Ramadan Mubarak

As we welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, may Allah accept our prayers and fasts, and grant us the strength to observe this holy month with sincerity and devotion.

This year, Ramadan begins on Saturday, 1st March and Sunday, 2nd March, and will continue for 29 to 30 days, ending with the sighting of the next crescent moon. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a time when millions of Muslims around the world come together for fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community. It’s a period of spiritual renewal, personal growth, and deep connection with one another.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast each day from dawn until dusk. The fast is a way to purify the body and soul, cultivate empathy for those in need, and strengthen one's faith through acts of worship. For many, it is also a time to deepen their bond with family and community, with gatherings and prayers at local mosques and homes.

As part of the Ramadan observance, many of our Arabic and Muslim students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College, including those from countries like Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Albania, and more, will be observing the fast. Some students may have adjusted schedules during this time, as Ramadan is not just about fasting, but also about the nightly prayers and spiritual reflection.

The fast begins with suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, and is broken at sunset with iftar. While fasting can be challenging, it is also a deeply rewarding spiritual practice. In some families, younger children may join in for practice, waking early to eat with the family or participate in the tradition in their own way.

Ramadan is also a time for charity and giving, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us as a school community to reflect on the values of empathy, kindness, and understanding. To all our Muslim students and staff, we wish you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. May it be a month of reflection, unity, and growth.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Ramadan, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Hussam Saraf (Samy)

Multicultural Liaison Officer