RMIT’s inclusive community on show during Eid-al-Adha celebrations

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RMIT’s inclusive community on show during Eid-al-Adha celebrations

Staff and students of all faiths came together for the Eid Street Festival. Read about the highlights here.

RMIT embraced Eid-al-Adha last week, celebrating RUSU Islamic Society’s Eid Street Festival, a vibrant and fun-filled event at Bowen Street, at the City campus.

Staff and students came together under the winter sun to enjoy food trucks with cheap and delicious food, activities and games with free giveaways, performances, guest speakers, DJs, and a range of stalls.

Also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice”, Eid-al-Adha is one of the most important holidays celebrated in Islam. Part of its significance lies in the importance of community and valuing all that we care about.

Ayana Lokhandwala, president of the RUSU Islamic Society, welcomed attendees with warm tea and baclava, and explained the meaning behind Eid-al-Adha.

“Eid commemorates the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim, so during Eid we acknowledge this sacrifice in order to strengthen our faith and belief.”

“If we think about sacrifice, it means giving away something we care about and value."

"During Eid, that means being mindful of the value of the life of an animal.”

“By sharing a meal that includes meat with our family, friends and the needy, we’re reminded to appreciate and value all that we care about.”

Ayana said the Eid Street Fest was a great expression of the core Islamic values of compassion and community.

Vice-Chancellor and President - Alec Cameron, Ayana Lockhandwala - president of the RUSU Islamic Society and RUSU President – Adam Steiner

Alec Cameron - RMIT's Vice-Chancellor and President, Ayana Lockhandwala - President of the RUSU Islamic Society and Adam Steiner - President of RUSU.

“Today is an opportunity for people to join in on the happiness and celebration of the Muslim community.”

“It’s lovely to see all the stalls, all the food, so many people coming through and getting involved. Seeing the Vice-Chancellor, Alec, here, it’s really humbling.”

RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Alec Cameron, delivered a welcome address which included a special announcement about RMIT’s new Multi-Faith Centre.

In his address, Alec noted the important role that faith and faith-based practice plays in the inclusion and wellbeing of many in the RMIT community. He noted the central role the Multi-Faith Centre will play in this.

“It will be a place of connection and knowledge sharing, bringing together a number of groups and members of the RMIT faith-based student community under one roof in a purpose-built, multi-storey building.”

RUSU union council staff pictured with RMIT’s Multi-Faith Centre plans

RUSU union council staff pictured with RMIT’s Multi-Faith Centre plans. Photo credit: RUSU - RMIT University Student Union

The Centre is being made possible through support from Victorian Government. It’s currently under construction in the north of the CBD, with construction due to be completed later in 2022.

Speaking from the Eid Street Festival, Ayana shared the sense of belonging she and her peers felt, as a highlight from the day.

“I feel really thankful, and like I belong here. So does my community. It shows that RMIT really cares for us. Our university is showing us love, care, and support, which is what matters to us the most.”

About RUSU’s Islamic Student Society

Society member, Abel (Abdullah) Taksim and RMIT Psychology student tells us what drew him to the Islamic society.

Why did you join the Islamic society at RMIT?

Religion is really important to me. It informs my morals, my ethics and me as an individual. When I found out that there was somewhere I could meet like-minded individuals, I joined immediately.

What are the highlights of being a member?

The biggest highlight is the community. Everyone’s very welcoming and I felt like I belonged here. It made the transition from high school to university much easier as well.

We meet up and talk about our religion. We’ve also gone to the snowy mountains, had rooftop barbeques.

Whatever we do, it all centers around building our community and making sure everyone feels close and connected, because that’s a core principle of Islam.

What would you say to other students thinking of joining the society?

Feel free to join! Just because we’re a religious society doesn’t mean we’re not open to everyone. At the end of the day, we want everyone to be happy, welcomed and comfortable and that’s what the Islamic Society is all about.

six students at RMIT’s inclusive community on show during Eid-al-Adha celebrations smiling

Students enjoying the RUSU Islamic Society’s Eid Street Festival celebrations. Photo credit: RUSU - RMIT University Student Union

Find out more about the Islamic Society, and more student clubs and societies, at RMIT’s Clubs Day celebrations. Three days of fun, festivities and freebies across Brunswick, Bundoora and City campuses.

student at Eid al Adha celebrations smiling

Discover more clubs and societies

Hear about more student clubs and societies at RMIT’s Clubs Day celebrations. Three days of fun, festivities and freebies across Brunswick, Bundoora and City campuses.

Discover more at RMIT Clubs Day

18 July 2022

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