My warmest greetings to our Muslim Australian community as you join with so many around the world in observing the holy month of Ramadan.

A focal point in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a time of prayer, fasting and contemplation, but also a time at which family and community come together to celebrate and nurture the things that are most important in life.

As you take this time to reaffirm your faith, may you also reflect on the core values of Islam that have guided and strengthened you, particularly through the challenges of the past two years.

At this time of reflection, I also convey my sincerest thanks for the ways that the Muslim Australian community has embodied the spirit of compassion and generosity that are so important during the month of Ramadan. Your efforts, particularly during the pandemic, have helped Australians to stay connected to each other and contributed to Australia’s national recovery.

Australia is proud to be home to more than 600,000 people of Islamic faith, who also represent a multitude of ethnicities and cultures, and share a diverse variety of Ramadan traditions. Sharing our cultures and celebrating our differences is integral to our inclusive national identity, and the diversity of Ramadan traditions is no different.

This year, as we come out of a period of isolation and hardship, may the long days of fasting be once again rewarded with joyful celebrations with your loved ones and community.

I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak!

ALEX HAWKE