Indian Newslink May 1, 2018 Digital Edition

MAY 1, 2018
A small community seeks fraternal bond
Venkat Raman
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
New Zealand has a
vibrant Muslim community
with its members
participating in almost
all community, social and welfare
activities.
It is a matter of gratification
that Muslims live in peace and
harmony, working alongside
other communities, fostering
the common cause of universal
fraternity and goodwill.
Notwithstanding some untoward
incidents in recent months
in which Muslims were targets
of verbal or physical abuse
following the September 11, 2001
incidents in the US.
There are no serious concerns
of communal tension, the likes of
which are found in India or even
in the UK.
Muslims in New Zealand form
an integral part of the country’s
social fabric and have been effective
contributors to the overall
development for more than 130
years, transcending all barriers.
The Early Settlers
The first Muslims arrived
here in 1868. They were of
Chinese nationality, involved in
the mining industry. When the
industry declined, they returned
without leaving any Muslim heritage
behind. The next group of
Muslims arrived in 1908 to take
up permanent residence in Auckland.
It was however much later
(1950) that cognizable number
Muslims praying at Mustafa Al Majid in South Auckland
of Muslims began establishing a
firm foothold in this country.
Early Muslim settlers, though
small in number, soon began
to organise themselves and
gather in their private homes to
observe salaat, Quran classes and
religious celebrations. As their
number grew, the need for a
larger and fixed place of worship
and education became apparent.
Such a need led to purchase of
ordinary houses which were
converted into Islamic Centers in
all major cities of New Zealand.
First Association
The first regional Muslim association
was formed in Auckland
in 1950 and was called the New
Zealand Muslim Association
(NZMA).
It was soon followed by the
Wellington Muslim Association
(1962) which later became the
International Muslim Association
of New Zealand (IMAN).
The choice of this name was
a reflection of the situation in
Wellington where the majority
of Muslims were students on
the ‘Colombo Plan,’ from many
different countries.
By the mid-1950s, every region
had set up a Muslim Association,
registered with the Government
as Incorporated Societies.
Educational Courses
The functions and services
provided by these Associations
were confined to the immediate
needs of their communities. In
most cases, this meant establishing
the Holy Quran reading and
Islamic lessons for children, as
well as study groups for men and
women.
Despite the scarcity of
educational resource material
and adequately trained teachers,
these classes filled the need for
some form of Islamic education
in what was a completely secular
environment. By late 1970s, it was
becoming increasingly apparent
that a national body was required
to coordinate the activities of the
regional Associations, increase
their efficiency and generally
represent the interests of Muslims
as a whole, at national and
international levels.
The Federation of Islamic Associations
of New Zealand (FIANZ)
was formed in September 1979, in
realisation of a growing need.
According to the 2013 Census,
there were 46,149 Muslims, up
28% from 36,072 in 2006.
Today, the New Zealand Muslim
community comprises about 40
different nationalities.
The results of the 2018 Census
have not yet been released but
the total Muslim population is
likely to have crossed 45,000.
Maori and Islander Muslims
Islam is estimated to be the
fastest growing religion among
the Maori with census figures
showing the number of Muslims
of Maori ethnicity increasing
from 99 to 708 in the 10 years to
2001 and to 1083 by 2013 census
data.
The Aotearoa Maori Muslim
Association is the most influential
Maori Muslim Movement.
While the overall Pacific
Islander community grew 15%
according to census data from
2001 to 2006, Muslim Pacific
Islanders grew 87.43%.
According to 2013 census data,
there were 1536 Muslims among
Ramadan Special
19
the Pacific Islander community
(less than 3.5% of New Zealand's
Muslim population).
The most famous Muslim from
this community is Rugby player
and heavyweight boxer Sonny Bill
Williams.
Islamic Centres
Most Islamic Centres are
affiliated to the Wellington based
Federation of Islamic Associations
of New Zealand (FIANZ).
There are 43 Islamic Centres
affiliated to FIANZ throughout
New Zealand including Auckland
(26), Waikato (6), Bay of Plenty
(2), Canterbury (2), Hawke’s Bay
(1), Manawatu and Wanganui (4)
Marlborough (1), Northland (1),
Otago (2), Southland (1), Taranaki
(2) and Wellington (5).
It is not unusual for universities
and other educational institutions
to send their students to the
Islamic Centers and mosques
to gain better knowledge and
appreciation of Islam and the
rituals of Muslims. Television
and radio programmes are
regularly compiled and scholars
of international repute are
invited for public lectures. Islamic
exhibitions are also organised
from time to time.
FIANZ publishes regular updates
on its website (fianz.com).
Despite being a small community,
far removed in terms
of distance from the rest of the
Muslim world, Muslims in New
Zealand have developed a strong
and committed community, dedicated
to following the ‘straight
path’ toward success.
Wishing you a shower of
Blessings
durring the holy month of Ramadan
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