AMJNZ to hold Mosque Open Day

Media Release: 6th Oct 2016

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New Zealand to hold Mosque Open Day

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New Zealand will open its mosque doors at 20 Dalgety Drive in Wiri Manukau, for the general public on Saturday 8th Oct 2016 from 10 am to 4 pm. The event forms part of the community’s continuous desire to build bridges and increase understanding amongst members of all faiths.

‘The mosque plays a central role in developing a Muslim’s bond to its creator. It provides a place of worship, as well as a hub for the local Muslim community to come together. Lately though, the true image of a mosque has been greatly tarnished worldwide by some individuals using a house of worship in a way totally opposite to the true Islamic teachings, and serving as a source to divide people, rather than bring them together’, says Mr Bashir Khan, the National President of the Community. ‘The only way to remove this perceived image is to invite our fellow citizens to come and experience the true purpose of a Mosque in person’.

The Spiritual Leader and Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has reminded the community of this purpose on several occasions. At a recent opening ceremony of a mosque in Sweden he said, “It is quite natural to fear the unknown and so the neighbors may well be concerned that the peace and security of their hometown may be disturbed now that this Mosque has been opened. However, based on the Islam that I know and follow, let me reassure you that this Mosque will prove itself to be a fountain of peace, from which only everlasting springs of love and compassion will gush forth.” He further said, “A basic purpose of a Mosque is to serve as a place for Muslims to offer their prayers and in Arabic the word for prayer is ‘As-Salat’ which in essence means ‘compassion, love and mercy’. Consequently, a Muslim who offers his prayers with sincerity is a person who is kind, caring and merciful and he or she is a person who strives to stay away from immorality, illegal activity and all forms of evil.”

The community’s Auckland mosque, named Baitul Muqeet, is the largest purpose built mosque in New Zealand. The open day will feature guided tours of the mosque, short seminars and presentations to answer any queries, as well as an exhibition and free literature for visitors. Refreshments will be available through out the day.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in Punjab, India, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 206 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Its motto of ‘Love for all and hatred for none’ is evidenced through the peaceful actions of its millions of followers. The New Zealand branch of this community was established in 1987 and has just over 400 members. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavors to be an active and integrated community within New Zealand society.

ENDS

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