Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Auckland experience Ramadhan

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hosted a large group of Aucklanders to experience Iftar (breaking of fast) during Ramadhan, the holiest month of Islam at their mosque, Bai’tul Muqeet in Manukau last 
Saturday 18th June evening. 

The experience of breaking fast with their Muslims friends was unique one for over a 100 Aucklanders as they partook in ‘Iftari’ (breaking of fast) hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at Bait’ul Muqeet Mosque in Manukau last Saturday. 

The event attracted a wide range of Aucklanders and community leaders from different faith groups, including members of parliament to celebrate diversity and sharing the Ramadhan experience. Some 
attendees went to the extent of actually fasting for the whole day, experiencing the hunger and thirst. 

“We are very honoured and feel privileged to break our fast with you all in this holy month of Ramadan. This iftari experience helps us build and strengthen our relationship. By sharing the true teachings of Islam and the founding principles of our community we can continue to work together to build peace, harmony and integration in our society” said Mr. Iqbal Mohammed, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand. 

This annual event gives New Zealanders an opportunity to experience Iftar (breaking of fast), sharing a meal with a Muslim friend after sunset and getting to understand the purpose of the Muslim fast. The holy Qur’an acknowledges that fasting was prescribed for many faiths including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity before it became a pillar of faith for Islam. 

The Central Missionary for the Community, Maulana Shafiq ur Rehman said, “The institution of fasting cultivates the believer in almost every area of his spiritual life. Most importantly, a believer learns through personal experience about what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomforts mean to the less fortunate sections of society thus cultivating feelings of love and care for them”. 

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in Punjab, India, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 206 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The New Zealand branch of this community was established in 1987 and has just over 400 members. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavours to be an active and integrated community within New Zealand society.