Understanding the Essence of Ramadan: Perspectives from Afghanistan to New Zealand
Ramadan has commenced for Kiwi Muslims, who are experiencing approximately 14 hours of fasting from sunrise to sunset. This month, dictated by the lunar calendar, offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal, charity, and communal support. Enayatullah and Shookria Basir share their experiences of fasting in Afghanistan compared to New Zealand, emphasizing the value of hardship, resilience, and gratitude during Ramadan.
The Islamic month of Ramadan has commenced in New Zealand, with Muslims beginning their first fast around 14 hours after sunrise, a shift occurring over the past two decades. As per the lunar Hijri calendar, Ramadan signifies a period of fasting from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 days, culminating in the Eid al-Fitr celebrations following the sighting of the new moon.
The Islamic year recedes by approximately 10-12 days each Gregorian year, meaning that in seven years, Ramadan will align with New Zealand’s summer season. Remarkably, it is anticipated that Ramadan will be observed twice within the same year, specifically in 2030.
While the fasting duration in Auckland does not rival that of countries like Iceland, which experienced fasts lasting up to 17 hours, local community members like Shookria and Enayatullah Basir emphasize that the essence of Ramadan lies in confronting hardship. Originating from Afghanistan’s Ghazni city, Enayatullah reflects on the significant challenges families face back home during the fasting month.
“Here, we have a lot of comfortability, and we have plenty of food … You don’t really feel, in my point of view, the true test of Ramadan. We don’t feel that much hunger.” – Enayatullah Basir. He elaborates on life in Afghanistan, where families often lacked proper timekeeping, missing suhoor meals before dawn due to unavailability of clocks.
Enayatullah recounts how communities relied on roosters to awaken families for suhoor, during which families would awaken and partake in minimal simple provisions. As Shookria explains, traditional suhoor meals included bread and yoghurt, as meat was scarce and enjoyed only occasionally.
“I remember we didn’t have meat. We used to have meat once a month … and that was it. We used to have rice, lentils, chickpeas and sometimes eggs, but mostly the milk from the sheep.” – Shookria Basir. She notes that the essence of Ramadan is not to indulge, but rather to reflect on and appreciate the sustenance one possesses.
According to Shookria, Ramadan fosters resilience, encourages appreciation for sacrifices made, and enhances gratitude. “It’s a month of patience, that they have no tensions. They have no stress. They become so much calmer with people, like they give out more food to the poor, even though they have nothing to feed themselves.” – Shookria Basir.
Beyond fasting, Muslims dedicate this sacred month to deepening spiritual connections through prayers, reading the Qur’an, charitable acts, and forgiveness. This period is historically significant as it marks the revelation of the first Qur’anic verses to Prophet Muhammad more than 1400 years ago. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for those who possess the ability, except for children, the elderly, the ill, and pregnant individuals.
In summary, Ramadan represents not only a period of fasting but also a profound opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth. The experiences of immigrants like Shookria and Enayatullah highlight the contrasts in fasting practices and the importance of appreciating resilience, gratitude, and community support. Ultimately, Ramadan serves as a reminder to value sustenance and contribute positively to society.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
