Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 26, 2017
The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) has determined that since the New Moon was not sighted tonight ending the Islamic Month of Sha’ban, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan would be on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
A notification just received from FIAZ cited the Halal Committee as saying that the last day of Sha’ban will be tomorrow, Saturday, May 27, 2017.
“The Halal Committee of FIANZ extends its best wishes to all members of our community. May the coming days bring us spiritual upliftment, peace and tranquility, unity, prosperity and the infinite blessings Allah Azza Wa Jall. A’ameen,” Committee Chairman Sheikh Mohammad Amir said.
Indian Newslink Staff Reporter adds:
The Holy Month reminds Muslims of their duties towards the Almighty Allah, towards their family, the community, the country and most important of all, to themselves.
Dawn-to-Dusk Fasting
While Islamic countries impose a ‘dawn-to-dusk’ ban on eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the Holy Month of Ramadan (in fact, all restaurants, take-away outlets and others are closed during daylight hours throughout the month in the Islamic world), no such proscription exists in non-Muslim countries such as New Zealand.
“Which is why,” says a senior member of the community, “the responsibility rests more on the individual to observe the tenets of Islam. It may appear tough to abstain from eating, drinking and smoking when those around you do so but that is precisely the spirit of Ramadan-to ward off temptation and abstain.”
Endurance test
It is interesting to note that like all other Muslim observances, the Holy Month of Ramadan also advances each year by about ten days. Fasting in the countries of the Arab Gulf, when Ramadan occurs during summer (June to September) could be extremely tough (as it would be this year). It is indeed a test of endurance-the days are longer, extending the hours of fasting.
Indian Newslink extends its Ramadan Mubarak Greetings to all Muslims and wishes them well during the Holy Month.
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