Aucklanders experience the opening of Fast ‘Iftari’

Aucklanders experience the opening of Fast ‘Iftari’ with fellow Muslims

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community opened their doors at the largest purpose built mosque, Bai’tul Muqeet in Manukau to friends and Aucklanders to partake in the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadhan on Saturday night.

“This is part of our vision of inclusiveness; to share our practices and festivities with our neighbours, friends and well-wishers of our community” said Mr. Iqbal Mohammed, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand.

Guests from many different ethnicities and faiths converged at the Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Wiri, Manukau on Saturday afternoon to experience ‘Iftari’ with Muslims friends. For many this was a unique and pleasant experience. Guests opened fast at sunset and then watched those who performed the evening ‘Maghrib’ prayer before settling for a sumptuous dinner that evening.

National Party list MP, Hon. Dr. Parmjeet Parmar in her brief address at the event stated that Auckland was a city of diverse cultures with over 200 ethnicities now living in Auckland. She congratulated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for sharing their beliefs and educating the public of their practices through love and mutual respect.

Father Kevin Toomey, OP, a Dominican Priest representing The Peace Place congratulated the Ahmadiyya Community for sharing this blessing and said that fasting was not only prescribed to Muslims but to other religions, including Christianity except that Muslims have practiced it better than most.

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 206 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The New Zealand branch of this community was established in 1987 and has just over 400 members. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavours to be an active and integrated community within New Zealand society.

ENDS

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