MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

RAMADAN 2017

I take the opportunity to wish Australia’s Muslim community a blessed Ramadan.

For our Muslim community, Ramadan is a time for compassion, charity, and self-sacrifice, reflecting a philosophy of care and concern for others which is at the core of all of the world’s religions.

The importance of noble conduct and moral insight, the need for kindness and sensitivity towards our fellow human beings, the desire to leave the world a better and happier place—these are ancient and enduring truths that have strengthened and inspired for millennia.

As Australian Muslims gather at this time, I hope you find peace and fulfilment in these days.

For many Muslims, Ramadan is significant as a celebration of the freedoms we have to express our various cultural and religious traditions, and to nurture faith from one generation to the next.

As Australians, we are privileged to live in a just and fair nation, free from the forces of discrimination and injustice. We are truly citizens of the world and our shared commitment to friendship, inclusion and mutual respect is what lies at the heart of our success.

Australia is the most successful multicultural society in the world. We celebrate our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, while at the same time coming together, united in our loyalty to our nation, the rule of law and our democratic institutions.

So, as Australia’s Islamic community gathers at this special time, I hope you are inspired and uplifted by these special observances.

I wish everyone Ramadan Mubarak.

The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP

Prime Minister of Australia

25 May 2017