Muslims in New Zealand Embrace Ramadan: A Journey of Fasting and Reflection
As Ramadan begins in New Zealand, Muslims prepare for about 14 hours of fasting, a significant duration shift. The month is marked by spiritual renewal and charity amidst challenges. Resilience is a recurring theme, especially for those recalling harsher fasting experiences in Afghanistan, highlighting the essence of being grateful during Ramadan.
Muslims in New Zealand are preparing to observe their first fast of Ramadan, beginning with about 14 hours of fasting, a shift from previous years. According to the Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ), Ramadan commenced on a Sunday, with the month defined by lunar sightings that dictate fasting from dawn until sunset, lasting 29 or 30 days until the new moon signals Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The Islamic calendar recedes approximately 10-12 days each Gregorian year, leading to Ramadan’s observation during New Zealand’s summer within the next seven years, including an expected occurrence in 2030. While some regions like Iceland face fasting lengths of up to 17 hours, Auckland residents Enayatullah and Shookria Basir emphasize that the essence of Ramadan lies in confronting challenges and overcoming adversity.
Originating from Ghazni, Afghanistan, Enayatullah discusses the hardships faced during Ramadan in his homeland. He notes that comfort in New Zealand lessens the sense of fasting, stating, “You don’t really feel, in my point of view, the true test of Ramadan. We don’t feel that much hunger.” In impoverished areas in Afghanistan, families often missed meals before dawn due to the absence of clocks, forcing them into fasts without adequate nourishment.
Enayatullah reminisces about the reliance on roosters, which were kept by families to signal the time for suhoor meals. He recounts, “So the person who had the rooster, he was responsible for waking everybody else.” In urban settings, the summer months provided some relief, yet rural villagers had to manage their daily routines amid fasting. Shookria adds that suhoor often consisted of simple fare, noting, “Back in the day, you wake up and have a pot of yoghurt and bread that was your suhoor.”
The significance of Ramadan extends beyond mere abstention from food; it is about sustainable consumption and gratitude. Shookria asserts that the month fosters resilience and appreciation, highlighting that it serves as a reminder for the vulnerable to be charitable. “[The idea is] that if I feed one thing, Allah will feed me and my family at the same time,” she explains.
Beyond fasting, Muslims engage more deeply with their faith through additional prayers, Qur’an readings, charity, forgiveness, and spiritual reflection. This month is regarded as sacred, as it marks the period when the Qur’an’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. Fasting during Ramadan stands as one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, obligatory for all capable Muslims, excluding specific groups such as children and those who are ill or pregnant.
The observance of Ramadan in New Zealand highlights the adaptability and continuity of Islamic traditions as the month of fasting aligns with the lunar calendar. The Basir couple’s reflections underscore the broader essence of Ramadan, emphasizing resilience, gratitude, and spiritual renewal amidst varying cultural practices. Despite the challenges faced historically in Afghanistan, the spirit of fasting remains a profound source of strength for believers around the world.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
