Muslim community extend open hand

Repairing or building relationships is one of the fundamental principles of the Islamic faith, and what better way to do so than with another command from the Prophet: Feed the people.

While the Southland community has taken giant leaps in understanding since the March 15, 2019 terrorist attacks, Invercargill Imam Reza Abdul-Jabbar said many still had heaps of questions.

Those ranged from how the Muslim community are coping in the aftermath of the attack, to what exactly Islam was, he said.

So when his congregation gather to reflect on the attack tomorrow, they invite Southlanders to join them in the Masjid, to share a meal, and to ask what ever questions they may have in a relaxed environment.

‘‘These are simple universal currency. We are equal. We all appreciate kinship and being invited to dinner,’’ Abdul-Jabbar said.

In his position as an Imam and chairman of the Southland Muslim Association, the dairy farmer has travelled throughout New Zealand to bust myths and teach a holistic view of Islam.

While there were a lot more stories about Muslims in the media these days, there was only so much that could be conveyed in an article, Abdul-Jabbar said.

Few understood the diversity that existed within the community itself, he said, adding that it was important to understand that Islam was a belief system, not a culture.

His congregation includes people from all kinds of ethnicities and backgrounds – but they share kinship by adhering to the authentic traditions of the prophet Mohammed.

Abdul-Jabbar said honouring the victims of the attack was important, just like Kiwis remember former soldiers. ‘‘Lest we forget,’’ he said. Initiatives like the Royal Commission of Inquiry Ethnic and Faith Community Engagement Response Fund and the swell of support from everyday Kiwis are helping to turn the tide against the racism and bigotry Muslims faced, Abdul-Jabbar said.

‘‘Let us not lose that momentum.’’

A special reflection vigil will be held at the Invercargill Mosque tomorrow from 6.30pm, and will be followed by a Q and A session and a dinner.

‘‘Absolutely everyone is welcome,’’ Abdul-Jabbar said.

KAVINDA HERATH/STUFF Imam Reza Abdul-Jabbar, front right, will be answering questions along with his brothers, Muhammad Essa, and back from left, Masyhur Ali, Abdulla Rezaei, Shamir Ali, Dr Saber Elsafty, and Nazvul Islam.