On 1st of March 2026, the Ahamdiyya Muslim Community hosted the interfaith symposium "Big Iftar" at the Melton Community Hall. The event was attended by more than 160 community members, including over a 100 external guests.
The event brought together residents from across Melton and Melbourne’s West, including council representatives, faith leaders, and community members, in a celebration of unity, dialogue, and shared values during the holy month of Ramadan.
The program explored the significance of fasting in Islam and across other faith traditions, highlighting common principles of self-discipline, compassion, charity, and spiritual reflection. Guests observed the breaking of the fast at sunset before sharing a communal dinner and engaging in open discussions.
Talking about the success of this annual event, Imam Atif Zahid, Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Victoria said,
"By the grace of Allah, this year’s The Big Iftar event was a huge success with over a 100 external guests attending tonight’s event which is a testament to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s efforts to bring the community together during the Holy month of Ramadan to break bread and learn about each other’s cultures and traditions."
He further stated,
"Fasting teaches us self-discipline, empathy and gratitude. By experiencing hunger, we are reminded of those facing hardship and are inspired to serve humanity. Our faith calls us not only to worship, but to contribute positively to the nation and community we proudly call home."
Steve McGhie MP, member of Parliament for Melton, Victoria and cabinet secretary for the state government, highlighting the significance of the event said,
"It's great to be here at the Melton Community Hall with the Ahamdiyya Muslim Association putting on this wonderful event, the Big Iftar. We have many members from our community, many faith leaders here and it's a great reflection of what Melton and the Western suburbs is all about, multiculturalism, unity and cohesion within our community."
Representing the Jewish community, Rabbi Ralph Genede OAM, who is the VIC Connecting Cultures Program Interfaith and Community Liasion for AJJAC praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's efforts of holding this event so wonderfully,
"I think that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community here are just incredibly generous and hospitable and warm and welcoming and what I really like is that you live by not only words but actions as well and it's expressed by the people. I think we should support each other at events like what you're doing and I think that the motto Love for All is something that should be embraced by all Australians and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community should have the strength and courage to be able to carry on the work that they are doing."
At the conclusion of the event, Imam Atif Zahid further commented that,
"The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community remains firmly commited to its motto "Love for All, Hatred for None." We will continue to host initiatives like the annual Big Iftar to promote peace, understanding and harmony across Melton and greater Melbourne."
The event was also attended by honourable guest speakers:
Cr Dr Philip Zada - Deputy Mayor of the City of Melton
Mr David Cowan - President of Melton Interfaith Network
Bishop Smith tafili - Bishop at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Contact details:
Syed Ahmed - 0400 950 053
