An Aus-Lankan Ramadan in Queensland – By Hannah and Leylah Zubair
Source : Dæhæna – February 2026
As Ramadan approaches each year, a familiar feeling settles into our home. For our family, this feeling can only be described as a new beginning
Long before our fasting begins, we observe the gradual transformation of our house through deep cleaning and lunar-themed décor. Calendars and Duas (supplications) appear on the fridge to give structure to our days, helping us organise the rest of our lives around the upcoming month’s spiritual rhythm. Inside the home, a dedicated prayer space is set up to encourage congregational worship throughout the holy month.
The kitchen becomes a flurry of activity as our parents involve us in preparing our favourite Sri Lankan short eats (cutlets, samosas, and patties, oh my!). This involvement teaches us to see food not just as
nourishment, but as a meaningful connection to our heritage and roots. As children (and admittedly, still to this day), nothing thrilled us more than our family’s Ramadan advent calendar. Opening the small doors to reveal a treat made fasting feel achievable and exciting.
All these small acts immerse us fully in the Ramadan experience, solidifying family and community traditions for years to come .
Beyond our home, the Sri Lankan community places strong emphasis on collective involvement through the preparation of shared iftars (break-fast at sunset), strengthening a sense of belonging for young and old alike. We are each given roles, setting the table, arranging dates and water and other small responsibilities that help everyone feel part of something bigger.
Charity and understanding, however, remain the central focus of the month. Fasting daily heightens our awareness of hunger, naturally cultivating empathy for those in need. Our parents model this awareness beautifully through frequent donations, food parcels, contributions to community iftars, and support for both local and global families.
These acts of kindness remind us that generosity cannot be measured by amount, but by sincerity. This collective giving strengthens our bonds with one another across the greater Aus-Lankan community. Every gesture, great or small, carries immense meaning.
As the month draws to a close, anticipation shifts toward Eid alFitr. After several weeks dedicated to simplicity and spiritual focus, the celebrations feel especially exciting. Spending time with the broader community, sharing large meals, and wearing new, extravagant outfits saved for special occasions all feel particularly rewarding after a month of reflection and restraint.
In our family, an Eid tree sits proudly in our home, with presents collecting underneath. These gifts are shared on Eid day, particularly with younger children, encouraging them to embrace fasting
with joy and excitement rather than obligation.
Each year, Ramadan feels slightly different as its timing shifts with the lunar calendar, this year commencing early, offering new insights and fresh reflections in 2026. However, the essence of Ramadan remains constant; connection, gratitude, and community, cherished deeply by Sri Lankan families across Brisbane, Gold Coast and the wider Sri Lankan Muslim community in Queensland.
Hannah and Leylah Zubair
Hannah and Leylah Zubair are undergraduate students sharing secondgeneration reflections on Ramadan shaped by faith, service and community
