Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 23, 2020
The Wellington-based Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) has announced that the Eid Moon was sighted this evening and hence tomorrow, Sunday, May 24, 2020, will be the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
Covid-19 subdues festivities
Celebrations this year will be subdued in most parts of the world because of the Covid-19 lockdown restriction still in force.
New Zealand has moved down in its alert level, but restrictions are in place for large gatherings.
However, Muslims will be able to get together in groups of ten persons each at Mosques but maintain the two-meter distance between groups.
The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) has issued an advisory on Eid Prayers and the rules to be observed.
The Holy Month of Ramadan is one of the most important and interesting periods in the Islamic Calendar. In many parts of the Islamic world, Muslims turn day into night and night into day during this period. This is a time to realise the pinch of hunger and thirst, suffering and poverty and the pleasure of sharing and giving.
Peace and Harmony
Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is an occasion for Muslims to greet people of all faiths and pledge to work with them for a world that is assured of peace, harmony, progress, and prosperity.
We are confident that New Zealander Muslims will continue to preach and practice tolerance, respect other religions and most important of all, have a true sense of belonging to the country and its people. And this year, they will observe the rules in force, as they have always done.
We extend our sincere greetings to our advertisers, readers and well-wishers in New Zealand and rest of the world on the occasion of the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan followed by Eid Al Fitr.
