Muslims living in various parts of the world will observe daylight fasting as the Holy Month of Ramadan commences on or about July 20, 2012.
To more than 1.5 billion people who belong to the world’s fastest growing religion, Ramadan marks a period of piety, abstinence and self-denial.
This is also a period during which every Muslim is urged to realise the plight of the poor and the needy and understand the sufferings of those who go without the basic needs of life throughout the year.
Thousands of Muslims in New Zealand would observe the tenets of the Holy Month and participate in prayers, Iftar and other Ramadan-related gatherings.
An Islamic scholar said the blessings of Ramadan were not limited to fasting because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month is also a source of great Divine favour.
“The revelation of the Holy Quran commenced during this month and it is therefore the duty of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Book and thereby gain an insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein. It brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul,” he said.
Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) President Dr Anwar Ghani greeted his fellow Muslims on the advent of Ramadan.
“Let us pray for peace and goodwill across the world and resolve to work together for the common good of the human race,” he said.
In presenting this Special Report, we wish our advertisers, contributors, readers and well-wishers Ramadan Mubarak.
