Dear Brothers and Sisters

Assalaam alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatahu.

I pray to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala that you all are in the best of health and progressing well in the path of Taqwa. At this most tragic times in the history of our nation, I appeal to Muslim New Zealanders to show their most generous support to ease the pain of our fellow citizens in Christchurch.

In just under six months, the city of Christchurch has been struck once again by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake yesterday. This time, this tragic earthquake is deadly. There has been loss of many lives (73 bodies have been recovered thus far) and widespread damage to properties and infrastructures. Many more are missing and feared trapped or dead under the collapsed buildings. Alhamdulillah, by the Grace of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, we have received news that there has been no serious damage to Masjid An-Nur (Muslim Association of Canterbury) and the Masjid in Lincoln Road. Christchurch Muslim community is largely unaffected.

It is now time for us to come together to lend our hand to assist fellow citizens in the Canterbury region. Although at this stage there are no requests for volunteer-support, if you are a handy person and willing to volunteer your time please give your name to Dr Muhammad Musa (021-0660634) who will get back to you if your services are needed.

In the meanwhile, FIANZ has launched a fund raising appeal to raise money for our fellow citizens in Christchurch affected by the horrific tragedy. We request all Brothers and Sisters to donate generously towards this noble cause. Appropriate announcement/request should be made at Masajid and Islamic Centres. Donations are to be directed to FIANZ's Appeal Account as detailed hereunder:

Bank: Bank of New Zealand

Account Number: 020 500 - 0737236 - 006 

Name of Account: FIANZ Appeal Account

Name of Bank: Bank of New Zealand

Local Associations should coordinate the fund raising at regional level and deposit the money raised into the above mentioned account Regional Associations and individual community donor are kindly reminded to state clearly that they are donating for "Christchurch Earthquake Fund" when depositing the money in the FIANZ Appeal Account.

I look forward to your usual support for this very deserving humanitarian cause. May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala reward you all for your charitable acts.

Jazak Allah Khair and Wassalaam

Dr Anwar Ghani

President