Venkat Raman
Until a few years ago, the Holy Month of Ramadan and Iftar were confined to the Muslim community in New Zealand.
Muslims would gather at Mosques and Islamic Centres at dusk to pray and break their daylong fast, greet each other and go home to spend time with their families until the early hours of the morning. They would abstain from all pleasures of life, teach their children the qualities of being a good Muslim and promote togetherness.
Love and Piety all round
Ramadan is truly a Holy Month with every Muslim reading a few verses of the Holy Quran and initiating their children and grandchildren into the ancient scripture that was delivered by Almighty Allah to Prophet Mohammed.
Most Muslims defer their travel plans to spend the Holy Month of Ramadan along with their families and friends in the city of their residence. Except in circumstances that are beyond their control, businesses do not commence new ventures or take major decisions during this Month.
Ramadan is, therefore, a quiet month during which Muslims strictly adhere to the teachings of the Holy Quran, realise the pain of hunger and feed the poor and the needy. They are also recommended to offer charity (Zakat).
Ending Ramadan Fast
Iftar is performed after Maghrib (evening prayer) at sunset.
Traditionally but not mandatorily, three dates are eaten to break the fast, in emulation of Prophet Mohammed. Many Muslims believe that feeding someone at Iftar as a form of charity is rewarding and that it was practiced by the Prophet.
Congregational prayers follow Iftar. After the prayer, people assemble again for a chat over a cup of tea or qahwa. This provides light refreshment to guests and an opportunity to the host to prepare and serve dinner.
Another important and highly valued tradition associated with Iftar is Rusm-e-Roza Kushai, an event for young children. Special arrangements are made for children fasting for the first time in their life.
Ramadan 2019 difference
With the rise in the Muslim population, New Zealanders have begun to understand and respect the tenets of Islam and the meaning and purpose of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Iftar over the past few years has become an interfaith, intercultural event with a rising number of Non-Muslim participating in Iftar prayers.
Ramadan 2019 has been markedly different. The Christchurch massacre on March 15, 2019, which left 51 Muslims dead with an equal number injured, has had an impact on people across the world, but New Zealanders were the worst affected.
Known for their compassion and friendship, New Zealanders have drawn closer to their Muslim brothers, sisters and children, and this was evident during Ramadan this year.
Every Iftar prayer saw the congregation of men and women of various other faiths, with many government departments and private organisations conducting Iftar evenings.
Among them were Labour MP and Undersecretary to Ethnic Communities Minister Michael Wood, the New Zealand Police, a Gurdwara in Wellington, Telangana Association of New Zealand, Pearls of the Islands Foundation Auckland (mainly the Turkish Community) and many others throughout the country.
Telangana Association of New Zealand
Telangana Association of New Zealand hosted its annual Iftar gathering at Paradise Restaurant in Sandringham, Auckland on Friday, May 25, 2019.
A cross-section of the community, accounting for 200 people attended the event, which began with prayers and the traditional breaking of fast.
Among those representing TANZ were President Narendra Reddy Patlola, Immediate Past President Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, Vice-President Dayanand Katakam, Narsing Patlori, Prasanna Kumar Mekala, Karthik Chitneni, Kiran Reddy, Saya Reddy Musuku and several members.
Ekta New Zealand
Ekta New Zealand, a Wellington based community welfare organisation, participated in Iftar
Ekta will join in the breaking of the fast with Muslim members of the community in the Kenmore Road Mosque, Newlands on 25 May, the Batchelor Road Mosque in Newlands on May 26 and is looking forward to the gathering at the Kilbirnie Mosque on June 1, 2019.
Ekta Project Leader Farisha Begg said it is customary for communities to have iftar together. “In addition to the breaking of the fast, it helps to strengthen the bonding amongst the people who share food. Ekta volunteers had helped at the Vigil organised in Wellington after the March 15, 2019, Christchurch massacre and in the human chain around the Kilbirnie Mosque in March,” she said.
National List MP Brett Hudson, a stronger supporter of Ethnic Communities in Wellington, said that developing a greater understanding among people is now even more critical.
“We must foster this kindred spirit both by the communities and the local and national governments. Everyone has the responsibility in ensuring that diversity does not stand alone but is coupled with inclusiveness,” he said.
