Hawzah News Agency (Christchurch, New Zealand) – Muslim elders are considering canceling four large Ramadan gatherings in Christchurch due to safety fears.

“We don’t want to take a big risk for our children. Families who have deceased or injured people are traumatized and scared.” Linwood Masjid Imam Ibrahim Abdelhalim said.

The Imam added that the Canterbury Muslim Community Trust (CMCT) already had a booking at the Halswell Centre for this year, but discussed canceling the four Iftars to keep the community safe.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

As Ramadan knocks doors, many Muslim families are afraid to attend Linwood Masjid for daily prayers during the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

Other mosques around the country, including the Al Noor Masjid in Christchurch, are expecting bigger numbers than usual for the period, with usual gatherings going ahead.

Abdelhalim said many Muslims in Christchurch were scared of attending big gatherings.

“It’s too hard this year to do the same as we did before. I’m very sad,” he said.

“People think there is not enough security for all Muslims. The Linwood area is not safe at night.”

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