Islamic Society of Deakin University’s weekly and grand iftars

Ramadan is a very special month for all Muslims. The Islamic Society of Deakin University (ISDU) has held many Iftars over the course of Ramadan in previous years and this year, they were able to hold two Iftars a week as well as a grand Iftar for the whole Deakin University community to experience, with a little help from Community Bank at Deakin University.

Hoping to bring back the sense of “belonging and joy from rejoicing over Iftar” as ISDU has done previously, this year’s Iftars were an event at the Burwood campus many were looking forward to, making it ISDU’s “most requested project” for the year.

The Iftars, open to anyone for Deakin to attend, allowed ISDU to bring together a diverse range of individuals and find common ground over a warm meal, learning more about “each other’s lives, perspectives and lived experiences”, in a safe and welcoming space. ISDU also say that the Iftars help to culturally enrich the university community, allowing attendees to exchange knowledge about faith and practices, helping to increase “understanding and empathy for one another, and reduce division”.

ISDU are proud to say that this year, Ramadan on campus, was very special indeed. ISDU representative, Affan, stated

“With the help of funding from Community Bank at Deakin University, Islamic Society of Deakin University (ISDU) were able to hold weekly iftars along with an astounding grand iftar”

The best part of this year’s iftars was that they “took place at the Burwood campus, enabling a bonding opportunity for Muslims at uni as well as the surrounding communities” said Affan. Approximately 400 people came together and had the chance to experience Ramadan.

When asked about working with Community Bank at Deakin University (CBDU) for this great project, Affan explained that

“Community Bank at Deakin University is a great initiative which allows endless opportunities for societies at university. Being so easy to work with, this will definitely be an ongoing relationship between ISDU and CBDU”.

ISDU’s weekly and grand Iftars are just one way Community Bank at Deakin University is helping to contribute to the Deakin University community. If you would like to apply for funding for your initiative through Community Bank at Deakin University, please visit our Community Strengthening Fund page for more information.*

*Ts&Cs, fees and charges and lending criteria apply. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 237879