Awareness week set to enthrall visitors

‘‘Some may build on what they know, others might change what they thought they knew.’’

South Auckland residents now have an opportunity to understand Islam, its history, and culture.

Islam Awareness Week is geared up to run from August 22 to 28 with events spread across the city, including Open Days at several mosques. The annual event recognised by the New Zealand Government will kickstart in Wellington.

Most of the events will be held at Samia Masjid Al-Mustafa in Otahuhu, and visitors of other religious groups are welcome to enter any of the mosques in the locality. Volunteers will provide a guided tour.

The organizer Ibrar Sheikh who is also the secretary of the South Auckland Muslim Association says, ‘‘It’s a great way to bring people of different faiths and cultures together. The week will help non- Muslims understand Islam better.’’

He also hopes to reduce misconceptions about the world’s second largest religion that are being spread through the media.

‘‘Some may build on what they know, others might change what they thought they knew,’’ Sheikh says.

‘‘Others may be interested in topics like peace, women, war, law - if we just come to know each other a little better in our own ways - Islam Awareness Week will certainly have achieved its goal.’’