EarthDiverse: learn about important global religious festivals
EarthDiverse wishes our Muslim family and friends a warm and happy Eid celebration.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice" is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Islam shares this tradition with Judaism, and honours Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (in the Jewish tradition) or Ishmael (in the Islamic tradition; Qur’an: Surah As-Saaffat 37:102). This story is well-known in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 22) and is referred to as the Akedah. It is considered by both Jews and Muslims as an act of obedience to God's will. However, before Abraham could sacrifice his son, and because of his willingness to do so, God provided him with a lamb to sacrifice in his son's place.
In commemoration of this intervention, animals are ritually sacrificed in the Islamic tradition. Part of the meat is consumed by the family that offers the animal, while the rest of the meat is distributed to the poor and the needy. Sweets and gifts are exchanged, and extended family members and friends visit each other.
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijja and lasts for four days.
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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89.4% Yes, it's fair
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9.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
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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80% I support it
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0% I don't support it
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20% I'm not really bothered
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.