Imam Qamar was our speaker this week.
Imam is a Muslim pastor who has been posted to NZ to cover our country and Samoa.
The theme of the talk was “A humble endeavour to Educate and remove Misunderstandings”.
There has been a NZ Survey which revealed intolerance for the Muslims in NZ. In response Imam is promoting events that reach out to the wider community to make friends with Muslims over a cup of tea.
Islamic religion promotes an attitude to God of Peace, Submission and Obedience. There are five steps that Muslim’s adhere to:
- Shahadah – none worthy of worship except God (creator)
- Salat – after age 10 Muslims offer 5 daily prayers which are essential for spiritual well-being
- Saum – Fasting (abstain from food, water and conjugal activities) in order to focus on spirituality
- Zakat – Give wealth (sharing) or spending
- Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca
There are two branches of faith being the rights of Allah (God) and the rights of his creation which go hand in hand. The expectation is that this means we live peacefully.
Articles of Faith (below) outlines how Muslims believe that all writing and prophets should be respected and that there should be no compulsion in religions that is there should be freedom of belief:
- Unity of God
- His Angels
- His Books
- His Prophets
- The last Day
- Devine Degree
Imam went on to outline how the Quran came about – Muhammad had the Holy Quran revealed to him by God over a 23 year period. It was revealed in Arabic but has over time been translated into 75 languages.
Imam also outlined how the Holy War has been miscommunicated that the Jihad is an individual’s ability to strive and struggle. However due to an inability to resist aggressors in war over time, the need to defend oneself or protect themselves made it acceptable to enter into war for defensive reasons. This talk certainly provided background to Islam and highlighted the need for acceptance and tolerance of all people.
Thanks
President's Message
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