Happy Eid-Ul-Fitr to our Muslim community in Auckland. This is such a colourful time of year in our city and really showcases not only our diversity but also things we share in common.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!I’m sure as the fast is broken we are able to reflect on a month of great spiritual connection, peace and tranquillity for the many members of our community that practice Islam.
Families across not only Auckland but also the world will be coming together to celebrate, apply traditional Mehendi and eat incredibly tasty, sweet delicacies such as Sivaiyan Kheer. I love the fact that at this time of year it is usual for people of other faiths to visit Muslim friends and convey Eid greetings. This is something I plan to do.
I still have fond memories of being at Eden Park last year with Mayor Phil Goff to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr. Around 12,000 people attended the day to pray, kids enjoyed fairground rides and everyone ate delicious food. It was a beautiful thing to be part of such a joyous occasion.
Because of Omicron any celebrations are likely to be lower key in Auckland this year, I know however this will not stop people celebrating this all important day.
The month long fasting which many of the Islamic faith have just undertaken is a huge mark of respect to those who are suffering and not so fortunate and may not have the means to eat.
Many Muslims across Auckland and New Zealand have been waking long before sunrise so they can eat (Suhoor) and take part in a special prayer during Ramadan (Taraweeh).
Because the moon was sighted on 1 April, the holy month of Ramadan began on 4 April and therefore Eid will be held on 2 May this year.
Since I started as a Labour List MP based in Auckland Central, I have really enjoyed connecting with people of all sorts of different faiths, such is the multicultural nature of our area. Earlier this year it was a real privilege to be welcomed to the Ponsonby Mosque. It was fantastic to be shown the architecture and hear the history of what is one of New Zealand’s oldest mosques.
It was a real insight to hear from Ikhlaq Kashkari of NZMA and also Aliya Danzeisen of IWCNZ who spoke to me with great passion about their community. I look forward to building on these great relationships. Also, the shared Samosas and Biryani were delicious I have to say.
So once again, Happy Eid or Eid Mubarak and I hope friends, families and neighbours across Auckland and New Zealand get to spend some quality time together. – Opinion Piece by Helen White, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central