Do you observe Ramadan? Here’s some important info about on-campus facilities
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which involves fasting from dawn to sunset for about 30 days, is currently underway. It will come to an end on the evening of Sunday 1 May with the three-day festival Eid al-Fitr.
Ramadan fasting is one of the most observed of all the pillars of Islam, with 70–80 percent of Muslims practising it. It’s obligatory for all Muslims from the age of puberty and has deep spiritual and personal meaning – from a focus on self-reflection and charity to developing positive habits and celebrating community spirit.
With over 600,000 Muslims living in Australia, many in our University community will be observing Ramadan. We want Deakin to be a welcoming space for everybody, so read on to find out how you can be comfortable on campus during this important time.
Food-free spaces in the library
During Ramadan, we understand that you may prefer to have a space away from others who are eating or drinking. Certain areas of each campus library will be food-free zones until Sunday 1 May:
- Burwood: Yeagak, V2.51
- Waterfront:
- Group Room 8 (Sensory Room) D3.122
- Group Room 7, D3.121
- Ngal, 6 D3.121
- D3.Booth A7
- D3.Booth A8
- Waurn Ponds: Level 1
- Warrnambool: Level 2, south side (grey-green booths).
Just look out for signs in these spaces during Ramadan. You can also book some of the designated food-free areas via the Library website.
Prayer rooms and chaplains
Prayer rooms are available to all students, regardless of religious belief. They offer a quiet and peaceful environment for you to take time for personal reflection or practise your faith.
When visiting Muslim prayer rooms, we ask that you please:
- bring your own prayer mat and head scarf
- follow the marked spacing allocations and check in on arrival
- observe social distancing requirements when using the ablution facilities.
We also encourage you to download a copy of the Quran and bring it along with you.
During the Easter and Anzac Day closures, the Burwood prayer rooms will be open for limited hours (1.30–2.30pm, and 7–10pm).
You can also contact our multifaith chaplains for a confidential chat or support.
Deakin’s Islamic Society
The Islamic Society is here to help our Muslim community fulfil their social and religious needs. It also provides general awareness of the Islamic faith to the public, as well as year-round events open to all, including Islamic lectures, halaqas, Ramadan Iftars and Eid festivities.
Find out more about the Islamic Society in Burwood and Geelong.
Not observing Ramadan? Here’s some tips
Even if you’re not observing Ramadan, you can still help others to celebrate by using one of the following greetings:
- ‘Happy Ramadan’ or ‘Happy Eid’.
- ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, which means ‘Have a blessed Ramadan’.
- ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which means ‘Have a generous Ramadan’.
And there’s no need to feel awkward or uncomfortable about eating in front of someone who’s fasting for Ramadan – just enjoy your meal and chat as normal!