Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is marked by the fasting of sunrise to sunset for those who are physically capable.
Fasting is an essential component of worship and a reminder of gratitude for the blessings of life.
Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to reflect, renew their faith and repay the community.
My Found Youth Development Center (MyDC), a non -profit organization focused on the development of youth, has sustained these values by serving the community, especially during Ramadan.
The organization is based in Auckland and Queenstown.
In Queenstown, MyDC joined the Komunal Cafe, a local Malaysian restaurant, to host a series of IFTAR dinners throughout Ramadan.
Meals were open to Muslims and non-Muslims, with the aim of promoting inclusion and community spirit.
The IFTars allowed people to break their fast together as the sun set themselves.
On March 21, the group held a special IFTAR with a generous Malaysian dishes, including fried pasta, beef meat and pandan flavor desserts.
The event was held by the owner of Komunal Cafe and the administrator of MyDC Ali.
There, which has been involved in these events for two years, expressed gratitude for the positive feedback he received.
“We invite our neighbors, friends and colleagues to come and try the meal.
“Feedback was very positive. Some of them had their first experience in IFTAR and diverse cultural food, and it was amazing,” he said.
People started crossing the coffee and entering the youth space before sunset or Machrebe.
The space quickly filled with community members of all Queenstown, Wanaka and the Lakes District.
There were Muslims breaking quickly and non-nobles who were there to support, some of whom worked closely with other culture-focused organizations, such as Miharo, and take Tuia.
Many were immigrants from around the world, some moved to the region this year, and it was the first time they walked away from home.
There he said that a participant expressed how comfortable and “at home” she felt at the Iftar for a time she was valued for gathering the family.
“So it’s a memory, usually every year they spend with their families, but now they are alone, so they want to have this atmosphere.”
After a group prayer, the fasts broke their fast together, and all were invited to enjoy the meal.
With the end of Ramadan, Muslims are now celebrating EID, a three -day holiday full of treats, family meetings and new clothes.
But for mydc, work doesn’t stop. The youth space remains open all year for young people to volunteer and participate in events.
The organization is focused on training young people, offering opportunities in entrepreneurship, academics, project management and communications.
There he said he hoped to continue the tradition of Ramadan IFTAR next year, as they were very successful to gather people.
He said that the space of youth continued to be a place for young people of all the origins, volunteered and gain practical experience.
MyDC also collaborates with my background action, a non -profit global organization managed by youth, with hubs in Malaysia, Indonesia and Egypt.
Through this network, they help provide food and medical assistance to the needy communities.
Rawan.saadi@odt.co.nz
