We are have begun publishing the first listings of our Halal Business Directory listing FIANZ certified Halal outlets in the FIANZ Halal Services section. The initial listings are for the Auckland metropolitan area and, to date, include restaurants, takeaways, factories, and butchers.

Inshaallah we will be adding, in the near future, further listing both for Auckland and other New Zealand centres.

To apply for FIANZ Halal Certification, please fill in the Application Form and mail it to FIANZ Office or apply Online. Please note the information you provide will be sent via normal email without encryption.

Watch this space for the latest news and messages from FIANZ's Ulama Council on matters of general interest.

On Sunday, 15 April 1979, the organisation was formed when three founding associations came together in a union that elected Hajji Mazhar Shukri Krasniqi (Q.S.M.) originally from Kosova, as the first President.

The vision of its founding fathers was to have in place an organisation that would play a central and decisive role in creating an enabling environment where Muslims can co-exist with themselves and others, as well as integrate into the wider NZ society, has been achieved in various ways.

Through FIANZ, the Muslims of NZ are playing a very central role in peace building at home, and enhancing economic and bilateral relations between NZ and countries importing New Zealand produce.

The export of animal and dairy products certified as HALAL by FIANZ (meeting the Muslim consumption norms) to Middle Eastern and Muslim countries is an important factor in the stable economy this country has enjoyed over the years.

This economic relation between NZ and such countries has also resulted in improved bilateral relations.

At 25, FIANZ continues to play a central role in consolidating and fostering such relations in many ways than can be easily appreciated.

Muslims have enjoyed peace and harmony in New Zealand with members of all religions and we pray that this will continue to be the case. FIANZ's belief in intercultural and interfaith harmony has seen it, in conjunction with other individuals, interested parties and regional organisations making an effort to establish a special centre in NZ dedicated to fostering dialogue between cultures. The need for this is predicated on contemporary experiences that show dialogue rather than clash between cultures as the path to domestic and global harmony.

In marking this important silver jubilee, FIANZ has planned several events in its various branches throughout the country such as visits to all Islamic centres by the first and current Presidents of FIANZ, a jubilee dinner to be held in Wellington, and various engagements with the different cultures and religions within New Zealand. These activities will culminate in August 2005 with a synchronised nationwide Islamic week when Islamic centres throughout the country will be especially open to the public.

Javed I Khan
President

8 August 2005

Islamic Awareness Week (Aug 8-14) is an important opportunity for the New Zealand public to learn about New Zealand's 23,000 strong Muslim community and their beliefs, Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter said today.

"Opening up to the wider community is a brave thing to do when you are under pressure in the way Muslims are at present, but I am delighted Muslim New Zealanders have chosen to do so this week," Mr Carter told a breakfast in Auckland launching Islamic Awareness Week.

"The more understanding we have of each others beliefs, ideals and practices the less opportunity there is for conflict and social isolation to develop in New Zealand. The reality of any society is that there will always be differences between people. A healthy society is not one that pretends there aren't.

"With the profile given to the activities of terrorists around the world, it is easy for the public to get a warped view of what Islam is about, and the priorities of Muslims. In my experience, the reality of Islam in New Zealand is very different from the way it is often portrayed," Mr Carter said.

"Muslims have lived and contributed to New Zealand since early last century, and contrary to popular belief are not only derived from Asia, Africa and Arabia. There are at least 3000 Muslims in New Zealand who identify as of European origin.

"I would urge decent, sensible New Zealanders to make an effort to get to know their Muslim neighbours, if they don't already. The way to defeat terrorism is not by dwelling on our differences, but by unifying around common beliefs - notably, a belief in peace."

Hon Chris Carter
Minister for Ethnic Affairs

Press Release 1 August 2005

The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc. (FIANZ), the national Muslim organisation, announced today that Islam Awareness Week will be held from 8-14 August 2005.

This follows Islam Awareness Week 2004, which was themed "Discover Islam". FIANZ President Javed Khan says "the Week provides an opportunity for the wider community to begin engaging more with Muslims as people.

"It also marks a renewed commitment by Muslims to engage more with their fellow New Zealanders. This commitment is captured in the theme, "Getting To Know Each Other", which will guide the Muslim community's Islam Awareness Programme until Islam Awareness Week 2006," he said.

FIANZ is a partner in the Diversity Action Programme led by the Human Rights Commission and Islam Awareness Week represents a major event in its ongoing contribution to the Programme.

Events will be held around New Zealand during the Week, including Open Days at Mosques and Islamic Centres on Saturday, 13 August.

Khan said "We welcome everyone to visit our places of worship during the Open Day and learn more about our beliefs, values, and culture".

The Week is supported by the launch of a website, www.islamawareness.co.nz for event information and facts about the New Zealand Muslim community and Islam.

"This website will be an important resource for everyone who wants to know more about Islam Awareness Week and our community", Khan said.

Javed Khan
President

Media enquiries: Tariq Ashraf, Ph (04) 474 2191, Mobile 025 6122 833, Email

The Annual FIANZ National Qur'an Competition was held on 11-12 June 2005 at the Avondale Islamic Centre in Auckland.

The event got underway after a slow start due to the wet weather. Despite the weather being a bit cool and wet, the event was successfully conducted. Altogether, there were about 40 participants at this year's competition. We also had a participant who came from as far away as Dunedin. His participation was greatly appreciated.

Each year, FIANZ had made significant progress in organising the competition. The Avondale Islamic Centre provided excellent hospitality for all participants and their minders. Every participant was presented with a participation Certificate and a prize.

IMAN was awarded the Third Placing.

The Second Placing was captured by the Avondale Islamic Centre, Auckland. The FIANZ Challenge Shield for the overall best result went to Masjid-e-Umar of Mt Roskill.

Congratulations to all of them on their fine effort!

International Qur'an Competition In Makkah

FIANZ is proud to announce that two of our best participants will represent New Zealand at the Annual King Abdul Aziz International Qur'an Competition to be held in Makkah Al-Mukkaramah, organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, Endowment and Guidance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Makkah. FIANZ will soon announce the name of the participants.

The FIANZ AGM 2005 was held on 21-22 May 2005 at the new office located at 7-11 Queen's Drive, Lyall Bay, Wellington. These offices are located in the ground floor of the Wellington Islamic Centre. That FIANZ and the Wellington Islamic Centre are in the same building is a bonus for us. It reflects the religious nature of our organization. Additionally, the Centre is used for the daily prayers by staff and visitors to the office.

As this was the inaugural AGM to be held in our new office, it was preceded by the official opening of the FIANZ Office. The Guest of Honour at this reception was Hon Paul Swain, Minister for Immigration. Other guests invited at his occasion included Dr Ashraf Choudhary, Member of Parliament, Mr Joris de Bres, Commissioner for Race Relations, HE Sheikh Hassani, Ambassador of Iran, Mr Mokhtar, Counsellor of High Commission of Malaysia and Mr Ali M Sungkar, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Indonesia.

New Zealand Muslim Community Incensed At The Blatant Desecration Of The Holy Qur'an

The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand is deeply saddened and extremely disappointed by the recent desecration of the Holy Qur'an at Guantanamo Bay which is administered by the United States of America.

The United States Government should know in no uncertain terms that display of such recalcitrant behaviour of desecrating Islam's Holy Book with the intent to inflict emotional pain among the Muslims is an irresponsible act by certain group of people who can best be described as menace to the society.

The Federation hopes that the proper authorities in the United States would seriously deal with those responsible for such insensitive and hurtful act against the Muslims and bring them to justice.

The Federation would also like to call upon the Muslims in New Zealand to show restrain in the face of such flagrant provocation and seek God's Grace for patience and forbearance.

Javed I Khan
President of FIANZ

The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) on behalf of the Muslim community of New Zealand expresses its deep shock and grief at the recent devastating Indian Ocean tsunami that hit coasts across South Asia (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Myanmar) and parts of Africa (Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya). This is an extraordinary natural calamity and a huge tragedy.

The Federation offers its deepest condolences to the peoples of the affected countries and indeed to the families of those killed and those who lost their livelihood, and belongings, in this deviating disaster and prays for the speedy recovery of those injured. Special prayers for the victims and their families are to be held at all Mosques and Islamic Centres.

The Federation is launching a "Tsunami Relief Fund" to assist the affected peoples and requests for generous support from the community. Donations can be deposited directly into the FIANZ Appeal Account as detailed below.

Javed I Khan
President
027 - 2490331

NZ Muslims' Declaration Denouncing All Kinds Of Terrorism - Endorsed in Auckland/New Zealand on the 13th of January, 2003.

Signatories

WE, concerned Muslims of New Zealand, have continuously expressed our commitment, as an integral part of this nation, to preserve peace and stability. FIANZ (The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand), for example, made a number of press releases to that effect in the last 15 months. It is felt that the present circumstances warrant a reconfirmation of this commitment by means of this declaration.

Declaration

WE, concerned Muslims of New Zealand, being Islamic in faith, feel that it is our duty to announce our viewpoint regarding recent major world events. We believe that Islam promotes peace and security to all mankind and salvation from fear and terror. It does not allow any lawless action against innocent people, no matter when, where, or under what pretext such action might be taken.

Islam denounces all kinds of terrorism at all levels, whether perpetrated by governments, organisations or individuals. This spirit has been clearly shown in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, stating that to kill one innocent person is akin to killing the whole of mankind and calling upon all nations to live in peace and harmony together in this world, being the creation of the one and only one God.

These recent events have led many people around the world to consider Islam as a doctrine of terror. The true spirit of Islam is so far from this and it explicitly states to the contrary. The Holy Quran calls upon the Prophet Muhammad to:

Islam advocates for peace and invites us to pursue happiness in this world and the hereafter; to resist whimsical desires and encourages dialogue between nations:

Within the context of New Zealand society, WE, Muslim citizens of New Zealand, feel that we are an integral part of the nation and consider all citizens as partners in the cause of peace and prosperity, irrespective of race, faith, or ethnicity. We are determined to honour our obligations to defend this nation and its fabric, well inspired by the spirit of our National Anthem which we aspire to see made true: God of Nations at thy Feet In the bonds of Love we Meet.

It is noticed that few individuals, groups and agencies, contrary to the long established traditions of New Zealand society, possibly driven by a wider anti-Muslim sentiment elsewhere in the world, are following a track that is very likely to incite religious hatred and discrimination.

It is regretted that this has led to baseless and unjustified attacks on the sacred symbols of Islam: the personality of Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Quran, without any sound knowledge of the matter. The spirit of this unacceptable trend is indeed not much different from that which justifies terror in the name of religion. Both must be considered unfair and harmful. Fuelling anti-Muslim sentiments only serves the purposes of fanatics and extremists more than anything else.

The Muslim community of New Zealand is determined to live in peace and abide by the law. We clearly pronounce our commitment to the welfare of our nation, as much as we feel entitled to live in peace, and be respected as citizens of New Zealand. We declare that our commitment to the welfare of our country shall be unquestionable.

God save our New Zealand.

Endorsed in Auckland/New Zealand on the 13th of January, 2003 by:

1. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) which includes:

   • New Zealand Muslim Association Inc., (NZMA), Auckland.

   • South Auckland Muslim Association Inc., (SAMA), Auckland.

   • Waikato Bay of Plenty Muslim Association Inc., (WBPMA), Hamilton.

   • Manawatu Muslim Association Inc., (MMA), Palmerston North.

   • International Muslim Association of New Zealand Inc., (IMAN), Wellington.

   • Muslim Association of Canterbury Inc., (MAC), Christchurch.

   • Otago Muslim Association Inc., (OMA), Dunedin.

2. Islamic Ahlulbayt Foundation of New Zealand, Auckland.

3. Islamic Information Services, Auckland.

4. Al-Manar Trust, Auckland.

For further information, comments and media response please refer to: The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) PO Box 1415, Wellington, Tel: (64) 4 384 7526, Fax: (64) 4 384 7596, e-mail:

Top

The Federation of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) Inc. vehemently opposes the passing of the Civil Union Bill by the New Zealand Parliament. The Bill should be totally rejected both on religious and moral grounds.

Islam and other major religions of the world do not condone a union between same sex couples. Same sex marriage destroys the conventional meaning of marriage in various traditions and consequently tears apart the very fabric of the society. Marriage is a great institution, a socially sanctioned union typically of one man and one woman which forms the family nucleus.

The common explanation given in support of the Bill that it provides legal protection to the minorities of their human rights and freedom is completely misguided and misleading. Existing laws provide more than adequate safeguard to protect the dignity and freedom of every minority group in New Zealand. Parliamentarians must be mindful of this and should not display irresponsibility and irrationality in their judgement.

The Federation is extremely disappointed at the stance taken by Dr Ashraf Choudhury, the only Muslim Member of Parliament. Certainly, Dr Choudhury did not reflect the view of the Federation and the wider Muslim community of New Zealand. We all know that Holy matrimony is the only sacred union in all civilisations as ordained by God. Debasing marriage in the name of Civil Union of same sex couples mocks the Commandment of God. The institution of marriage in Islam is "a mutual contract between a man and a woman whose goal is for each to enjoy the other, become a pious family and a sound society".

The Federation hopes that good sense will prevail on the part of the proponents of the Bill and by rejecting it unreservedly they will restore the confidence of the majority of the citizens of this great nation, who oppose the Bill. Let us all work together to uphold the family values and good traditions to build a cohesive and progressive society to live in peace and harmony so as to achieve progress and prosperity.

Javed I Khan
President of FIANZ

The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc. (FIANZ) condemns the cold-blooded murder of Margaret Hassan, a British-Iraqi humanitarian aid worker who dedicated herself to better the lives of many Iraqis. To lose her life in this circumstance is extremely tragic and her death is a great loss to many ordinary Iraqis.

Kidnapping and killing of innocent victims is an abhorrent act of brutality. Such senseless and despicable acts perpetrated in the name of Islam is totally un-Islamic and unacceptable. Islam does not condone such heinous crimes committed against other human beings.

The Federation calls for immediate cessation of such crimes against humanity and that all other civilian hostages held in Iraq be unconditionally released.

At the same time, the Federation also calls for the immediate cessation of all military hostilities in Fallujah, Mosel and other parts of Iraq.

Javed I Khan
President

We have enhanced the options offered on the prayer timetables page and now give you the option to view timetables for the current?day, the current month or view an historic or future month for any of the following cities, Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin.

The FIANZ Halal Manual explains both what Halal means and FIANZ's role in Halal certification. Download your copy in PDF format Here.

The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand held its Annual National Conference earlier this year. Insha Allah we be uploading a detailed report in the near future.

Kia ora Javed

I was very upset to hear about the vandalistic attacks on four Islamic centres in Auckland last night, in the wake of the London bombings. Please pass on to your members this message of solidarity. While anger at the London bombings is something felt by all New Zealanders, the vast majority would also deplore the acts of a few individuals in targeting New Zealand Muslims who are innocent of any crime and who have themselves condemned these acts of terror and denounced them as being against the principles of Islam.

To read more click Here.

Watch this space for the latest news and messages from FIANZ's Youth Division on matters of general interest.