'Meet a Muslim' event hopes to dispel misconceptions around Islamic faith

Ahmadiyya imam Mustenser Qamar believes "meeting a Muslim" is the key to dispelling negative connotations associated with who they are. Photo / Supplied

The age-old saying, "don't judge a book by its cover" is particularly important in today's society. And one which a Muslim initiative is using in an attempt to dispel negative connotations associated around what it means to be Muslim.

"Since the horrendous events on 9/11 and the countless terror attacks since, scepticism and uncertainty have enshrouded the religion of Islam and Muslims around the world," Ahmadiyya imam, Mustenser Ahmad Qamar said.

"We want to assure everyone that no one despises these terrorists more than the Muslim community itself. These terrorists have twisted the religion of Islam and are using it for their own personal gains and political motives."

While New Zealanders, for the most part were able to "divorce the actions of a few barbaric individuals within the religion of Islam," Qamar said there were still a large number who had never met a Muslim.

Ahmaddyia Muslim community New Zealand, head of outreach, Mohamed Anas Raheem said a lot of the "misunderstanding and misconceptions around the faith" stemmed from a "fear of the unknown".

As members of the Ahmaddyia Muslim community, they are taking part in "Meet a Muslim" initiative, to allow non-Muslims to know a Muslim person in New Zealand. The campaign began two years ago and has had positive results.

"They realise that we are normal human beings - proud New Zealanders that are contributing to the country and want to give back as much as possible. When they realise that, they understand a lot of the things they are hearing are myths."

Under the umbrella of the nationwide ''True Islam Campaign'', people wearing "I am a Muslim, ask me anything," will head to Napier for the first time this Saturday.

While there will be a number of events, including the Quran Exhibition, seminars on the Quran and the topic of terrorism, people are invited to attend a Q&A allowing questions to be asked about anything to do with Islam.

"We hope through initiatives like this we are able to build bridges of understanding and foster a much more harmonious society," Qamar said.

• The True Islam Roadshow is at the Napier Conference Centre on September 29 from 10am to 4pm. For more information visit: www.trueislam.nz.