As a busy Muslim migrant woman living in Australia, I carry two identities close to my heart, my faith and my adopted homeland. When my family and I first decided to migrate, we carried countless dreams with us. We imagined a peaceful life in a safe and clean environment, quality education for our children, reliable healthcare, and opportunities to grow and succeed.
Like many migrants, we carefully researched Australia before making the move. What we discovered gave us confidence and hope. Australia is widely known as a multicultural society where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated. People from different cultures, religions and backgrounds live side by side. Communities are generally open minded, willing to understand and respect one another’s traditions and celebrations. For this reason, we felt certain that Australia would be the right place to call home.
Australia’s multicultural fabric remains one of its greatest strengths. Festivals from across the world are celebrated openly. Cultural events bring neighbours together. Schools teach children about respect, inclusion and diversity. As Muslims, we felt welcomed into this vibrant society.
In recent years, however, many of us have sensed a shift. Islamophobia and hate speech have become more visible. Negative narratives and isolated incidents have created anxiety within parts of our community. These experiences are painful because they threaten the peaceful coexistence that Australia is known for. As migrants, we did not come here seeking division. We came for peace, unity and opportunity. We want Australia to remain the safe and harmonious country that inspired us to move here.
Ramadan in Australia is a unique and beautiful experience. Markets and shopping centres often decorate their spaces with crescent moons and warm lights. In many large malls, Ramadan Kareem and Ramadan Mubarak signs are displayed proudly. These gestures may seem small, but for Muslim families they carry deep meaning. They represent recognition, belonging and inclusion.
In previous years, Ramadan nights felt vibrant and joyful. Mosques were filled with worshippers. Families gathered for iftar. Children ran excitedly through mosque courtyards as the community came together in prayer and reflection. The atmosphere was rich with spirituality and connection.
This year, fear entered that space. A recent violent incident in the Maryland area left families shaken, with injuries reported and a tragic loss of life. News like this spreads quickly through tight knit communities. Many Muslim mothers began to feel anxious about sending their children to the mosque. A place that should feel sacred and safe suddenly felt uncertain. It was heartbreaking.
Yet even in that moment of worry, there were reminders of hope. Walking through a shopping centre and seeing Ramadan decorations shining brightly, reading inclusive public messages, I felt relief. It reminded me that while hate exists, it does not define the majority. Many Australians stand for unity, respect and coexistence.
Ramadan is not only a month of fasting. It is a time of self improvement, compassion, patience and generosity. It encourages us to purify our hearts and strengthen our connection with both God and humanity. As Australian Muslims, we have a responsibility to respond to fear not with isolation, but with positive action.
We can engage with our neighbours, invite friends to iftar, participate in community events and share the true values of Islam, mercy, kindness and justice. In doing so, we strengthen Australia’s social fabric rather than allowing division to weaken it. We are proud to be Aussie Muslims. We contribute to society as professionals, mothers, students, volunteers and community leaders. Our faith teaches us to be productive citizens and to stand for peace and fairness.
Australia gave my family the opportunity to dream again. It gave us safety, education and hope for our children’s future. Despite challenges, I still believe deeply in the core values of this country, fairness, diversity and resilience. Ramadan reminds us that after hardship comes ease, and after darkness comes light.
Let us work together, Muslims and non Muslims alike, to ensure that Australia remains a place where every person feels safe, valued and respected. Let us protect the multicultural harmony that makes this country so special. Long live Australia’s spirit of unity.
– Shafaq Jaffery
Shafaq Jaffery
Shafaq Jaffery is a powerhouse of passion and purpose. As President of the Aus-Pak Women Association (APWA), she champions survivors of domestic violence and founded APWA Safe Heaven, a shelter providing safety and dignity to women in need. She's also an accomplished author, journalist, column writer, radio and TV presenter, and YouTube blogger. Her book, Circle of Sorrow, is a testament to her dedication to women's empowerment.
