Eid Mubarak!

Muslim team members across the country are celebrating Eid al-Fitr today. It’s the occasion that marks the end of their holy month of Ramadan.

Mohammed Ibrahim has been a subcontractor for Fletcher Construction for the past 27 years and is currently working on the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) project. He explains that Muslims believe Ramadan is the time when Prophet Muhammad was given the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book. It is considered the holiest month for Muslims. “It is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. This period of fasting is intended to help Muslims develop self-discipline, empathy for those in need, and a deeper appreciation for the blessings of life. Muslims also increase their acts of worship and charity during Ramadan, and they strive to strengthen their relationships with God and their fellow human beings. The end of Ramadan is marked by a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.”

This year’s Ramadan has been a bit different for Muhammad Zaeem Qureshi (pictured), Senior Quality Engineer on the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth project. On 22 March, the first day of Ramadan, Muhammad and his wife welcomed the latest member of their family, a baby girl who they’ve named Rahmah to honour the occasion.

“This Ramadan has been very special although quite challenging,” Muhammad says. “Along with fasting, I’ve been busy taking care of my family, preparing their food, helping my three older kids get ready for school, taking them to and from school, playing with them during school break, and doing household errands.” Muhammad adds that he’s grateful to Fletcher Construction’s parental leave benefit. “My wife and I got a big boost while she recovered from the delivery and I looked after everyone in the family.”

He looks forward to celebrating Eid, the last day of Ramadan, which he’ll begin with Eid prayers. “This year, I’m leading Eid prayers at the Hibiscus Coast Islamic Centre in Silverdale," he says. Then the whole family will head to Hamilton to meet up with friends for a special Eid day celebration. “Eid day celebrations are about meeting near and dear ones, eating food – especially sweets – and enjoying the whole day. For kids, it’s a day full of fun.”

To cap the day, Muhammad will join a dinner gathering with more friends in East Auckland to “try to recover the weight lost during Ramadan” he says with a smile.