I extend my warmest greetings to every one of you on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.
Eid Mubarak, Kullo Aamin Wa-Antum Be-Khair, Eid Wanaagsan, Salamat Hari Raya and Zahir Batin Maaf.
May Allah accept all our fasts, salaat, charity and good deeds conducted during the blessed month of Ramadan and reward us generously.
I am sure that in our own ways, we have been able to improve our spirituality (Taqwa), tolerance, love and unity.
I pray Allah to increase these qualities among us.
The culmination of a month of fasting when Muslims abstained from all luxuries during the day, as well as the increased prayers and steadfastness, point to a belief and surrender of oneself to Almighty, the Creator.
Time to reflect
As the national organisation of Muslims, this is also a time of reflection for the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ).
What have we accomplished in the year? What are our new actions to ensure that our community remains united and continues to progress at a faster rate compared to what it has recorded in the last 33 years?
The focus of FIANZ and all the Muslim organisations in New Zealand has to be on the next generation.
We need to encourage our youth, engage with them and guide them so that they can become valued citizens of this country by contributing to its progress and at the same time remain ambassadors of Islam to the wider community.
We have an opportunity to create strong connectedness with people of different socio-cultural backgrounds. A useful starting point will be to cultivate the spirit of good neighbourliness.
Awareness of Islam
The Islam Awareness Week (IAW) will begin on August 27, 2012. This annual event will open doors to all New Zealanders to appreciate our religious and social beliefs.
As always, I would like to see all Islamic Centres and Associations actively participating in this event.
‘Islam and the Environment: Our Rights and Responsibilities’ will be the theme this year.
Let us all present our good wishes and sincere Eid Al Fitr greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world and in particular to those continually affected by war and those displaced within their own countries because of internal conflicts.
Our thoughts are also with all the less fortunate Muslims in other parts of the world facing economic and political difficulties.
May Allah alleviate their sufferings and reward them with lasting peace and prosperity.
On behalf of FIANZ Executives, the Council and staff, I extend a very hearty Eid Mubarak to everyone. Let us all enjoy the festival of Eid by thanking Allah for His favours and bounties.
May Allah make us among the righteous people and grant us success in this world and hereafter.
