Shilpy Arora / Stuff
Palmerston North City Councilor Orphée Mickalad, center, receives a reo Māori translation of the Koran from a group of Muslim youth at the Feilding Farmers’ Market.
A group of young Muslims, trying to demystify their faith in Kiwis in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attack, gave people in Feilding the chance to meet a Muslim.
The group, which has been touring several cities and towns in New Zealand for the past two years, was at the Feilding Farmers’ Market on Friday.
It gave people the opportunity to have an informal and open conversation about Islam.
It was not uncommon for Imam Sabah Al-Zafar to be greeted “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) by a senior Pākehā couple walking past the market stall.
READ MORE:
* Young Muslims explode myths over a hill
* Questions, not abuse, welcomed by your Muslim neighbors
* Quran exhibition coming to Nelson to ‘break down barriers’ and spread understanding
Shilpy Arora / Stuff
Imam Sabah Al-Zafar, left, and Mirza Sarfraz Ahmad say their interactions with people sometimes mean that they are subjected to outbursts, but they try to foster understanding and foster friendships.
Al-Zafar said the response from people in Feilding was encouraging as many were curious to know more about Islam.
“A woman just told me that religion divides people and atheism is a solution to protect humanity. I told her diversity makes humanity beautiful.
“We can be of different religion, race, region or ethnicity, but we can all coexist peacefully. We just need to understand each other well. ”
The group, which carried out their campaign under the banner of True Islam NZ, said the Christchurch mosque attack showed New Zealand was not immune to misunderstanding and extremism.
Shilpy Arora / Stuff
David Gundersen, a resident of Feilding, says the Western world has many misconceptions about Islam.
Mirza Sarfraz Ahmad said many New Zealanders never had a chance to interact with the fellow Kiwi who happened to be Muslim.
“Through this exhibition and one-on-one interaction, we invite everyone to ask us anything about Islam.”
Palmerston North City Councilor Orphée Mickalad and Manawatū District Councilor Shane Casey visited the exhibit and received copies of the Koran for their offices.
Mickalad said: “There is a need to understand that diversity and inclusion are different. Not only do we need to acknowledge the presence of different cultures and religions, but we also need to understand them.”
The show featured a too-reo-edition of the Koran. It was translated by Shakil Ahmad Monir, a professor of science and religion who lived in New Zealand for two decades.
The group presents their exhibit in Whanganui on Saturday from 08:30 to 13:00 at the river market, and in New Plymouth on Sunday, between 10:00 and 14:00, at the sea market.