The Holy Trinity Church in Parnell, defying the negative attention drawn toward the Muslim community across the world, hosted an Iftar party for the Shia-Muslim community of Auckland on Queen’s Birthday, Monday, June 4.
More than 200 members of the Shia Muslim community of different nationalities attended the Iftar party in the church hall premises followed by a brief address by the Church and the representatives of the Shia Muslim community.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. It is situated on the ridge in Parnell, overlooking the waters of the Waitemata Harbour, the Cathedral is a place of worship, gathering, music, the arts, and learning, and is rich in New Zealand art and sculpture.
The iftar was hosted under ‘The Common Word’ annual activities jointly organised by the Cathedral and Shia Muslim – Christian Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. The first Common Word Seminar was held at Auckland University in 2013.
In the month of Ramadan observant Muslims fast during daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset each night with a large meal called an Iftar. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them. The Iftar is an opportunity for non-Muslims to get to know their Muslim neighbours.
The evening commenced at 5:30 p.m. with the call for prayer while the visitors stationed themselves inside the cathedral. The visitors were offered dates, as a customary practice to break the fast. The church arranged a special hall for the visitors to offer their prayers (salah) and followed by dinner.
“We offered our Salah in the church premises; this is so wonderful. Islam is the religion of brotherhood and events as such show how we can bond with other faiths and beliefs and work toward one goal, that is making this world a better place to live,” Waqar Taqvi, a member of the Shia-Muslim community said.
Rakesh Naidoo representing the Human Rights Commission of New Zealand and Phil Goff, the Mayor of Auckland and Ethnic Liaison Officer for Auckland City District Inspector Robert Stanton were invited to the Iftar party. They addressed the gathering of the Shia-Muslim community and the Christian community present at the historic event.
Noting that ‘Christian witness in a pluralistic world includes engaging in dialogue with people of different religions and cultures (cf. Acts 17 22-28)’ the Inter Diocesan Ecumenical Group encouraged Anglicans throughout New Zealand to consider building bridges with their Muslim neighbours by hosting an Iftar meal at parish facilities.
The post dinner address inside the cathedral commenced with reciting the verses of the Holy Quran and the Bible that conveyed the message of brotherhood and peace and the oneness of God.
“This was a historic event for New Zealand and Auckland, and it was a touching moment for many participating as we met as friends,” Reverend Ivica Gregurec from the Holy Trinity Church said.
“Diversity in our country has come rich, and it should never divide us. What happened last week in London, in Kabul and Manchester, is appalling. And I say this in confidence that nowhere in the Quran or in the Bible is it written to take lives of the innocent,” Mr Goff said addressing the attendees at the Cathedral.
“I believe that in this city and this country we can set the example of love and peace for the world. Ramadan Mubarak to all,” he added.
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