‘Happy day’ as Ramadan ends in Nelson
Members of the Nelson Muslim community have gathered for prayers, food, a sermon, and celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan.
More than 50 people from the Nelson Whakatu¯ Muslim Association met at Founders Heritage Park on Saturday morning to ‘‘break fast’’ after 30 days observing Ramadan.
Children played as parents prepared plates of food, before they entered a time of prayer and chanting ahead of a khutbah, or sermon, by Vice President Mohammad Aboubakr.
He said the end of Ramadan was an opportunity to celebrate Allah giving them a chance to ‘‘press the reset button’’ following their 30 days of self-denial. He spoke about true pride and happiness coming only from their hearts and from Allah, rather than their individual cultures, countries, material possessions, or ‘‘worldly’’ aspirations.
‘‘This day is a happy day, this day is a proud day.’’
Nelson Whakatu¯ Muslim Association publicity officer Rashad Zafarulla said that beyond the physical aspects of the fast, there were other key elements that Muslims focused on during the month.
‘‘The first is spiritual. We believe by abstaining from food and drink for these hours, we are coming closer to God. And the second is in terms of improving our character.’’
He said they would be more mindful of controlling anger, avoiding being hurtful to others, and being aware of those less fortunate than themselves.
During the month of Ramadan they met together as a community in a classroom provided by Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology to pray together; on weekends, they gathered in homes to share food.
‘‘These are really the things that help to bond and strengthen the community,’’ Zafarulla said.
‘‘I think what’s amazing about the Nelson Muslim community is we do come from so many different countries . . the thing that unifies us is our bond from our faith.’’
He said that for now, the community relied on hiring different spaces in Nelson, as they didn’t have a permanent mosque or Islamic centre for meetings.
He said Nelsonians were very friendly, and the Muslim community members were pleased to call Nelson home.