Dialogue and peaceful co-existence was the theme of the Islam Awareness Week launched in Wellington this week.
Islam Awareness Week is an annual event that gives an opportunity to New Zealanders to know more about Islam, its teachings, its rich history and its artefacts.
During this week most of the mosques around the nation are kept open all day welcoming people from different faiths to interact with the members of the Islamic faith.
The week was launched by Hazim Arafeh, president of Federation of Islamic Association of NZ on Monday, August 22, at Kilbirnie Masjid in Wellington.
Present at the launch ceremony were interfaith community leaders, Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ahmed N. D. H. Al Johani, Race Relations representative Rakesh Naidoo, head of the board of Ulema, Sheikh Mohammed Amir, and head of Dawah committee Dr Mustafa Farouk.
The ceremony included speeches delivered from interfaith community leaders and some of the attendees were gifted a copy of the Holy Quran.
In Auckland, one of the main activities of the Islam Awareness Week is the two-day exhibition called “Islam Open Day” at Aotea Square in the city during the weekend, Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28, from 10 am to 4 pm.
The event centre will exhibit artefacts such as a replica of the Holy Kaaba, life-size camel and posters in different sections such as Islamic arts, science, Islamic Foundations and Islamic culture. Ethnic food stalls, dress stalls, and fun activities will be arranged for the children as well.
The event aims to attract as many individuals from different faiths spreading the message of peace and educate individuals the values Islam inculcates in the world.
Mosques across Auckland will have their doors open through the day until sunset and have activity arrangements made for kids, women and a dialogue session with the visitors, refreshments will be made available for the visitors at some mosques.