23?September?2013

16?Dhul?Qadah?1434

President's Speech At Celebration At Parliament House

Speech By Javed Khan, President Of FIANZ At "End Of Ramadhan' And "Fianz Silver Jubilee' Celebrations

Delivered At The Grand Hall, Parliament House, Wellington On Wednesday, 16 November 2005 At 6.00 pm. Bismillahi Rahmanir Rahim (In the name of God, most benevolent most merciful) Assalaam Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatoh (Peace and Blessings Be Upon You) Rt Hon Michael Cullen, Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Don Brash, Leader of the Opposition, Leaders of various parties, Honourable Ministers, Honourable Members of Parliament, Your Excellencies, Respected Guests, Community Leaders, Friends and Fellow Brothers and Sisters, Ladies and Gentlemen

I take great pleasure in welcoming all of you to this first special inaugural gathering at this grand icon of Wellington. While we are still in the spirit of celebrating the Eid'ul Fitr (end of Ramadhan), allow me to begin by wishing all of you "Eid Mubarak".

Soon after the tragic events of 9/11, we, the Muslims of New Zealand, got together and openly declared our allegiance and commitment to New Zealand; to its security, welfare and wellbeing. The Muslims of New Zealand are an integral part of this great 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.

Today, we are gathered to celebrate two occasions. The End of Ramadhan (Eidu'l Fitr) and the Silver Jubilee of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand ( FIANZ in short).

FIANZ and It's Role

Prior to 1979, the needs of the Muslim community were met by Regional Muslim Associations which were formed in the major cities of NZ. However, it soon became apparent that a national body was required to coordinate the activities of these regional associations and represent Muslims on national and international level. Hence, in September 1979, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) was established. For your information, Dr Choudhary was one of the founding members of FIANZ and a past President too. The seven Regional Associations which came together to form FIANZ were:

New Zealand Muslim Association (based in Auckland City) South Auckland Muslim Association (based in Otahuhu) Waikato Muslim Association (based in Hamilton) Manawatu Muslim Association (based in Palmerston North) International Muslim Association of New Zealand ( based in Wellington) Muslim Association of Canterbury (based in Christchurch) Otago Muslim Association (based in Dunedin)

Since its inception 25 years ago, FIANZ has been in the forefront and has played a significant role in the development of the community and to forge common bonding between the Muslims and the wider New Zealand community. It has been playing a central role in protecting and advancing the interest of the Muslim community in New Zealand.

Over the years, we have seen a steady growth in the Muslim population in New Zealand. In the 2001 census, it was recorded that there were about 23,000 Muslims in New Zealand. Today, the figure is said to be hovering around 50,000. However, what is striking is that the face of the Muslim population is changing drastically. The Muslim community today is made up in excess of 42 different nationalities.

In spite of so many different nationalities forming the Muslim community in New Zealand, collectively, we have made great strides along with our fellow Kiwis. We have made and continue to make significant contributions to the overall economic growth of the country. The Halal meat export alone currently stands at NZ$380 million and poised to grow further in the coming years. A large majority of halal meat exported overseas is certified by FIANZ. The substantial contributions made by Muslim-owned businesses particularly in the retail and property sectors are well recognised.

With the progress made by the Muslim community in various areas, it has shown a new found confidence as well as a greater sense of urgency to want to develop faster. As FIANZ continues to play a pivotal role in the community, it is appreciated that we have to work harder and smarter. We realise that we have to be pro-active and creative in our approach and problem-solving and in meeting the needs of the community. Where it is possible, we hope to take a more targeted approach in terms of programmes that would ensure a more focused and effective handling of problems and needs in the community.

For FIANZ to achieve all this, it will require the continued support and goodwill of the Central and Local Governments, other community organisations and the commitment of the volunteers from within FIANZ. If the right synergy is created, it will make FIANZ a fitter, stronger and more able body to serve the community in its march towards progress. There is also a growing need for the Muslims to educate the wider community of what Islam truly is and what it stands for rather than leaving this function to the media which often do not necessarily correctly reflect this in their reports. Many members of the public who do not have much understanding of Islam and Muslims often form their opinion from the news coverage that they see or read. It is the wish of FIANZ to liaise with the Government to prepare brochures and educational materials and to hold seminars and workshops with Government agencies in order to foster and promote better understanding between Muslims and other faiths and indeed the wider community.

Now let me talk briefly about Eid and its significance to the Muslims.

Eidul Fitr means "festival of feasts". For Muslims all over the world we have successfully completed the holy month of Ramadhan. It was observed throughout the world with all sanctity and reverence that it demanded. It was a time for worship and reflection and brotherhood. A month that encouraged us to have care and compassion with our fellow Muslims and Non-Muslims. It inculcated patience, perseverance and everything good.