Run for Ramadhan

My name is Shozib Mirza and I am a Pakistani-Kiwi Muslim studying Law at the University of Auckland.

Ramadhan is a holy month in the Islamic Calendar. Muslims around the world aim to strengthen their bonds with Allah. Between sunrise and sunset we abstain from a variety of everyday luxuries such as eating and drinking which many around the world struggle to afford. This creates awareness for the little things we take for granted everyday and encourages people to be grateful for what they do have in life.

Throughout this month of fasting (of around 11-12 hours each day) I will 'Run for Ramadhan'. I will be running daily, with the goal of covering 150 kilometers. I will keep everyone updated with screenshots (and videos) from a fitness tracking app which logs location, distance and time.

This fundraiser serves a dual purpose. Not only does it help raise awareness for Islam and the value of Ramadhan but it promotes the benefits of exercise. University and work life can often make you feel as if you're trapped in a box. Exercise has been shown to increase brain activity, enhancing productivity and can provide numerous improvements to your physical and mental health. I am not only completing this event for myself or for those in need of the benefit of charity. I hope this can prove to every person who feels as if they cannot contribute, that every little action can and will make a difference in the grand scheme of things. I encourage you to join me in this challenge.

There are over 40,000 students at the University of Auckland and if everyone donated just 10 cents, together we could raise over $4,000. The value of 10 cents to you as an individual may be next to nothing but as a collective we have the power to change the lives of those without the same opportunity as us. The limits are endless.

Any proceeds I receive from the lovely Auckland community will be donated to charity. The purpose of this is to raise funds to aid those in poverty. I will donate half the money to Al Manar Trust to support Muslims worldwide in need during Ramadhan. I will donate the other half to KidsCan to support children in poverty across New Zealand.

Islam is a religion of peace, humility and humanity. Muslims will continue to stand in solidarity with the entire New Zealand community. Together we are united, not by our individual beliefs but by our shared values as proud Kiwis.