Muslims refute allegation against Imam

Auckland December 19 The former Imam of Masjid Al-Mustafa, Mufti Abdul Qadir Siddiqui had tendered his resignation on December 11, 2010 to be with his sick mother in Pakistan.

South Auckland Muslim Association (SAMA) vehemently refutes the allegations against Mufti Siddiqui in a Dominion Post article that says he proclaimed Holy War. A disgruntled ex-member who was banned from the Mosque on September 2, 2009 because of his controversial beliefs provided the information to the Press.

At no time, Mufti Siddiqui preached Holy War either either in his speeches or pamphlets in the Madrasa, nor did he ever preach killing of people of other sects. The YouTube video referred to is disputed as being genuine. The teachings of the Madrasa are for boys and girls, based on Islamic tenets and are well monitored by SAMA. Madrasa teachings are equivalent to Sunday Schools. SAMA has always denounced any act of terrorism.

South Auckland Muslim Association is a non-profitable, charitable and religious organisation. It is a community based, multi cultural, organisation whose membership consists primarily of Muslim residents from South Auckland. The Association strongly refutes and condemns the claims made in the article and believes this has been propagated by individuals who intend to bring disrepute to SAMA.

SAMA is a founding member of Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) which is the national body representing Muslims of New Zealand.

The allegations in the article are being referred to our solicitors.

Mohammed Hasim Khan is President of South Auckland Muslim Association.

The above was a Press Release.