The future of the world rests in Asia Pacific and emerging economies of Asia and as such, New Zealand should engage more intensely with these countries to ensure its own future prospects, a Minister of the Crown has said.
Foreign Trade Minister Tim Groser said that from a practical point of view, New Zealand’s relationship with Islamic countries should be strengthened and new potential explored.
“We are a major exporter to Halal products to 47 countries around the world. There are many sensitive issues, which we must understand and resolve to the satisfaction of everyone concerned. We have to be open with Islamic countries and work along with them for mutual benefits,” he said, speaking at the launch of ‘Bait Ul Maal,’ of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) at Auckland’s Langham Hotel on October 9.
Mr Groser, who is a Muslim, said that the population of Muslims, currently placed at 2.2 billion, is expected to grow and account for 25% of the world population.
“New Zealand’s future is also tied to the countries of the Polynesia, China and India. People of Asian origin, now accounting for 11% of New Zealand’s population, will surpass the Polynesian population over the next 20 years,” he said.
Compassion needed
FIANZ President Dr Anwar Ghani said the organisation was inspired by the quality work done by the Malaysia based Regional Islamic Dawah Council of South East Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) and the State of Sarawak.
“Compassion represents the true spirit of Islam and it is more important to Islamic teachings than anything else. The Holy Quran teaches us to show sympathy for the weaker sections of the society in which it includes, among others, orphans, widows, the poor and the exploited, politically, socially and economically oppressed people.
“It emphasises different ways of helping them. A person cannot be compassionate unless he or she is sensitive to others’ suffering,” he said.
According to Dr Ghani, the central purpose of Bait Ul Maal would be to benefit the Muslims in New Zealand and to collect funds from the community in New Zealand or overseas in accordance with the rules of the Shariah.
“FIANZ would welcome voluntary donations, including sadaqat, atiyaat and zakat by individuals, societies, bodies, institutions or organisations for providing assistance to destitute and needy families, widows, orphans, invalid, infirm and other persons determined by the Board. In terms of the teachings of the Holy Quran, we wish to support such people, save them from hardship and enable them to lead an honourable life in the society,” Dr Ghani said.
According to him, the funds collected for Bait Ul Mall will also be used, if necessary to assist the FIANZ affiliated Masjids and Islamic centres to develop their infrastructure and facilities to serve the spiritual and social needs of the increasing Muslim community in New Zealand.
Better World for Muslims
Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of the Malaysian State of Sarawak and President of RISEAP, said that Bait Ul Maal represented a ‘Better World and a Better Future for Muslims.’
“Bait Ul Maal is an initiative not just to mobilise funds but also to encourage people to work better, live in peace and harmony with people of other faiths and to engage in dialogue with Governments that are open,” he said.
Mr Mahmud said Australia and New Zealand had successfully transformed themselves into multicultural and plural societies, promoting interfaith dialogues and relationships.
“There is no minimum or maximum amount required by Bait Ul Maal. Even $1 a week per person would be welcome,” he said and exhorted Muslims to respect the local laws and systems even as they practiced the teachings of the Holy Quran.
Among the other speakers at the function were Rizwan Wu, Deputy Chairman, RISEAP, Javed Khan, First Vice-President FIANZ and Imam of Masjid E Umar (Mt Roskill Islamic Centre) Maulana Khalil.
