Muslims have a rich history of celebrating festivals, each of which is a combination of religious and social factors and on such a score, Eid Al Fitr marks a special occasion in the Islamic calendar.
Muslims in New Zealand marked the First Day of Eid denoting the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan on September 10. Reports of festivities have come in from various parts of the country, each with a note of sympathy and compassion for the residents of Christchurch who suffered a massive earthquake almost a week earlier (see separate reports elsewhere in this issue).
More than 1000 men, women and children gathered at Masjid Al Mustafa (of the South Auckland Muslim Association) in Otahuhu for Eid Prayers, Quran recitation and lectures on the significance of Islamic teachings. Students of the Madrasah of the Masjid participated in a quiz competition, while the presence of children made it a family event in a Carnival atmosphere.
Special prayers, decoration of homes and offices with colourful lights, distribution of special food and sweets marked three days of festivities.
Said a scholar: “Islam enjoins upon us and on every individual the maintaining of a balance between spiritual life and material well being and to ensure that his or her material endeavors are underpinned by the ethical principles of Islam.
“This balance between din (religion) and dunya (world) entails not only the fulfillment of the individual’s spiritual obligation but also of the obligation to acquire knowledge and to use it for the benefit of others.”
-From a report by Affif Shah, Chairman South Auckland Muslim Association Majid Al Mustafa
