Hazim Arafeh –
Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatoh
(Peace and Blessings Be Upon All of You).
On this occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, I wish to express my heartiest Ramadan Kareem Mubarak to the Muslim community in New Zealand.
As we prepare to welcome the Holy Month, we thank and praise Allah Almighty for blessing us with many things and offering us yet another opportunity to fast in this blessed month, perform pious deeds and to receive more of His Mercy and Bounty.
For Muslims all over the world, the Holy Month of Ramadan is of very special importance. It is observed throughout the world with all sanctity and reverence that it demands.
Positive Month
Ramadan is not only a time for worship, reflection and brotherhood, but also one that should encourage us to have care and compassion; inculcating patience, perseverance and everything good – all positive qualities that will, Insha Allah, transform ourselves, our families and our communities to be better.
Since its inception, the Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand (FIANZ), as an umbrella organisation for the Muslim community in New Zealand, has grown from strength to strength.
FIANZ is unique in its multi-faceted responsibilities.
It also forms an integral part of New Zealand’s multi-million-dollar Halal meat export trade vital to New Zealand’s primary production export industry.
FIANZ objectives
Among the objectives of FIANZ is to establish and maintain the highest standard of Islamic practice in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah (The Traditions of Prophet Muhammad) (Peace Be Upon Him) and to undertake Da’wah (outreach and dialogue), education, welfare and other Islamic activities.
Hazim Arafeh is President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.
