Sydney: Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull hosted an Iftar fast-breaking dinner on Thursday evening at Kirribilli House, Sydney.
Quoting from the Quran and sayings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Mr Turnbull said “by breaking bread across religions and by bringing diverse people together, we are embodying Islam’s emphasis on human diversity.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJqi_Ky3l8k
An honour to be the first PM to host an Iftar dinner with multi-faith and young leaders at Kirribilli House tonight pic.twitter.com/Fj7JFvlYj5
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) June 16, 2016
Mr Turnbull greeted Muslims saying, “I am honoured to be the first Australian Prime Minister to host an Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. To the approximately five hundred thousand Muslim Australians across our country and to more than one and half billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan Kareem.”
He described Ramadan as a special time of forgiveness, reflection and spiritual renewal.
“Tonight we gather as a community of many faiths and cultures to get to know one another and to share the spirit of Ramadan. I am delighted that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Australians, but Australians of many faiths,” he said.
Referring to the acts of terror like Sunday’s Orlando massacre he said, “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.”
The dinner’s multi-faith guest-list included Gold Logie winner Waleed Aly, sociologist Dr Susan Carland,AFL player Bachar, Youth activist Yassmin Abdel-MaguedHoul as well as Islamic organisation leaders.