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Since its inception in 1979, FIANZ had been playing an important and valuable role in building better understanding between the Muslim community and the other various ethnic and religious communities in New Zealand so as to live harmoniously and cohesively together. Its primary role is to see that the many and varied interests of New Zealand's Muslim community are looked after. In this regard, FIANZ is responsible for the promotion of religious, social, educational, economic and cultural activities in accordance with the principles and traditions of Islam as enshrined in the Holy Qur'an and the traditions of our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The principal functions of FIANZ are as follows:
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Maintain a high standard of Islamic practice among the Muslim community.
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Administer Halal Certifications and maintain the Halal standards and practices with a view to promoting New Zealand meat exports to Muslim countries and Muslim consumers in non-Muslim countries.
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Promote the interests and enhance the effectiveness of the Local Associations in New Zealand with a view to cooperate and co-exist well with other ethnic groups.
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Undertake Da'wah activities and provide developmental grants to Local Associations.
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Develop and maintain good relations with the diplomatic community in Wellington and Canberra and other International Islamic Organizations.
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FIANZ has been in the forefront and has played a significant role in the development of the community and to forge common bonding among our Muslim brotherhood and the wider New Zealand community. FIANZ had been the prime mover of Islamic development in New Zealand. It has been playing a central role in protecting and advancing the interest of the Muslim community in New Zealand.
The Muslim community today is made up in excess of 40 different nationalities. Relatively speaking, the Muslim community in New Zealand is small. However, within the context of wider New Zealand society, we feel that we have always been an integral part of this nation and consider all citizens as partners in the cause of peace and prosperity, irrespective of race, faith, or ethnicity.
At this juncture, Your Excellency, I wish to express my deep appreciation for the unstinting support given by the New Zealand Government to the Federation and the Muslim community. By signaling such strong support, the New Zealand Government is committed to build a nation where every community's contribution would be valued. The New Zealand Government believes that diversity makes our society a richer one. As a minority grouping in New Zealand, we share in the aspirations of the Government that we want a country where everyone can hold their head up high, irrespective of religion, faith, belief, ethnicity, and social origin.
The Muslim community here is able to live in peace and harmony with the wider New Zealand community. We have built up our way of life founded on Islamic beliefs and principles, and the New Zealand system has provided opportunities for all. Our community has worked diligently over the years to contribute to New Zealand's success. We have striven to preserve our values and, at the same time, made practical adjustments amidst changing social circumstances. Our approach, which is true to our religion and yet pragmatic in its outlook, has enabled us to live as good Muslims in a multi-racial and multi-religious society, and contribute to New Zealand's economic and social development over the years.
With our collective efforts, we are confident that we can maintain our values and our way of life as a community. We are also confident that the Muslim community in New Zealand will have the ability to make the right choices and be good Muslims at all times, in any environment. More than that, we can be confident that the community will continue to be a positive influence on, and a contributor to, the wider society. The Muslim community in New Zealand can also act as a bridge across the cultural divide between the Islamic and western worlds.
There are new challenges ahead of us as there will be progress in every field of human endeavour. Our community would be prepared to meet these challenges and embrace the changes that will come our way. The Muslim community will have to face these changes together with its combined will, resources and energy.
Your Excellency, I am pleased to report that the Muslim community is progressing well and has shown a new found confidence as well as a greater sense of urgency to want to develop faster. In this regard, the Federation continues to play a pivotal role in the progress of the community.
FIANZ has been recognised as a key player in the strategy for the development of the future security of New Zealand and we have committed ourselves to provide full cooperation. Although we are living in a secular society, we must realize that New Zealand is our home which we share with others from different faiths. Irrespective of the differences in creed, colour and beliefs, we are all partners in nation-building. It is imperative that our community plays a responsible role in the nation-building so that we strengthen our social fabric and cohesion to protect against bad influence and elements infiltrating our society in any manner or form. We always strive to make New Zealand to be a strong, healthy, peaceful, progressive and vibrant country in the world.
It is my sincere hope that all of us will join hands to enable FIANZ to continue to serve our community and our country, and serve them well in the spirit of Islam for peace, happiness, and progress for New Zealand and the whole human society. Only then, we would realize the true vision of Islam as "rahmatan lil alamin' (Blessing for the whole universe).
In closing, allow me to once again express my heartfelt thanks to Your Excellencies for graciously accepting our invitation to visit us in Auckland and to join us in this dinner. It is indeed a great honour to receive Your Excellencies.
On behalf of the Muslim community of New Zealand and everyone present here today, I pray to God Almighty to Bless Your Excellencies with good health and happiness.
Wasalaam and Thank you.
Javed Khan
President
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