As part of our Ramadan Around The World series, we will be sharing heartwarming stories on how Ramadan is celebrated around the world. Based on the story submitted by Nadia Hafsa from Tasmania, Australia, this interview has been edited for length and clarity by Have Halal, Will Travel's editorial team.
Take a two-hour flight from Sydney and you'll find yourself in Tasmania, an island state in Australia. Famous for its scenic mountains and lush greenery, this paradise is where Nadia Hafsa and her family call home, after residing in Hobart, Tasmania for two years.
We can only imagine how beautiful it is to wake up to the sight of greenery in Australia's island state. "We start sahur at 4.30AM where we enjoy our favourite food, which is spaghetti with prawns and vegetables as well as tehari (a flavourful yellow rice dish from the Awadhi cuisine) and biryani. Then, I do some cooking, gardening and reciting the Quran for the entire day. It is winter here in Tasmania, so the days are short," Nadia shared.
"Iftar starts as early as 5.30PM and it gets earlier by the day. We usually break our fast with dates and lemonade. Then, we have chicken sandwich and steamed momo (traditional dumplings). After iftar, I do some Quran recitation followed by Taraweeh. We say our Taraweeh prayer at home but occasionally, we visit the only mosque in Hobart located on Warwick Street."
Nadia may be living away from her family in Bangladesh, but she is planning to spend this year's Ramadan with her Bangladeshi friends who live in Tasmania. "There is a large Bangladeshi community here and we get invited to various iftar parties almost every other day," she said. "Tasmania is an island state which is isolated from the rest of Australia and with strict border rules. So there are no new COVID-19 cases here since June 2020. Alhamdulillah, we are lucky to be here. We still miss our family back home who are in lockdown in Bangladesh, and wish they could be here with us to spend Ramadan and Eid."
If you're planning to visit Tasmania on your future getaways, Nadia has a few recommendations for you! However, when it comes to choosing must-see spots, it was a difficult one for Nadia. "There are so many beautiful places in Tasmania that picking only one is quite difficult. If I have to choose one, I will pick the top of Mount Wellington (The Pinnacle). This is the highest peak in Tasmania and everywhere you go, you can get a glimpse of the peak."
Credit: Kebab Rehab on Facebook
For halal food in Tasmania, Nadia knows a place you should visit on your future trip! "There are not many halal eateries here compared to other states of Australia. However, the numbers have increased in the last couple of years. Among them, I definitely recommend Kebab Rehab. The must-try dish is Snack Pack, which is a combination of kebab, chips and various sauces. The reason I picked this because it is a unique blend of Western and Middle Eastern food, which is only found in Australia!"
To travel the road less taken, Nadia recommends Nine Mile Beach. "No one usually talks about Nine Mile Beach, but this hidden gem is worth visiting since it has the longest waves I have ever seen!". If you enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture, the local market is your best bet. "Every Saturday, a large fair is organised called Salamanca Market which is full of Tasmanian local produce and handmade crafts. It has a very lively atmosphere and is a must-visit for someone looking for some culture in their trip."
Share your Ramadan Around The World stories
The diversity of the ummah truly exemplifies the beauty of Islam, and it's great to read stories from the community! If you want to share how Ramadan is celebrated in your country, fill in the form below and stand a chance to be featured!
P.S. If you can't view the form above, you can submit your story in this form!