A Sacred Month of Reflection and Renewal

As we enter Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an, we are given a fresh start—a time to reconnect with Allah SWT through worship, charity, and intention.
What is Muharram? Muharram is a time of peace, spiritual reflection, and immense reward. The 10th of Muharram (Ashura) is especially significant. On this day, Allah SWT saved Prophet Musa (AS) and his people, and the Prophet SAW encouraged fasting in gratitude.

What Can We Do During These Days?

· Fast – Especially on the 10th (Ashura)
· Increase worship – Qur’an, du’a, dhikr, and sincere repentance
· Give charity – A powerful way to begin the year with blessings
· Set spiritual goals – Renew your intentions for the year ahead

Why Give Zakat and Sadaqah Now?

· Start the year with reward and barakah
· Fulfil any missed Zakat
· Support projects that uplift others in need

A Final Reminder
Not all sacred times are marked by celebration—some are best honoured through quiet acts of devotion. Let Muharram be your moment to reconnect with your faith, your purpose, and your Creator.

May Allah (SWT) bless you abundantly and grant you barakah in your efforts.

EVENTS UPDATE.

Whau Eid Festival – A Celebration of Culture and Community

New Lynn Community Centre | 19 April 2025

Among the many Ramadan and Eid events our NZF team participated in this year, the Whau Eid Festival held at the New Lynn Community Centre stood out as a particularly meaningful occasion.

Organised by the Whau Ethnic Collective, the festival was a beautiful testament to unity in diversity. Their efforts brought together a vibrant mix of cultures, creating a welcoming space filled with joy, connection, and celebration.

From delicious kai and dynamic cultural performances to engaging creative workshops, the festival was a lively showcase of community spirit. Our NZF volunteers thoroughly enjoyed connecting with attendees, sharing our mahi, and building relationships with people from all walks of life.

We are grateful to have been part of such an inclusive and uplifting event.

First Muslim Academic Conference – A Milestone for Research and Collaboration Wellington | 3 May 2025

Earlier this May, NZF volunteers proudly attended the inaugural Muslims in Asia Pacific Conference (MAP1) held at the iconic Te Papa Museum in Wellington.

This groundbreaking conference brought together Muslim leaders, scholars, and community advocates to shape the future of research and understanding of Islam and Muslim communities in Aotearoa. Organised by Otago and Massey Universities and supported by FIANZ, the event marked a significant step toward building academic and community partnerships.

Participants presented across six key themes: education; youth; belongingness; Islamophobia and solidarity; health and wellbeing; and media, narratives & research. The diversity and depth of discussion created a powerful space for learning and connection.

For the NZF team, the conference offered not only the chance to engage in meaningful, thought-provoking conversations but also to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations dedicated to positive change.

We’re excited to join the next Muslim Academic Conference which is scheduled for 2–3 May 2026 at Otago University in Dunedin—we look forward to deepening our involvement in this important initiative.

Addressing Addiction: Community Workshop on Drug and Alcohol Awareness Papatoetoe | 15 June 2025

Alhamdulillah, on Sunday 15 June, NZF proudly collaborated with a range of community partners to support a powerful, full-day workshop addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today: drug and alcohol addiction.

Hosted at Masjid Tawheed in Papatoetoe, this was the first workshop of its kind—bringing together passionate speakers, frontline counsellors, and organisations dedicated to healing and prevention. The event created a safe, engaging space for open dialogue, learning, and reflection.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated NZF volunteers whose efforts were instrumental in making the day a success. They reported enthusiastic participation from attendees and a sincere interest in how NZF can continue playing a meaningful role in addressing these critical social issues.

Together, we took a step toward awareness, resilience, and collective care.