Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community collective received an "amazing response" to their Sunday morning visit to Taranaki, says Imam Sabah Al-Zafar.
Sabah and other members of the collective were at the Seaside Market at Ngamotu Beach on Sunday, ready to answer "any and all" questions about Islam.
"We want to break down stereotypes and to take away any negativity people might have around Islam and Muslims. We know most people, when they have that negativity or believe in a stereotype, it comes from them not having actually met people from that group or faith."
The collective started an initiative called 'Meet a Muslim' in 2017, with the aim to build bridges, remove misunderstandings and give people the opportunity to find out more about Islam in a free and open environment. Another successful nationwide drive took place in mid-2021, where they visited every city in New Zealand in just 21 days, says Sabah.
"It is all part of an ongoing effort to educate the public on the true and peaceful teachings of Islam, but also to build bridges and lasting friendships.