House on the night.

Key figures from local organisations such as Search and Rescue Shepparton, the Country Women’s Association of Victoria, Shepparton Police Community Engagement, U3A and Soroptimist International Shepparton also attended.

Marked by an exceptional turnout of over 100 attendees, the event was “a testament to the community’s eagerness and support for such a meaningful gathering”, according to Interfaith Ramadan Iftar dinner co-ordinator Aziz Bhatti.

Geared towards building “a more inclusive and understanding community”, speeches about the tradition of fasting and spirituality were made by Gurmeet Singh from the Sikh-Gurdwara community, Reverend Jerome Francis of St Augustine’s Anglican Church, GV Health consultant psychiatrist Dr Tejraj Tawde, Orthodox Rabbi Ralph Genende, Shepparton Interfaith Network executive officer Reverend Chris Parnell and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Imam Atif Ahmed Zahid.

Each speaker eloquently shared wisdom, emphasising the timeless themes of reflection, community and spiritual exploration inherent in fasting, transcending the confines of faith boundaries.

Their insights showcased the rich tapestry of the different groups’ spiritual legacy, underscoring the unifying principles that connect them. This diverse gathering was a vibrant mosaic of faiths, each sharing unique perspectives yet united in the essence of the gathering.

U3A president Greg Barnes said the event was a great success.

“What a wonderful night tonight was,” he said.

“I really enjoyed myself.

“We do need more of these occurrences when various ethnic groups get together.”

Guided by the noble principle of “love for all, hatred for none”, the event was labelled “overwhelmingly positive and encouraging” by attendees, according to Mr Bhatti.