Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and community for Muslims around the world.

Principal Lecturer Hymie Abd-Latif opened the event with a karakia or du’a, then taught us a little more about the occasion.

He said that Muslims in New Zealand comprise 40 different ethnicities and nationalities. Ramadan begins and ends with the sighting of the new moon and commemorates when the Qur’an was first revealed. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with gratitude, generosity, and community togetherness, said Hymie.

Attendees of today’s event took part in traditional games and cultural activities. Students also had the opportunity to try henna, a temporary brown paste used to create detailed designs on the skin. The celebration ended with traditional food.

Everyone was invited to wear the cultural attire they felt most comfortable in, whether that was traditional Islamic dress or clothing from their own heritage.

The event was a great opportunity to learn about Ramadan and Eid while celebrating the diversity of the campus community.