SYDNEY – Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull invited Muslim leaders and figures to end of Ramadan iftar on Thursday, June 16, becoming the first Australian premier to break bread with the faith leaders.
“By breaking bread across religions and by bringing diverse people together, we are embodying Islam’s emphasis on human diversity,” Turnbull said reciting a Qur’anic verse, SBS reported on Thursday, June 16.
The end of Ramadan feast was hosted at Kirribilli House on Thursday night.
The guest list included recent Gold Logie winner Waleed Aly and his wife Susan Carland.
Others invited to dinner include AFL player Bachar Houli and author and mechanical engineer Yassmin Abdel-Magied.
The Prime Minister described Ramadan as a special time of forgiveness, reflection and spiritual renewal.
He also recognized the other faith leaders present to share in the spirit of Ramadan.
Turnbull acknowledged the important contribution Muslims have made to Australian society, singling out young Muslims.
He added that extremists will not win in their aim to divide Australia.
“Acts of terror like Sunday’s massacre in Orlando are perpetrated to divide us along lines of race, religion, sect and sexuality – but that kind of hatred and division must not prevail,” he said.
“We must stand together like we do tonight as one Australian family united against terrorism, racism, discrimination and violence.”
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.
Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.7 percent of its 20-million population.
Islam is the country’s second largest religion after Christianity.
Earlier this month, Australia’s Grand Mufti Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohammed invited members of various Christian denominations to an interfaith iftar, in an attempt to dispel ongoing misconceptions about Muslims.