Ramadan, the holy month of the Muslim community commenced from Saturday, May 27 evening after sighting of the moon in the north-western skies. The month was expected to start on Friday but it was observed as the 30th day of the month of Sha’ban as the moon was not sighted. FIANZ (Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand) the apex body of the Muslim community in New Zealand confirmed on Friday.
The first day of fasting was observed on Sunday, May 28 in most of the world and with this came the change in routine for most observing the fast. The eating schedules changed and so changed the priorities on five times prayers and evening special prayers.
Ramadan has an enormously positive effect on the people fasting and the non-Muslims, who show their respect to this belief by adjusting their schedules according to the people fasting and participating in their community activities. Most of the working men and women reported slight change in the working schedule in their workplace with some special arrangements made for their prayers and eating schedules.
“Everybody in the office received an email from the HR department stating what Ramadan is, its significance in the Muslim community, and what temporary arrangements have been made for this special month such as allocating halls as prayer space, allocating special snack/lunch time break for Iftar or breaking the fast, etc.,”, says Hayat Kabir, a working staff member at a financial company in Auckland.
Curious to know how is the first week of Ramadan going for the Muslim community, Indian Weekender spoke to community members from different age groups and professions capturing their perspective on Ramadan and how are they coping with their new temporary schedule.
Shazma Farooqui, Admin Staff, Blockhouse Bay: I’ve never manifested the signs of difficulty for Ramadan because it might sound like an ordeal but once you get used to it, it’s not that tough. Being hungry or thirsty for a significant portion of the day makes you realise how blessed you are. This holy month reminds me that worship isn't restricted to just praying. It teaches me that when we add spirituality in all aspects of our life, we begin to lead a more meaningful and balanced life. It often baffles people why one would do something as arduous as fasting for a whole month, but the truth is, if you don't have faith, it's difficult to understand.
A supportive work environment is necessary to balance work and religious requirements of an individual. I got an opportunity to offer namaz at work. We’ve got a small meeting room at one corner of the building where people can conveniently offer namaz.
Lubna Syed, Hospitality, Auckland Airport: To summarise my first week of Ramadan, I feel like this: Ramadan so far for me has been one big exercise in starting over. Each day I try to do better than the day before, but the fact that I have to keep starting over is discouraging. It is easier to keep food out of my stomach than it is to keep bad thoughts entering my mind. It is easier to not drink water with my lips than to stop them from saying bad words. The temptation of the mind is more difficult than the temptations of the body. So, all-in-all the mind is struggling more than the body. May Allah swt grant us all his mercy and forgiveness!
Abdul Jaleel Patel, Retired, Dominion Road: I am 68, healthy and retired. The schedule has changed a bit from our regular non-Ramadan days. We get up at 4.30 in the morning to prepare and have Sehri just to make sure we are not starved during the day. Make morning prayers and recite Quran for some time. In the evenings I get the chance to help prepare the Iftar meal with my wife and eat with the family, later in the evening offer the Taraweeh prayers.
For the first few days, the new schedule looks a little tough, but within the three days, I am adjusted to the new routine. Fasting is easier here as compared to India, some European and other Middle Eastern countries. It's hot and humid at most places, and people in some European countries are fasting as long as 18 hours.
Shayaz Khan, Personal Banker, Mt Roskill: There is a slight change in the routine, and for the first few days it becomes tough as your body is not accustomed to fasting, yet. A healthy working environment is crucial because that gives you a better moral support. I am starting work early so that I can finish early too. I break my fast with my family and will be a part of Iftar parties during weekends.
Hayat Kabir, Financial Broker, Auckland CBD: Thanks to my workplace, I don’t have to worry much, there are prayer arrangements made for us and so is the break time in the evening. My colleagues and other Muslims in the office get something prepared from home and we share it at the table while breaking the fast. The first two days felt challenging but slowly I have got myself into this new schedule.