Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has sent her regards and wishes for the Muslim community in New Zealand on the occasionof the community biggest festival- Eid-ul Fitr.
The message received from the Prime Minister's office addresses the importance of Ramadan and its virtues Eid brings to the community and acknowledges the grief of the community following the 15 March mosque attacks in Christchurch.
The message...
"Assalamu alaykum,
On behalf of the Government and all of Aotearoa, I want to wish you all a blessed and happy Eid.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a day when the fasting month of Ramadan ends and Muslims throughout the country and the world open their homes and hearts to family, friends, and neighbours. It is a happy time in which Aotearoa’s Muslim communities celebrate, give thanks, and reflect.
Eid is just one of the traditions of our Muslim communities that enrich Aotearoa. By embracing the customs and traditions of others, we become a more welcoming and inclusive nation.
During Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr the values which unite us as Kiwis are on show – open heartedness, compassion, acceptance, respect, and love for family, friends, and community.
It is a priority of mine as Prime Minister is to ensure that all New Zealanders, no matter their religion or ethnicity, feel safe and accepted in our country. Our nation should never, and will never be a place where extremism, hatred and violence fester and thrive.
The outpouring of grief, love and aid following the terror attacks in Christchurch on 15 March remind me that even amongst tragedy New Zealanders can display the best traits of humanity – the traits evident during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.
As we look to the future, with both hope and determination, I would like to wish you all a blessed and joyous Eid.
Eid Murbarak."
Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister