961 days ago

EarthDiverse: learn about important global religious festivals

todd from EarthDiverse

EarthDiverse wishes our Muslim family and friends a warm and happy Eid celebration.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice" is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Islam shares this tradition with Judaism, and honours Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (in the Jewish tradition) or Ishmael (in the Islamic tradition; Qur’an: Surah As-Saaffat 37:102). This story is well-known in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 22) and is referred to as the Akedah. It is considered by both Jews and Muslims as an act of obedience to God's will. However, before Abraham could sacrifice his son, and because of his willingness to do so, God provided him with a lamb to sacrifice in his son's place.

In commemoration of this intervention, animals are ritually sacrificed in the Islamic tradition. Part of the meat is consumed by the family that offers the animal, while the rest of the meat is distributed to the poor and the needy. Sweets and gifts are exchanged, and extended family members and friends visit each other.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijja and lasts for four days.

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19 hours ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60.1% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60.1% Complete
  • 23.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
    23.4% Complete
  • 16.5% ... It is complicated
    16.5% Complete
278 votes
2 hours ago

Hamilton woman’s $50 flax roses are helping her family get by

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Marama Wade sits outside her River Rd home selling harakeke roses for $50, trying to keep food on the table and the rent paid.

The 54-year-old said the reason she’s out there is simple, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching.

“We’re broke. The reality is life is hard.”

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3 hours ago

Derelict Tokanui Hospital site in line for a clean-up

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Derelict Tokanui Hospital buildings will be demolished and contaminated land cleaned up so the site can be offered back to iwi.

The former psychiatric hospital, southeast of Te Awamutu, sits on land taken from Ngāti Maniapoto under the Public Works Act in 1910.

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