In the serene lands of Ramadan in New Zealand, Muslims eagerly turn their gaze to the night sky, seeking the gentle crescent that heralds the arrival of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting and reflection.
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A Challenging Prelude
Though traditionally a time of joy, this year’s lead-up to Ramadan has been shadowed by global turmoil. For many Muslims worldwide, particularly those connected to Gaza, the festivities are bittersweet. In this strife-ridden region, bombs continue to shatter the calm, claiming countless lives and displacing millions.
A Time of Sacrifice and Solidarity
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of sacrifice, fasting, prayers, and introspection. It holds unparalleled significance for Muslims, who observe daily fasting from sunrise to sunset until the sighting of the crescent moon, symbolizing the joyous Eid ul Fitr festival.
The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) revealed to the Herald that the moon’s sighting is anticipated on Monday, marking the culmination of the lunar month Sha’ban, just before Ramadan.
Personal Struggles Amidst Global Crisis
Mustafa Derbashi, a corrections officer hailing from Hebron in the West Bank, now residing in New Zealand, faces a heartbreaking Ramadan. With relatives lost in Gaza and others unaccounted for, the ongoing war amplifies the pain.
Derbashi shares, “This is one of the toughest Ramadans for me, especially with what’s happening in Gaza. Watching the catastrophe unfold from the outside has been painful, and sometimes I feel just so helpless.”
A Call for Generosity and Solidarity
In the spirit of Ramadan, Derbashi calls on Kiwis, especially Muslims, to extend their generosity to charities aiding Gaza. “Giving to charity is one of the pillars of Islam, and we are urged to be especially generous during Ramadan,” he emphasizes.
Spiritual Significance
Muslims believe Ramadan in New Zealand commemorates the revelation of the first Quranic verses to Prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago. The fasting, abstaining from food, water, smoking, and intimacy during daylight, serves to cultivate “taqwa” or consciousness of God.
Profound Reflections
Edwina Pio, Professor Emeritus of diversity, underlines the multifaceted nature of Ramadan, intertwining historical context, locality, and community relationships. She states, “Ramadan is a time to reinforce spiritual sincerity, faithful submission, and existential gratefulness in the choices we make in our daily life.”
Guiding the Faithful Ramadan in New Zealand
Sheikh Mohammed Amir, chairman of FIANZ Hilal (moon-sighting committee), assures that once the moon sighting is confirmed, announcements will swiftly reach the community through the federation’s website, social media, and circulars to local associations and Pacific neighbors.
As the faithful await the moon’s unveiling, this Ramadan in New Zealand stands as a poignant reminder of hope amidst global challenges, a testament to the resilience and unity that defines the spirit of this sacred month.
When is the moon sighting for Ramadan expected in New Zealand?
A: The moon sighting for Ramadan in New Zealand is anticipated on Monday, marking the end of the lunar month Sha’ban.
How are local Muslims Ramadan in New Zealand contributing to the relief efforts in Gaza during Ramadan?
A: Local Muslims, like corrections officer Mustafa Derbashi, are urging fellow Kiwis, especially Muslims, to be generous and support charities aiding the people of Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan.
How is the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) guiding the community during Ramadan?
A: Sheikh Mohammed Amir, chairman of FIANZ Hilal (moon-sighting committee), assures that once the moon sighting is confirmed, timely announcements will be made through the federation’s website, social media, and circulars to local associations and Pacific neighbors.
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