Auckland Muslims invite fellow Kiwis to experience Ramadan
New Zealand’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community is once again inviting fellow Kiwis to experience Ramadan, the Muslims’ holy
month of fasting. On the evening of 26th of May, the Baitul Muqeet Mosque in Manukau will be the venue for ‘iftari’, (or
breaking of fast) event. A regular occurrence in the annual calendar of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, the evening
allows non-Muslim guests to gain familiarity with the ritual of fasting, one of the cardinal pillars of the Islamic
faith.
“The holy month of Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. While Muslims all over the world celebrate
this month by fasting and spending time in remembrance of their Creator, the rituals of fasting and the extra prayers
can be a bit of an enigma for many non Muslims. This event is our way of reaching out to fellow New Zealanders, and
provide them with an opportunity to share a unique experience with their fellow Muslim countrymen”, says Mr Bashir Khan,
the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand.
“Ramadan is so much more than merely abstaining from having food and water for a few hours. Throughout this month, the
Holy Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon him) was constantly involved in acts of charity, be it by giving alms or by
performing service to his fellow human beings”, says Imam Shafique ur Rehman, the missionary in charge of the community.
“We cannot therefore stress enough, how far the actions of a few extremist Muslims are from the true teachings of the
Quran and Prophet Muhammad. Our hope is that by holding events like this, we can raise the awareness amongst the wider
community about what true Islam really is.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889
by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in Punjab, India, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 210 countries with
membership exceeding tens of millions. Its motto of ‘Love for all and hatred for none’ is evidenced through the peaceful
actions of its millions of followers.
ENDS