CAIRO — Muslims in New Zealand are organizing a week of open days at mosques, interfaith panel discussions, Islamic cultural arts and crafts displays and ethnic food fairs.

"The reason is to give a better understanding of Muslims and Islam to the wider community," Javed Khan, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), told the Sunday Star Times on Monday, August 11.

The 5th annual Islam awareness week, running on August 4-11 and themed "Strong Families, Better Society," included open days at most of the country's mosques and Islamic centers.

 

"A lot of people have never been to a mosque and it will be an opportunity for them to see and ask questions," Khan believes.

The week also features interfaith panel discussions, Islamic cultural arts and crafts displays and ethnic food fairs.

The Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand also organized a celebration of Islamic fashion, a ladies-only event introducing new Zealanders to the rationale behind the less revealing Muslim clothing.

The events were attended by a host of dignitaries from across the political spectrum, a large diplomatic corps, religious leaders, academics and police officials.

The Muslim federation also established a website www.islamawareness.co.nzwhere New Zealanders can find answers to questions about Islam and Muslims.

New Zealand is home to 36,000 Muslims, according to the 2006 census.

The south-pacific island country has around 40 mosques and Islamic centers, and two Islamic schools.

True Islam  

For Muslims, the awareness week serves as a chance to address prejudice about Islam often resulting from misinformation, reported the Manawatu Standard.

"The core of Islam, as well as Christianity, is tolerance and forgiveness," Nasser Shehata, a doctor, told the crowd at Palmerston North's convention center.

"Love your neighbors - love your enemies, even."

Shehata explained that Islam was not spread by the sword and that the stereotypical claim that it preaches violence runs counter to the peaceful and tolerant teachings of the Noble Qur'an.

He also addressed one of the major pieces of inaccurate information which surrounds the notion of jihad.

"There are two types of jihad. One is 'major jihad' - the struggle against our own whims and desires, evil things like lust and greed. To be a good citizen you must control your desires," expounded the Muslim doctor.

The "minor jihad," added Shehata, relates to the use of force in self defense, if someone is trying to oppress a community.

Haba Hagazi spoke on the role of women in Islam, stressing that the basic principle of hijab is modesty.

"It is not a cultural practice; it is an essential part of our religion," she told the same event.

"People think we might wear it to intimidate or annoy or something, but actually it is very important."

Auckland University student Bilel Ragued used his speech on campus to explain why he prays five times a day and never touched a drop of alcohol.

"A lot of people have misconceptions, so our aim is to try to clear those up," says the 19-year-old.

"Most importantly, we want to show that we’re normal people. We’re quite similar to everybody else."

 

 

 

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3.20 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."