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NZ Muslims' Declaration Denouncing All Kinds Of Terrorism
Press Release 13 January 2003
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:
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"Call the people to the way of your Lord by wisdom and fair preaching".
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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:
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"O Mankind, We created you, from male and female, and made you into nations and
tribes, that you may know one another".
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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:
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.
Islamic Ahlulbayt Foundation of
New Zealand, Auckland. Islamic Information Services, Auckland. 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:
fianz@xtra.co.nz
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