Afternoon Tea in Support of the Queensland Muslim Community

It is a great pleasure for Kaye and me to welcome representatives of the Muslim community in Queensland to Government House today.

This event follows upon previous Governors’ involvement with our Muslim fellow citizens, though this may be the first time our unity is demonstrated at Government House itself, and Kaye and I are grateful to you all for making this possible, and at an increasingly significant time.

The beginning of the month of Ramadan is but a few days away.

Ramadan is a very special time during which all Muslims who are not specifically exempted fast during daylight hours. This obligation is, I know, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The demonstration of self-discipline serves to encourage spiritual reflection among believers. It encourages them to practice patience, to be compassionate, to be generous, and to be charitable to those in the community less fortunate than themselves.

It is a special time for families, friends and neighbours too, as the breaking of the fast and evening prayers bring people closer together and strengthen community ties.  

I am also told by Queenslanders who have spent time in predominantly Muslim countries during Ramadan that night becomes day, and that it is commonplace for people to do their shopping at two in the morning for the entire month!

Our pre-Ramadan gathering at Government House this afternoon also gives me an opportunity to highlight the contributions made by the Muslim community to our State – in many, many fields. 

These include in many business sectors, in various levels of government, as health professionals, as educators, as raisers of families, in the field of sport, and in generosity within the broader Queensland community.  

I make special mention, as a prominent example, of the groups of Queensland Muslims who went from place to place in Logan City earlier this year, assisting those whose lives were adversely affected by the terrible flooding caused by ex-cyclone Debbie.

Kaye and I thank all Queensland Muslims, as represented here today by you, ladies and gentlemen, for their admirable engagement with and contribution to communities all over our State.   

It is with both respect and pleasure that Kaye and I wish all Queensland Muslims ‘Ramadan Kareem’.

And, in case our paths do not cross before the end of Ramadan in late June, Kaye and I also wish you all ‘Eid Mubarak’.