Ibrar Sheikh
Auckland, May 14, 2021
Iftar gatherings during Ramadan help understand Islamic values (FIANZ Facebook)
All praises be to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala for His infinite mercy and immeasurable blessings to all of us to celebrate this Eid together as one community in an environment which is peaceful and harmonious and free from the Covid issues.
Alhamdullilah. Eid is a “Thanksgiving Day,” a day of remembrance, a day of celebration of successful graduation for attaining greater piety and most importantly, a day for thanking Allah Azza Wa Jal for His infinite favour on us.
Sincerity and Piety
On behalf of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Eid Mubarak.
We devoted with sincerity, dedication and above all, piousness, to observe fasting in the month of Ramadan. It has strengthened our faith and gave us the much-needed impetus to perform more good deeds and fulfil our social responsibilities at the same time be thankful to Allah Azza Wa Jall.
I was very pleased to note that during the month of Ramadan, a number of our Affiliate Associations and others elsewhere held Iftar functions for our friends in the Interfaith groups. This augurs very well. Our community has clearly demonstrated the spirit of friendship and sharing which will certainly strengthen our bonding and social cohesiveness.
Charity and Compassion
Our acts of charity and compassion should go beyond the holy month of Ramadan.
This is the true Islamic spirit of Islam by which we radiate blessings to all humanity.
Eid Al Fitr is an occasion to offer our gratitude to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala for bestowing His blessings on us and to seek forgiveness from Him. It is also an auspicious day for us to strengthen our bonds and forgive the shortcomings of our family members and friends.
Let us use the occasion of Eid to spread peace, compassion and friendship to our relatives, neighbours and friends.
I urge New Zealander Muslims to invite their neighbours and friends to share this joyous occasion and cultivate better understanding with wider community about Muslims and Islam.
Peace and Tranquillity
In New Zealand, Muslims will celebrate the festival of Eid Al Fitr with family and friends in the climate of peace and tranquillity.
Let us remember in our prayers the 51 shaheeds of the 2019 Christchurch incident and those people who are facing continuing threat of the deadly Covid virus, natural disasters, economic, political and social hardships.
Let us use our triumph of Ramadan to strengthen our resolve to be good example of a united community that steadfastly upholds the Islamic faith, yet is progressive, adaptive and inclusive.
Let us seek Allah Azza Wa Jall to guide us on the right path, the path of peace and brotherhood. A’ameen.
Eid Mubarak! Kullu A’am Wa Antum Bi Khair.
Ibrar Sheikh is President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FINAZ), a registered religious organisation with its headquarters in Wellington. He lives in Auckland. The above story has been sponsored by
