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23rd Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Islamic Associations Inc. (FIANZ)
23rd
Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Islamic Associations Inc. (FIANZ)
(June
2000 to May 2001)
Hijra
1421
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,
We are extremely happy to be able to present this Annual
Report on behalf of the FIANZ Council and Executive members. This report is an
abstract of the principal activities and achievements of FIANZ during the last
twelve months. To conduct the affairs of FIANZ, five Executive meetings and two
teleconferences were held in this period. The Executive members of the FIANZ
Council were kept very busy by events of this year. A number of issues were
successfully addressed such as the agreement on the appointment of the FIANZ
Religious Advisory Board, the AMANA Board of Directors, the acquisition of the
new mosque by the Otago Muslim Association and so on. Consequently this report
is divided into six broad headings.
1.
DAWAH
In Dunedin the Otago Muslim Association has successfully secured a mosque. This is now the world’s southern-most centre of Islamic prayer. Now all major cities of New Zealand have mosques. The 1410 sq m property, featuring a spacious 673 sq m one story hall built in 1963, cost $372,500. Some minor maintenance work and refurbishment has taken place in order to use the property as an Islamic Centre.
The
South Auckland Muslim Association has continued work begun last year on what
will be the largest mosque in New Zealand when completed. This project will cost
nearly $1,500,000. Fund raising efforts are in progress. FIANZ has used many
opportunities to publicise these projects with potential donors’ abroad and Insha Allah will continue to support the fundraising efforts. It has
been making very great progress. The total cost has been substantially reduced
as a number of people have contributed their time and skills voluntarily. May
Allah SWT enable us to complete this
project soon.
The
International Muslim Association of New Zealand purchased a large commercial
property at 7-11 Queen’s Drive, Kilbirnie last year and currently are using it
for Jumaa and Eid Salaat. The property has two floors: the top floor will be
utilised for Salaat and the ground floor/basement will be leased out to vendors
to generate income. We pray Allah SWT
will reward the Wellington brothers for their long patience with a strong
commitment to this project.
The
Manawatu Muslim Association has finally completed their repayments to the
Federation made towards total freehold ownership of their Islamic Centre on Cook
Street, al Hamdulillah. By the grace
and mercy of Allah SWT this
achievement has been the result of much hard work over the years by many members
within the community, both past and present, that in the end would not have been
possible without the generous assistance of FIANZ.
Efforts
are being made to establish Islamic Centres in Wanganui, Tauranga and Hastings.
May Allah SWT make it easier for us to
complete these noble projects as soon as possible.
The
2000 National Islamic Women’s Conference, organised by the Islamic Women’s
Council of New Zealand, was held at the Massey University College of Education
in Palmerston North between 29th September and 1st October
2000. Al-Hamdolillah, the Conference
was a great success. Approximately 50 participants attended, mostly from the
North Island. The theme of the Camp was “Women and Children in New Zealand”,
and several lectures and workshops were organised. The highlight of the Camp was
the Quran recitation competition and an Islamic quiz. Special thanks must go to
Sr Aisha Shariff for her extra input in organising the event. Jazak
Allaho Khairan. On the last day of the Conference the annual general meeting
of the IWCNZ was held. Sr Y. Shariff was named as the First Assistant National
Representative and Sr Leila Adam as the second. The next annual women’s
conference will be held in Wellington later this year in
sha’a Allah.
Dr
Hajjah Kamar Onaiah Kamruzuman, a lecturer in Islamic Civilisation and
Comparitive Religion at the International Islamic University of Malaysia,
travelled to Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. She held lectures with
various Muslim and non-Muslim women’s groups, University students and the
Theology Departments of some universities. A dynamic and inspiring speaker Dr
Kamruzuman focused mainly on barriers that hinder the propagation of Islam and
offered practical solutions to such problems.
Sisters
Rehanna Ali and Yasmin Shariff attended the “Training For Trainers”
programme run by RISEAP in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last year. The programme
concentrated on effective means of Da’wah in the community and highlighted
some key issues such as using people with different skills in their respective
fields of Da’wah work. The sisters paid for their own airfares themselves.
The Annual National Girls’ Camp was held at the Otimai camp in Auckland between 6th-8th April 2001. The theme of the conference was “Muslim Girls in New Zealand - Goals and prospects for a better Ummah”. The sisters had an interesting programme that included an Islamic Quiz, Qur’an reading competition, and various fitness and sports sessions. As usual sisters from the South Island were invited too.
1.3
University Student Youth Camp (North Island)
Masha
Allah the New Zealand Muslim Youth and Students Association and the Waikato
Muslim Students Association organised a highly successful youth camp at
Kauaeranga Forest Education Camp in the Coromandel peninsula, northwest of
Hamilton between 12 and 14 January. The theme of the camp was “The Khilafah
and man’s role as Khalifah”. Sixty brothers, aged between 15 and 25 attended
that aimed to improve and encourage youth practice of Islam, and also to foster
a greater awareness of one another amongst New Zealand Muslim students. FIANZ
provided financial support for the camp. Lectures, videos and group discussions
were held in the mornings while the afternoon was devoted to sports, tramping,
soccer and swimming.
In
addition to students, Dr Hj M. Mustapha Farouk and Hj Mohanned Hashim Hassanin also
briefly attended the camp and gave short talks on specific topics. Sheikh
Dr Mohammed Anwar Sahib provided guidance to the youth on religious
issues. MSYANZ held a special meeting and elected a new President, brother
Mohammed Taufil Omar.
1.4
University Student Youth Camp (South Island)
Al
Hamdulillah, the Otago Muslim Association and the Muslim University Students
Association arranged a very successful youth camp at Waihore, near
Mosgiel, between 14 and 15 April. The theme of the camp was “Islam is The
Solution”. Approximately 100 brothers and sisters attended.
FIANZ provided financial support for the camp. Three lectures were held
entitled “Be Fair to Women !”, “Future is for Islam” and “Salaat as
the Pillar for the Development of the Ummah”. Group discussions were held in
addition to the sports and tramping activities.
1.5 Youth Sports Carnival
The
New Zealand Muslim Youth & Sports Association arranged a Muslim Sports
Carnival 2001 on 12-13 April at Penrose, Auckland. Unfortunately the event was
not as well organised as in previous years. However it was good to see the
number of teams involved.
The
FIANZ President, Dr Hj Anwarul Ghani, officially opened the Tournament on 12
April with a short speech and promised to allocate a $500 grant on behalf on
FIANZ. He suggested renaming the present organisation to the “Muslim Sports
Association” and advised members of the organising committee that in order to
get formal affiliation with FIANZ they needed to get national representation in
their committee. Dr Anwar Sahib, Imam of the Hamilton Jamii Masjid, encouraged
them to compete in the spirit of Islam.
1.9
FIANZ-Hilal Committee
The
Hilal Committee managed to perform its task of providing information regarding
the new moon for Sha’aban, Eidain and Muharram, etc. The Hilal Committee
presently consists of Dr Hj Anisur Rahman, Sheikh Mohammed Amir, Sheikh Mohammed
Abdul Rahman Airot and Hj Hazrat Adam. With the sad loss of Marhum Sheikh Khalid
Abdul Hafiz, (inna lillahi wa inna illahay
raje’oon) in December 1999, Sheikh Amir has kindly taken over his
responsibilities. It is important to have an Alim from Wellington on this
committee as the FIANZ office is the hub of all activity on the evenings when
the moon sightings are expected.
The
Hilal Committee managed to perform its tasks of providing information regarding
the new moon for Sha’baan, Ramadan, Eidan and Muharram, etc. Most activities
went without any serious glitches and al Hamdulillah the ummah of New Zealand
have remained united on this sensitive issue. The real test for this committee
came during Ramadan 1421 (November 2000) when Fiji announced the sighting of the
new moon at least one day before it was possible or expected. In line with our
current procedures we had to follow suite. However within hours we had gathered
sufficient background information to reverse our decision, which put us out of
kilter with Fiji and created some dissatisfaction within the community. A
combined meeting of the Halal Committee and the Religious Advisory Board was
called on 9 December 2000 at the Ponsonby mosque. It was unanimously resolved to
follow our moon sighting in New Zealand for the upcoming month of Shawwal but
thereafter to continue following the procedures established over the previous
years. Al Hamdulillah Eidul Fitr was
celebrated accordingly on 27 December 2000 and all Muslims in New Zealand
accepted that decision unanimously and happily. By the month of Zul Hijjah the
situation had been rectified, and New Zealand and Fiji are in line again.
Ramadan
timetables were issued for various cities from the FIANZ office based on the
other Salaat timetable prepared by the Hilal Committee. This has helped to
resolve another major issue and will be of great help in keeping the ummah of
New Zealand fully united.
1.10
FIANZ-Religious Advisory Board
Perhaps
the most important and exciting development in the field of Da’wah in New
Zealand over the past twelve months has been the formation of the FIANZ-Religious
Advisory Board (RAB). Following the death of the senior Religious Advisor to
FIANZ, Marhum Sheikh Khalid Abdul Hafiz (inna
lillahi wa inna illahay raje’oon), discussions were held with a view to
creating a sitting committee to investigate issues that arose within the
community and needed firm Islamic guidance from a source steeped in knowledge of
the Shariah.
On
22 March 2000 the Federation invited applications for the proposed RAB and in
July several appointments were confirmed. FIANZ was overwhelmed by the high
quality and quantity of applications but a decision was made to restrict the
number of ulema on the Board purely for reasons of operational and
administrative efficiency. Failure to be appointed to the Board in no way
reflected upon the applicants themselves.
The
FIANZ-RAB held its inaugural meeting at the Ponsonby mosque on 18 November 2000
and appointed Sheikh Mohammed Abdul Rahman Airot as the Chairman. Members of the
Board were invited to the Hilal Committee meeting in December (see 1.9 above)
and a second RAB meeting was held on 31 March 2001. The Board discussed a number
of serious issues and their conclusions will soon be communicated to the FIANZ
office and relayed to the LAs.
1.11 DAWAH
SPEAKERS
The
Dawah Committee of the Federation has also confirmed the services of two highly
esteemed overseas speakers – Imam Seraj Wahaj and Sheikh Nooruddin Lemu. The
respected Nigerian brother Nooruddin Lemu will arrive in New Zealand on 20 June
and return to Australia, where he is based, on 27 June. Imam Seraj Wahaj will
visit Auckland for a few days in
mid-July. Further details will be given closer to the date of arrival.
1.12
HAJJ 2001
FIANZ has continued co-ordination of Hajj arrangements for Muslims in New Zealand. Over 80 Muslims from New Zealand went to perform Hajj this year, including Qari Abdul Rehman, the Imam of the South Auckland Muslim Association and a member of the FIANZ-RAB (see above).
2. HALAL BUSINESS
2.1
Halal Committee
The FIANZ-Halal
Committee continued to function efficiently and effectively this year. We would
like to acknowledge the invaluable support and time given so freely by food
technologists Dr Hj M. Mustapha Farouk and Br Tabrez Dean. These brothers in
Islam provided their critical academic knowledge for Fisabilillah. We are yet to fill the position vacated by Dr Khalid
Ilyas. A meeting of this committee is planned for August 2001 in
sha’a Allah. It will be focusing on Halal processed foods this year.
2.2
Halal Meat Certification
Al
Hamdulillah there has been a major achievement for FIANZ that we have been able to
certify halal meat for the global market. As a consequence there has been a
tremendous increase in the number of Halal certificates issued by the office.
FIANZ is currently the only global certifier for all markets in New Zealand.
Credit for this goes to the negotiating team and the office staff for their hard
work and perseverance. Our certificates are being sent along with shipments to
Saudi Arabia, several other Middle Eastern countries, Europe, China, Japan, USA,
South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji to name a few places.
We have also
endeavoured to increase the number of processed food companies for Halal
certification. There have been a few major companies that have come under our
certification, like Chelsea Sugar Co., a few products of Tip Top as well as
people who supply these people with the raw materials. The aim has been to fly
the FIANZ flag rather than charge them huge amount of money. Negotiations are
likely to start soon with Tegel to have their New Plymouth plant start complete
halal production. Our push to gain a greater share of the Halal processed food
has remained steady. More effort has to be made here in sha’a Allah.
In
May two brothers from the United Arab Emirates General Municipalities toured New
Zealand and inspected the meat processing plants here. They were very happy with
FIANZ Halal supervision and recruitment procedures. A group from Malaysia also
visited in September 2000 and held discussions with FIANZ officials regarding
Halal certification.
An
Indonesian parliamentary delegation visited New Zealand in October and expressed
great interest in FIANZ Da’wah activities and work in Halal certification.
Efforts are also being made to liaise with the appropriate authorities in other
countries also. FIANZ is currently the only New Zealand based halal certifier
for all the global markets.
3. INTERNATIONAL LINKS
3.1
RISEAP Malaysia
The Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific
(RISEAP) is planning to hold an international Youth Camp in or near Auckland, in
conjunction with FIANZ over 3-7 September in sha’a Allah. The RISEAP Executive Secretary, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Hj
Shahrir Hashim, visited Wellington between 10-14 February to discuss the plans
with the FIANZ Vice-President and Secretary-General, Hj Mohanned Hashim Hassanin
and M. Shafiq Khan respectively. There will be approximately 60 youth attending
camp and RISEAP have promised to contribute $20,000. Hj Hashim also took the
time to inspect progress on the Kilbirnie Mosque project. He expressed great
interest and pleasure with the progress of the local Muslim community and prayed
for continued efforts in the field of da’wah. Preliminary planing for camp
underway and it is very likely that the camp will be in Auckland. LAs will be
advised of the exact venue at a later stage.
3.2
Southwest Pacific Co-operation Conference
The
third meeting of the Southwest Pacific (i.e. Australasian) Islamic Conference
was to be organised by the Fiji Muslim League last year. However because of
serious political problems in Fiji the Conference did not go ahead. It is
uncertain where this worthy forum will go in the future.
3.3
Muslim World League (Rabitat Al-Alam Al-Islami)
FIANZ
welcomed a visitor from the Muslim World League (Rabitat
Al-Alam Al-Islami) office in Melbourne, Australia, on a national tour of New
Zealand. Hj Osamah Baytulmal from the MWL Melbourne visited Wellington on 4
February 2001. He also visited Muslims living in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga
in the North Island, and the Muslim communities in Christchurch, Dunedin and
Invercargill. He expressed profound satisfaction with the present position of
the New Zealand Muslim community and the work of the Federation in serving the
Muslims of New Zealand in various fields.
3.4
Saudi Embassy Da’wah Office (Canberra)
Sheikh
Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaijri of the Islamic Affairs Department of the Saudi
Embassy in Canberra visited the FIANZ office on 28 January 2001. He was pleased
with FIANZ’s da’wah work and promised to arrange the delivery of
translations of the Holy Qur’an in different languages in the near future.
3.5
Islamic Development Bank (Jeddah)
The
Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has approved two more scholarships this year.
This has helped the students enormously to meet the costs of their respective
studies although there has been some delay owing to administrative issues at IDB
headquarters in Makkah. Unfortunately we have not received any money so far for
the two scholars selected last year in spite of many reminders. We have asked
IDB to increase the number of scholarships and Insha Allah we hope they will do so in the near future. The office
is following up on both of these issues.
3.6
Fiji
On
19 May 2000 an attempted coup was staged that ultimately led to a change of
Government there and disposal of the democratically elected Prime Minister. The
Indian Muslim community still faces serious threats from personal violence
following the breakdown in law and order, and an economic threat following the
subsequent curtailing of immigration restrictions following the disruptions.
FIANZ and the Meat Industry Association were unable to travel to Fiji to recruit
Muslim men for work in the New Zealand freezing works
and undoubtedly this will led to great financial hardship to the Ummah.
FIANZ launched a Crisis Appeal (see below) and raised $1000 for our needy
brothers there. The donations were channelled through the Fiji Muslim League.
3.7
Other international contacts
FIANZ
has also endeavoured to maintain regular contact with the Muslim World League (Rabitat Al-Alam Al-Islami – see above), the World Assembly of
Muslim Youth (WAMY), Darul Iftah, Human Appeal International – Australia,
RISEAP, the Muslim Council of Britain, the London Central Mosque and the UK
Islamic Mission.
3.8
Egyptian Qaris
The
Egyptian Embassy helped provide the services of three Ulema from the prestigious
Al Azhar University in Cairo to the Muslim Association of Canterbury
and the Manawatu Muslim Association during the month of Ramadhan. This also
proved an excellent da’wah opportunity as the two scholars in Christchurch
featured in the local newspaper. This offer was open to all the Islamic Centres
of the country.
3.9
FIANZ-HAI
Qurbani Project 2001
There
was a tremendous response for the FIANZ-Human Appeal International (HAI) Qurbani 2001 project for Eidul
Adha. This saw the sacrifice of 559 sheep in Australian
abattoirs for our needy brothers’ abroad. In total HAI-Australia slaughtered
over 12,000 this year. The New Zealand Qurban
was distributed as follows: Palestine 427, Chechenya 36, Sudan 5, Iraq
15, Somalia 10, Bosnia 11, Kosova 10, Bangladesh 10, Eritrea 6, Kashmir 14,
Indonesia 10 and Lebanon 5. The distribution of Qurban according to cities was:
Auckland 377, Hamilton 14, Palmerston North 28, Wellington 87, Christchurch 1
and Dunedin 52.
Special
thanks must go to Br M. Imran Daud and the NZMA for their outstanding efforts in
this appeal and also to Hj Mohanned Hashim Hassanin for co-ordinating this
worthy effort on behalf of the Federation.
3.10
INTERPAL
Qurbani 2001
For the second year running FIANZ provided assistance free of cost to the International Palestine Relief agency (INTERPAL) for their Qurbani appeal. FIANZ was pleased to extend help for this noble cause and we will persevere in our efforts to help our less fortunate brothers in other parts of the world. FIANZ would also like thank the invaluable efforts of Br Toufik Ouatouat who is co-ordinating this project on behalf on INTERPAL.
3.11
Visitors
Over
July-August-September 2000 New Zealand was blessed or more accurately blitzed by
several visits by various groups of scholars from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The
first such group came from the Al Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University of
Riyadh between 25 July and 12 August. They were led by Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Omari.
Sheikh Al-Omari ran an 11-day Islamic Seminar at the new Blockhouse Bay Mosque.
This group then split up into three parties who travelled the country giving
lectures and conducting brief courses in Aqidah,
Fiqh and methods of Da’wah. On 4 August Dr Abdulrahman Al Jamhoor, Assistant Professor
in the Languages and Translation Department, visited the FIANZ office and was
received by a modest reception party. He gave a short lecture in the Newtown
Islamic Centre and the following day he visited Palmerston North briefly.
Between
23-25 August Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Shaum and Dr Mohammed Al-Sawai Al-Omari also from
the Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University conducted a similar whirlwind tour
of New Zealand, visiting Muslim communities in Auckland through to Dunedin in a
matter of days.
Over
25-28 August the World Assembly of Muslim Youth and the South Pacific Da’wah
Council organised a Da’wah Training course in Auckland featuring Dr Abdullah
Al-Malki, Dr Sayeed Al-Ghamdi, Dr Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al-Jarri and Brother
Abdul Rahman Al-Fifi of the King Khalid University in Riyadh. Drs Al-Malki and
Al-Ghamdi then went on to visit Muslims in Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington
over 29 August-1 September. The other two scholars made corresponding visits to
Hamilton and Palmerston North over the same period.
A
great deal of thanks must be extended to the local association secretaries and
executives who arranged accommodation, transport and meals for most of these
visitors, often with little notice. Special thanks must go to the Al Manar Trust
for their co-operation in facilitating these visits.
In
May 2000 Hj Hyder Seid Ahmed and Hj Abdullhusultan Al Lili toured various New
Zealand meat plants on an official UAE Government trip (see 2.2 above). Sheikh
Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaijri of the Saudi Embassy Da’wah Office visited in
January 2001. Hj Osamah Baytulmal from the Muslim World League (Rabitat
Al-Alam Al-Islami) office in Melbourne also visited in February. They were
very pleased with FIANZ. (see 3.3 and 3.4 above).
Br
Heru Susetyo of the Indonesian Advocacy Centre for Law and Human Rights, toured
New Zealand throughout November and early December 2000 to discuss the upsurge
in violence in the Mollucas islands. He visited the FIANZ office on 28 November
and ran a CD video outlining the gross human rights violations committed against
Muslims there.
In
August Imam Seyyed Hassan Rabbani and Hj Hamid Reza Solki, Chancellor and Head
of Planning and Development of the Iranian University of Islamic Sciences in Qom
respectively, toured the country. They were accompanied by Br Mehdi Yousefi, a
translator with the Iranian Embassy in Wellington. The party was received in the
FIANZ office on 2 August and Imam Rabbani stressed the need for Shi’a and
Sunni Muslims to work together more in future. They went on to visit
Christchurch and the Muslim community there. They visited the FIANZ President in
Hamilton before leaving the country.
In
mid-December 2000 Hj Ibrahim B. H. Keling visited Wellington. Hj Keling was the
first Secretary of the local Wellington Muslim association, the International
Muslim Association of New Zealand, when it was set up in 1962. He was a student
at that time. It was indeed a great privilege for the FIANZ staff to meet with
one of the foundation members of IMAN.
3.12
International
Islamic Banking Conference
The
fourth International Conference on Accounting, Commerce and Finance: The Islamic
Perspective, was staged at the Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North over 12-14
February 2001. FIANZ was one of the sponsors and Br M. D. Akramy was the
official FIANZ delegate to this auspicious event. The gathering was attended by
various overseas and New Zealand scholars, accountants, professionals, and
academics from several universities abroad. The convention was mostly exploring
themes related to implementing Shariah
Islamiah in the fields of accountancy, commerce and international finance.
The
objectives of the conference were to explore finance with specific reference to
the educational and professional needs of Muslim societies and Islamic
universities in accordance with the Shariah,
and to encourage academic analysis of the Islamic perspective of all related
areas. It was also to provide a forum for various international Muslim and
non-Muslim academics, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and other
interested parties to gain a greater understanding of this topic.
Several
papers were presented including fields as diverse as Islamic banking models,
Halal Stocks Designation, and Islamic economic Rationalism and Accounting. Both
Muslims and non-Muslims gave papers. Br Akramy expressed great satisfaction with
the beneficial implications for Da’wah when non-Muslims study Islamic themes.
The
University of Massey was extremely co-operative and hospitable in sponsoring
this conference and organising a day tour of the city, including the local
museum, and a genuine New Zealand style BBQ! Delegates were also invited by the
MMA to attend a community gathering and dinner that was followed by a brief
discussion on finance from an Islamic perspective.
3.13
Muslim
Advocacy
FIANZ
has been very active representing the national interests of the New Zealand
Muslim community. In July 2000 the Federation sent a formal letter of thanks to
the Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs for his kind donation to the Iraq
Medical Sanctions Alert Group (IMSAG) in their campaign to publicise the
humanitarian damage caused by medical sanctions. The issue of lifting the
medical sanctions against Iraq was raised.
In
August the New Zealand Herald ran an entirely baseless article accusing members
of the tiny Afghan community of this country of planning violence. The
Federation sent and received several items of correspondence on this matter with
the newspaper in question, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and
the Minister of Police and Ethnic Affairs.
In
October FIANZ wrote several protest letters on behalf of the New Zealand Muslim
community regarding Israeli atrocities in Palestine, to the Prime Minister,
Deputy Prime Minister, the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Minister of Ethnic
Affairs and the Israeli “Embassy” itself. The following month the Federation
also sent a letter to the Hamilton-based company PACIFIC AEROSPACE Corporation
Ltd. After it transpired that they intended to help arm the Israeli military in
their oppression. They gave no response!
On
8 January 2001 the Federation sent a letter to the Wellington City Council
endorsing an IMAN project proposal asking the Council to name a park or some
such landmark after the late Sheikh Khalid Hafiz.
On
9 January 2001, acting on advice from abroad and previous experience, FIANZ
issued a circular warning that once again a criminal scam-artist was active in
the South Pacific region trying to defraud Muslims of their money.
The
Federation has also made public submissions to the Government against the
proposed marriage law reforms in favour of homosexual unions, pornography and
the biotechnology issue. We are currently preparing submissions on the proposed
reforms to New Zealand Gaming laws and the religious slaughter of animals. A
letter was sent to Hon. Steve Maharey, Minister of Social Services last year
regarding counselling services for Muslims. FIANZ has also been involved in
various human rights forums across the country.
3.14
Appeals
Between
April 2000 and May 2001 the Federation ran four fund-raising appeals through the
affiliated associations for international crises. These included the
Ethiopian-Somali Famine Appeal of April, the Fiji Crisis Appeal of June, the HAI-Palestine
Appeal of October 2000 and the India Earthquake Appeal of February 2001. A total
of over $17,000 was raised thus and sent to needy brothers abroad through either
the HAI-Australia branch office or, in the case of
Fiji, the Fiji Muslim League.
4.
LOCAL ASSOCIATION ISSUES
4.1
Otago Muslim Association (OMA)
OMA held their second “Islam Awareness Week” during last September. FIANZ contributed towards the costs of this mobile exhibit that is available to all Local Associations on request. The week included a public Forum, information stalls and a screening of the movie “The Message” and “Omar Mukhtar – Lion of the Desert”. The event received very positive coverage in the local Media.
4.2
Muslim Association of Canterbury (MAC)
In
November 2000 FIANZ allocated a special grant of $3000 to repair the classrooms
at back of the mosque. Br Mustaq Shariff went to Christchurch as an observer for FIANZ, to
attend the Annual General Meeting of MAC last year. The association raised
US$1330 from overseas sources for the development and renovation of the Masjid
Al-Nur. This years Annual General Meeting was held on 24 February and the
Executive Committee formed two special committees – one to review the present
constitution and one to prepare a project for the property attached to the
mosque. MAC is also looking into obtaining another cemetery as the present one
is small and has no privacy.
The
Association particularly appreciated the presence of the two Egyptian Qaris who
came during Ramadhan from the Al Azhar Madrasah in Cairo. The Community also
benefited greatly from the visits by the Saudi scholars last year. Interfaith
dialogue has also been gaining momentum this year.
4.3
New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA)
NZMA organised the public “Eid in the Park” for the second year running at the Avondale College grounds. The event involved entertainment for the children and a lecture by Professor Hj Ali Jiang from China. It received very positive coverage in the local Media.
4.4
Waikato Muslim Association (WMA)
WMA was blessed with a new and active Imam in April 2000, Sheikh Dr Hj Mohammed Anwar Sahib, a graduate from the Medina University and originally from Fiji. The Sheikhs arrival gave a much needed boost in all aspects of the Association’s da’wah work. Regular programmes aimed to cater the needs of the community are presented through out the week. For the first time in the history of Hamilton, the community held Eidul Fitr Salaat in public at the Hamilton Gardens Pavilion. Over 1000 people including men, women and children were present. The 2000 Eidul Adha public celebration was held at the same location. The invited dignitaries included the Mayor of Hamilton and Councillors, local members of Parliament, and various Hamilton religious and community leaders. The Association was privileged to be granted the opportunity of hosting the FIANZ Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2000.
Sadly the combined Hamilton Churches and Muslim effort to halt the construction of a casino in the city failed. Despite a High Court decision going in favour of the anti-casino group (of which the WMA was a part), the Court of Appeal overturned the decision of the High Court. This has given the casino developer a green light to build this unwanted abomination, as the lobby group did not have the funds to take the matter to the Privy Council to challenge the Appeal Court decision.
4.5
Manawatu Muslim Association
The
Association is still working hard towards ensuring it own financial viability by
undertaking fund-raising activities and other activities to counter the decline
in the number of Muslims resident in Palmerston North recently. For example in
March MMA was involved in the annual Palmerston North International Festival,
preparing and selling food. The MMA received a Qari from Egypt during Ramadan
and is very grateful to the Egyptian Embassy for this service. The most recent
efforts of the community have been directed towards the creation of new Mens and
Womens Wudhu areas in the Islamic Centre, which has been successfully completed,
al Hamdulillah.
5.
INVESTMENTS & GRANTS
5.1
General
Al-Hamdolillah, FIANZ Dawah Grant to the Local
Associations was maintained at $12,000 as per the last two years.
The
Otago Muslim Association received $122,500 as a loan. They have already paid
back $42,500 in February. This is a concrete example of what can be achieved by
small Muslim communities with limited resources.
FIANZ
has also approved a $120,000 loan for a property investment in partnership with
the Waikato Muslim Association in Hamilton. WMA is finalising details with the
vendor.
5.2
AMANA
Corporation
A
new Board of Directors was appointed by FIANZ in July. The first meeting of the
new Board was held in Hamilton on 27 August with Dr Hj Anwarul Ghani, Hj Gul Zaman and Hj
Imam Ali in attendance. Br Mohammed Afiz was elected
the new Chairman and offered profuse thanks to the outgoing Chairman Br Mohammed
Javed Iqbal Khan, who had served in the post for six years. Issues such
as structure, employment and ventures were discussed. The Corporation aims to
have an asset base of $1,000,000 in the next five years.
Amana is looking at a change in direction in its ventures. At present it
is considering several options and various investment opportunities in New
Zealand and overseas. Needless to say all these ventures need to be
professionally evaluated for viability and risk factor. It should therefore be
appreciated that decisions cannot be rushed and results expected overnight.
While on private visits, the Chairman of Amana and the FIANZ President met with
the Chairman and executives of Hijrah Unit Trust (HUT) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
last October. Br. Afiz outlined the investment opportunities with the HUT and
reminded everyone that returns on investment involved business risk and together
with funds required commitment and patience. More work is being done in this
area. Insha Allah, the Board of Directors are dedicated towards making
Amana a success story and look forward to your help, co-operation and most of
all your Dua.
Br
Afiz is also the President of the Waikato Muslim
Association. By profession he is a Chartered Accountant and works as the
Financial Controller for the Animal Health Centres based at Morrinsville, near
Hamilton.
5.3
LEGAL
The
FIANZ meat contract with the New Zealand Meat Industry Association expired on 30
April 2001 and we are currently in negotiation for a new contract. New
employment contracts for all staff, excluding Brother Farouq French, have been
drafted and are awaiting confirmation. A barrister has reviewed the Office
Manual and he has provided us with an overview in the light of new legislation.
Loan and mortgage documents were prepared for the Otago Muslim Association
mosque project. Technical assistance was provided to the Otago Muslim
Association and the New Zealand Muslim association with regard to amendments to
their constitutions. An amended constitution of FIANZ has been registered.
6.
INTERFAITH ACTIVITIES
There has been a
great deal of active inter-faith dialogue between Muslims and Christians,
especially in Hamilton, Auckland and Wellington. Sadly the Anglican Reverend Ray
Oppenheim, an active participant in the Wellington interfaith meetings, passed
away in January. His contribution will be greatly missed. Members of the Waikato
Muslim Association participated with Christian groups opposed to the proposed
Hamilton casino last year. Delegates from several other faiths were invited to
the Hamilton Eidul Adha function this
year. (see 4.4. above) The FIANZ President and Vice-President, Dr Hj Anwarul
Ghani and Hj Gul Zaman respectively, are also involved in ethnic councils in
their regions. In Auckland the Council of Christians and Muslims (CCM) held five
public lectures throughout the year covering issues as diverse as The Crusades
and calendars. Issues such as children and family values were also broached. At
the CCM AGM in March this year Hj Gul Zaman was re-appointed co-president.
7.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We
wish to acknowledge the co-operation and help that we received from the members
of the FIANZ Executive, Council Members, Staff and the office bearers of the
Local Associations. We would also like to thank the members of various
organisations overseas with whom we had occasion to work with. It is indeed a
source of pleasure and pride to have co-ordinated efforts nationally and
internationally to serve the cause of Islam and Muslims.
Special
thanks must also be given to the government of Malaysia for their support of the
Kilbirnie mosque project in Wellington. The Federation has also enjoyed good
relationships with the embassies of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates,
Egypt, Indonesia and Jordan in particular.
Jazak
Allaho Khairan
Dr
Anwar Ghani
M. Shafiq Khan
PRESIDENT
Secretary-General
List
FIANZ Executives (2000-2001)
President Dr Hj Anwarul Ghani
Vice
President
Hj Mohanned Hashim Hassanin
Secretary General Br Mohammed Shafiq Khan
Asistant
Secretary General
Br Mustaq Shariff
Treasurer
Br Fazeem Hussein
Assistant
Treasurer
Br Emad Ibrahim*
*Resigned
24 March 2001
List
of Staff (2000-2001)
Office
Staff:
Administrative
Manager
Mohammed Qaiser Iqbal
Communication Officer
Abdullah Martin Drury
Accountant
Imran Kamal
Halal Meat/Food Officers:
South Island
Mohammed Farooq French
Central North Island
Hj Ahmed Yasser El-Gharably
Upper North Island
(Consultant)
Abdullahi Ahmed Dayib
Lower South Island (Part-time Consultant) Hidayat Brian McCormack
Volunteers
FIANZ WEBMASTER Mir Mohammed Ali