The Big Iftar
Kia Ora,
Assaliamo Alaikum,
I hope you’re well.
To mark the blessed month of Ramadan, Mosques, and Islamic centres in New Zealand and across the globe will be opening their doors to the community and inviting everyone to share in the unique Ramadan experience. A time where Muslims strive to strengthen their relationship with God – their Creator and become more compassionate to those in need.
During Ramadan, Muslims wake up each day just before sunrise to pray and keep a fast. Throughout the day, Muslims across the world completely refrain from eating and drinking, until sunset. At sunset, Muslims break their fast, pray, eat, and drink with their families. In this month in particular, Muslims avoid partaking in anything that would be detrimental to their spiritual well-being, such as lying, quarrelling, swearing, and so on.
Throughout the month of Ramadan fellow Kiwis will be given the opportunity to take part in the breaking of the fast – known as the ‘iftar’ – in Hamilton. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the significance of Ramadan, the fast and taste some delightful exotic treats and cuisines with your Muslim neighbours, friends, work colleagues and the wider community.
We believe that there is no better way of breaking barriers and forming friendships than by sharing a meal together.
While we reflect on the Islamic principles of togetherness and strengthening community ties during Ramadan, we know that there is no better time to reach out to our neighbours and strengthen our ties.
I would like to warmly invite you to break bread with us as we celebrate our shared values during the blessed month of Ramadan. All the details are on the poster attached in this email. Please if you could RSVP as well.
Nāku noa, nā
Sabah Al-Zafar
Twitter:
@SabahAlZafar Ph: 027 290 5080
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.1% Yes, it's fair
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10.3% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Are you following the water charge discussions at Hamilton City Council?
Hamilton city councillors have taken tangible steps towards a new water regime that will see a charge based on their property’s capital valuation in their rates bill for the first time next year.
The council voted unanimously on Thursday on a series of direction-setting decisions in relation to the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan Amendments.
Poll: What do you think about our city producing school lunches for NZ?
One hundred new jobs will be created in Hamilton as the city becomes the lunchbox of the nation.
All frozen school lunches from Kaitaia to Bluff will be made in Pukete in a purpose built plant operated by The School Lunch Collective.
What do you think about our city producing school lunches for NZ? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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64% I support it
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16% I don't support it
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20% I'm not really bothered