"Ramadan Mubarak!"

The 19th of July marks the start of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Muslim calendar. During this month, Muslims will fast from sunrise until sunset, as part of a focus on prayer, self-discipline and mindfulness about those less fortunate. At the end of the Ramadan, everyone celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, which is a day (or more in some places) of prayer and feasting.

If you would like to learn more about Islam and Ramadan, please check out our library display or follow the links below!

READ
Diverse religions - Muslims - Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/diverse-religions/page-5

Muslims prepare for holy month - Radio NZ 
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/276471/muslims-prepare-for-holy-month

LISTEN
New Zealand Muslims await start of Ramadan
RadioNZ reporter Mohamed Hassan chats to locals at a market at Wesley Community Centre
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201758739

WATCH
What is Ramadan? Australian Federation of Islamic Councils' upload of ABC Behind the News segment, 2003.