Eid Mubarak: A Call For Compassion, Justice, And Moral Leadership In Aotearoa New Zealand – ICONZ
ICONZ Speech at Eid in Parliament Event
Wellington, New Zealand — 25-03-2026
Community leaders and members of the Muslim community gathered the evening of last Wednesday 25 March 2026 at the Beehive alongside Ministers and Members of Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, leaders from civil society, and officials from the Ministry for Ethnic Communities to mark Eid, a time of joy, reflection, and unity.
Dr. Sajjad Haider Naqvi, President of the Islamic Council of New Zealand said in his remarks that Eid marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan — a period of fasting, prayer, and selfdiscipline. While often associated with celebration, Eid also carries profound moral and spiritual meaning. It is a time of renewal, reminding people to carry forward the empathy, generosity, and compassion nurtured during Ramadan into everyday life.
“Eid is a return — a return to our shared human values, our sense of responsibility, and our commitment to one another,” the address stated. “It is both a moment of joy and a call to action.”
While Eid is traditionally celebrated with happiness and gratitude, recent years have seen it arrive during times of deep global hardship. Ongoing conflicts, civilian suffering, and human rights violations across parts of the world have cast a heavy shadow over celebrations for many communities. The ongoing atrocities in Gaza and recent violation of international laws in the West Asia are serious matter of concerns for Muslim communities in New Zealand and every peace-loving Kiwi.
Islamic Council of New Zealand expressed serious concern about the global erosion of diplomacy, international law, and moral accountability in the context of recent US-Israel led war of aggression on Iran, warning that their absence has contributed to rising aggression, injustice, and the normalisation of violence against civilians and essential infrastructure. This kind of rhetoric instigate the hate and violence as we have witnessed on March the 15th in Christchurch Mosque terror attack.
“It is deeply regrettable that the suffering of innocent people and the ongoing atrocities have not stirred the conscience of the international community, yet rising oil prices and their economic implications have prompted immediate concern.”
Drawing on universal values transcending faith and culture, the address reflected on the moral clarity often shown by children — who instinctively recognise fairness, call out injustice without prejudice, and judge actions rather than identities. Their empathy and honesty were highlighted as a reminder of the foundations of true justice.
Referencing Islamic teachings, the message reaffirmed the ethical duty to stand with those who are oppressed and to prevent injustice wherever it occurs, emphasising that justice must be applied consistently and without selective compassion.
Representing Kiwis, ICONZ raised the concerns on the current position of New Zealand government on this illegal war on Iran and lack of condemnation of US and Israel by National led coalition government. It reaffirmed its expectation that Aotearoa New Zealand continue to uphold its longstanding values of fairness, justice, peace, and independent moral leadership.
New Zealand’s proud history — including its principled stance on nuclear disarmament, human rights, and peaceful resolution of conflict — was cited as evidence that moral leadership is not determined by size, but by courage and integrity.
“NewZealand may be small, but our moral voice has always mattered,” the address noted. “Our size has never limited our ability to stand on the right side of history.”
The community expressed hope that New Zealand’s international positions will continue to reflect:
- A commitment to peace and deescalation
- The protection of civilians
- The consistent application of international law
- The defence of human rights for all people, without exception
The gathering reaffirmed that social cohesion and coexistence are cornerstones of Aotearoa NewZealand. Mutual respect, dignity, and understanding across cultures and faiths were recognised as strengths that enrich the nation.
The address emphasised that human rights are universal and indivisible, and that speaking for justice and peace is a shared responsibility — as citizens of New Zealand and as global neighbours.
Sincere appreciation was extended to the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, its staff, and the event organisers for their dedication to inclusion, dialogue, and community wellbeing.
As Eid is celebrated, attendees were encouraged to do so with gratitude, humility, and hope, recommitting themselves to:
- Strengthening social identity
- Building deeper social cohesion
- Supporting families and communities
- Upholding global justice
- Living the values that define Aotearoa NewZealand — peace, integrity, fairness, and respect
Eid Mubarak to all.
