ISDU Grand Iftar Event
The Islamic Society of Deakin University (ISDU) is the only student body on the Burwood campus that represents and supports primarily Muslim students in their academic, social and religious interests. This year, their Grand Iftar took place on May 5th and was held for the Holy Islamic month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a special month for Muslims all around the world, where fasting takes place from sunrise to sunset. Along with this, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of charity, appreciating the little things in life and improving self-discipline, to better themselves. Iftar is a special meal to look forward to enjoying with friends, family and anyone else that would like to join. Ramadan and coming together for Iftar, brings Muslims and other individuals partaking in the act of fasting, a sense of joy, community and togetherness as everyone gathers for a meal in high spirits and excitement.
Volunteers hand out meals including chicken biryani, butter chicken and vegetarian lasagna
ISDU’s event manager, Samaah Berkhedle, applied for funding for this event through Community Bank at Deakin University (CBDU), which helped ISDU to bring this event to students completely free of charge. Berkhdale said that this reflects the “vision of extending a helping hand to those who need it in our tight-knit community, especially in this charitable month of Ramadan”.
Due to the events of 2020, ISDU’s Grand Iftar could not take place last year. This made this year’s Grand Iftar even more special, bringing a “much-need joyful night, which allowed people to catch up and make up for the missed opportunities to have Iftar as a community last year” said Berkhedle.
Berkhedle states that “this Grand Iftar was undoubtedly made possible due to the tremendous support received from Community Bank at Deakin University. Their funding for our event enabled ISDU to provide an enjoyable Iftar for over 150 students, and a beautiful night where everyone was able to create memorable memories. It was a pleasure partnering up with CBDU as an organisation, which supported our vision of bringing the Deakin community together in the blessed month of Ramadan, and uplifting community spirits after the difficult time we experienced last year regarding the pandemic”.
Students wait to collect their meals at the Grand Iftar event
The night was described as “splendid” and one where the Deakin community of Muslims and others participating in fasting, were able to come together to break their fasts over a delicious meal provided by SAGE, Deakin’s catering restaurant, as the sun set. This year, after coming together and engaging in a peaceful Maghrib prayer (Sunset prayer), students collected their meals of chicken biryani, butter chicken and vegetarian lasagne, and broke their fasts together as a community to build a stronger sense of belonging and togetherness at Deakin University.
Students break their fast together
Berkhedle mentions that Community Bank at Deakin University’s support allowed the Islamic Society of Deakin University to reflect their “vision of extending a helping hand to those who need it in our tight-knit community, especially in this charitable month of Ramadan. The team over at CBDU showed us nothing but utmost respect and sincerity in bringing our vision and mission to life, and for this, ISDU is greatly appreciative and thankful for their goodwill towards our community, and we want to say a huge thank you on behalf of our community at Deakin University”.
At Community Bank at Deakin University, we’re proud to support initiatives such as the Islamic Society of Deakin University’s, that help to support and give back to the Deakin University community. Supporting Community Bank at Deakin University is easy, it’s as simple as doing your banking with us. When you open an account, take out a loan, or buy insurance at CBDU, you’ll be helping to build a stronger university community.
ISDU’s Grand Iftar is 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
