United Muslims of Northern Territory hosts Interfaith Iftar
In a remarkable display of unity and Islamic celebration, the United Muslims of Northern Territory (UMNT) organised the Interfaith Iftar, ‘Shoulder to Shoulder Standing with Australian Muslims; Upholding Australian Values’, that brought together a diverse array of community leaders, dignitaries, and members of the public.
The event, held on Saturday 16 March 2024 at DoubleTree Hilton, saw an impressive turnout of over 300 individuals, including the Northern Territory Administrator, the Labor Multicultural Minister, the opposition leader, and Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor, along with doctors, and teachers and academics.
The decision to proceed with this Iftar was a difficult one, given the cancellation of Iftars in Sydney and Melbourne due to the ongoing catastrophe in Palestine and inadequate response from the government.
However, UMNT adopted the path of engagement coupled with fearless advocacy by conducting the Iftar.
Prior to the commencement of the Iftar, a unique and powerful “Acknowledgement to Country” was delivered. The Master of Ceremonies, Hamza Razi declared, “Through this acknowledgment to country, we universally denounce British colonial atrocities against Aboriginal Australians. Yet contemporary colonialism persists as the Israeli state continues to oppress indigenous Palestinians. Let’s not be hypocritical; it’s time to confront this ongoing injustice. Let us not let history repeat itself. In that spirit, on behalf of the Muslims of Northern Territory and UMNT, I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Palestinian land, the Indigenous Palestinian people, and acknowledge their right to self-determination as well as the struggles they have been facing for the past one, hundred, years.”
Symbolic gestures of solidarity were observed throughout the event, with the Master of Ceremonies donning both Aboriginal and Palestinian flag pins, and members of the Green’s Party and the Larakia Nation sporting Palestinian keffiyehs and Larrakia Nation declaring that they had flown the Palestinian flag with the Aboriginal flag in solidarity for a week at their office.
Ms Suki Dorras-Walker, member of Greens NT, lambasted the government for its lack of action and spoke unequivocally in support of the Palestinian cause. All of this occurred in the presence of the government and opposition members.
Ms Sukie Dorras-Walker, Australian Greens and Dr Karen Edyvane, Territorians for Palestine. UMNT highlighted its impactful activities over the past five years, demonstrating a commitment to social welfare and community engagement. Projects such as the Nisaa Project, the Domestic Family Free From Violence initiative, Youth Engagement programs, and Women Empowerment initiatives were showcased, illustrating UMNT’s dedication to serving the community in multiple capacities.
UMNT’s provision of Jummah services at the Oakes Elan Hotel in the Darwin CBD, catering to a diverse congregation, was emphasised, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in religious practice.
Additionally, UMNT’s extensive usage of Charles Darwin University premises in delivering the Nisaa Project and running the weekend Quran Academy underscored their commitment to education and empowerment.