Venkat Raman
Counties Manukau District Police (Auckland) scored a first for the New Zealand Police on June 7, 2018 by hosting Iftar Prayer followed by Dinner at its Headquarters in Manukau.
Organised by Sergeant Gurpreet Arora and Constable Satvir Sen, the event, compered by Western Area Commander Inspector Nyla Hassan, was attended by more than 150 men and women, primarily representing the Muslim community in South Auckland, where a $15 million complex of the Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand (FIANZ) is to be built.
Peaceful People
Speaking on the occasion, Counties Manukau Police District Commander Superintendent Jill Rogers paid tributes to the Muslim community, saying that Muslims are among the most law-abiding, tolerant and quiet people.
“We are honoured to host this Iftar Prayer and Dinner for our Muslim people who are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan. We work closely with all communities and look to expand diversity within our Police force. We are proud to have Muslim men and women in our District,” she said.
Among the other speakers at the Iftar event were Human Rights Commission Race Relations Advisor Rakesh Naidoo and this Reporter.
Imam Al Haji Molvi Abdul Shafeez of Masjid Al Mustafa of the South Auckland Muslim Association initiated the Iftar Prayer and recited excerpts from the Holy Quran.
The spirit of Ramadan
Most Muslims fast during daylight hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The fast is broken at sunset each night with a large meal called Iftar.
Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them.
Iftar is an opportunity for non-Muslims to get to know their Muslim neighbours.
In many countries, people of other faiths host their Muslim neighbours for Iftar meals.
The simple gesture of sharing a meal builds solidarity and understanding between people of different faiths.
Muslims in New Zealand
The number of Muslims in New Zealand is about 52,000, up 28% from 36,072 in the 2006.
New Zealand now has a number of Mosques in the major centres, and two Islamic schools (Al Madinah and Zayed College for Girls).
New Zealand Muslims are ethnically diverse, tracing their origins to more than 50 countries, including many second and third generation, New Zealand born Muslims, Maori and Pakeha.
The community is small compared to other Western nations such as the US, France, Britain, and Germany. Like all early populations in New Zealand, the Muslim community comprised entirely of immigrants.
Muslims today are successful lawyers, barristers, solicitors, accountants, consultants, manufacturers, traders, shippers, medical practitioners, media executives and other professionals. Among them are also writers, scholars, and a parliamentarian.
Muslim women are active in various professions and speak out on issues of concern to the community and the country
Photo Caption:
- District Commander Superintendent Jill Rogers with guests at the Counties Manukau Iftar Party
- Imam Al Haji Molvi Abdul Shafeez leading the Iftar Prayer at Counties Manukau Police Iftar Party
- Sergeant Gurpreet Arora speaking at the event (to the far left is Constable Satvir Sen)
(Pictures Supplied)
