Radio Tarana will commence a series of programmes to commemorate The Holy Month of Ramadan, one of the most significant periods of the year for Muslims the world over.
The three-hour long programme is only one of its type in New Zealand, which is free of commercials, to reinstate the solemnity of the Holy Month and allow for piety, lecturers, questions and answers and public discussions.
Managing director Robert Khan said the programmes would be broadcast between 3 am and 6 am daily in keeping with the spirit of the Holy Month as Muslims observe abstinence and fast during daylight hours.
Pawan Rekha Prasad, a Hindu, would host the programme every morning, observing the rules of the Holy Month, including fasting.
“The first hour of the programme comprises Qawalis, Quran Tilawat, Bayaans and People’s Greetings. A question and answer session is conducted at the start of the second hour (4 am) and the programme would include Baayaans, greetings from listeners, ‘shehri’ countdown and a message from the Fiji Muslim League Imam Fiayz Khan.
“A Quran Tafseer will be held during the final hour of the daily programme,” he said.
The station exclusively broadcasts the Bayaans of the late Kirmani.
Ms Prasad said Bayaans of Mufti Siddique, Maulana Imtiaz, Javed Mallik (New Zealand), Maulana Fiayz and Maulana Moosa (Fiji) add value to the programme.
“Maulana Khaleel will answer questions from listeners,” she said.
Mr Khan said positive people’s interaction would be at the core of the programmes, interspersed with teachings from the Holy Quran and messages from various Islamic organisations.
“As well as a daily Azaans, a special Juma item will be broadcast on Fridays at 930 am. We invite listeners to participate in each of these programmes,” he said.
The radio station has strengthened ties with the Muslim community with the BBC Urdu News Service and the Voice of America Urdu Radio Service, he added.
“The Ramadan Special will incorporate live cross-over to a number of countries including India, Fiji and South Africa, as well as to Mecca, where prayers are constantly held,” Mr Khan said.
