To commemorate the Eid ul – Fitr festival on the completion of the holy month of Ramadan, the New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA) held a reception on Saturday 16 July 2016. This was held at the Western Springs garden community hall, 956, Great North Road, Auckland from 6.30pm.
Ramadan 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.
For Muslims, 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.
It is obligatory for all fit and healthy Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk during this blessed month. In NZ, Eid was celebrated on Wednesday 6 July 2016.
Ikhlaq Kashkari, President of NZMA stressed how the Muslims of NZ can play an important, positive role in our society. By integrating into wider society through successful careers as doctors, engineers, scientists, academics, business leaders, lawyers and politicians; we can keep our faith at the forefront of our service to the community.
He also said, “as NZ’s first and largest Islamic association we are dedicated to serve the community and 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.”
NZMA will continue to work with its national organisation, FIANZ which is playing a vital role in building trust and understanding within NZ and globally. President Kashkari thanked the distinguished guests of Parliament, Auckland councillors, Police, Human Rights Commission, Interfaith and other leaders of communities and committee members for organising a splendid event. He wished everyone for a continued partnership to help build a better and prosperous Auckland and NZ for all of us.