Sharing Dates in Solidarity for Ramadan
18 February 2026
Sharing Dates in Solidarity This Ramadan
As Ramadan begins this Thursday evening, we are honoured to mark the holy month by sharing dates with the people we accompany.
Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims around the world. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. From sunrise to sunset, those observing refrain from food and drink, cultivating patience, spiritual renewal and compassion for others.
Each evening at sunset, many Muslims break their fast (iftar) with dates.
This simple yet deeply meaningful tradition symbolises nourishment, gratitude and faith. After a long day of fasting, a single date offers both physical restoration and a moment of spiritual reflection.
In this spirit, JRS Australia has been distributing dates to clients observing Ramadan as a small gesture of respect and solidarity.
For many people seeking safety and rebuilding their lives in Australia, maintaining cultural and religious traditions is an important source of strength, dignity and connection.
“Sharing dates is a simple act,” said Tamana Mirzada, our Employment Program Manager. “But it is one that acknowledges the significance of this season and honours the faith and resilience of our community.”
Tamana also wrote a short excerpt about the significance of dates for Ramadan, which was included in each box of dates.
Partners in welcome
We want to say a big thank you to our generous friends at the Parramatta Rice Club – a community group within the Diocese of Parramatta – for sponsoring this initiative and extending a warm welcome to refugees and people seeking asylum here in Western Sydney.
Through simple acts of kindness like this, we are reminded that building a more compassionate and welcoming community begins with walking alongside one another: in solidarity, and in friendship.
The Significance of Dates during Ramadan
As Muslims around the world prepare for the holy month Ramadan, they fast from sunrise to sunset. During this period, Muslims refrain from food and drink during daylight hours for 29-30 days to practise patience and develop compassion and understanding for others.
At the end of each day, many Muslims break their fast (iftar) by eating dates, followed by a fuller meal after the Maghrib (Evening prayer).
But what does breaking the fast mean, and why are dates so important?
Breaking the fast means ending a period of fasting, and many Muslims choose dates to mark this moment. Dates have a significant connection to the month of Ramadan, with strong ties to Islamic scripture and traditions. This makes the practice both practical and symbolic.
Dates are known for their many benefits and help restore energy after a long day of fasting. Their natural sweetness and essential nutrients offer a gentle way to regain strength and welcome the evening with spirituality and gratitude.
For many, breaking the fast with dates is a simple yet meaningful tradition. After a day of abstaining from food and water, eating a single date can bring a deep sense of appreciation for nourishment and the blessings of the month.
We wish all those observing a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.
