The New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA) hosted a Eid reception with the community leaders on Sunday 16 July 2017 at Western Springs garden community hall, 956, Great North Road, Auckland at 6.30pm.
NZMA is pleased to host this event to celebrate Eid festival with various community leaders and help build positive networks and build bridges within our communities.
Ramadan, the month of fasting is a significant event in the Islamic Calendar; it is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. It is in this blessed month, the holy Quran was revealed by Allah (God) to Prophet Muhammad, PBUH. Ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build bridges in the community, and help those in need. It is also a month of giving to ensure the less fortunate are cared for.
In New Zealand, Eid was celebrated on Monday 26 June 2017. However NZMA has taken this opportunity to be inclusive and enjoy Eid festival with community leaders to network and build positive bridges with the wider community.
Ikhlaq Kashkari, President of NZMA was overjoyed with the response and thanked his committee for the hard work behind the scenes to make this event a success. Some of guests attended were: Sheik Amir, Religious adviser, Rakesh Naidoo, Human Rights commission, Ruth Cleaver, Interfaith Council, Jacinda Arden, Deputy Leader & Michael Woods, Labour MP’s, Melissa Lee & Dr. Parmjeet Parmar, National MP’s, Anne Degia-Pala, NZ First candidate, Eugene Sage, Green party, Rob Stanton, NZ Police. President Kashkari thanked the distinguished guests.
He also said, “NZMA was established in 1950, it is NZ’s first and largest Islamic organisation and was the founding member of FIANZ. We are dedicated to serving our community and we will continue to work hard to build better relationships and understanding between our community and the wider NZ society, so we can build a better tomorrow for all of us.”
Imam Shaakir Ismail, Imam of Avondale Islamic Centre have powerful concluding address on values of Islamic principles quoted by world leaders and scholars.