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Open Evening for all at Auckland Mosques on Friday

Staff Reporter

Auckland, March 20, 2019

Flowers placed outside the grounds of Ponsonby Mosque in Auckland (RNZ Photo by Nick Monro)

Mosques in Auckland will conduct an ‘Open Evening’ for people of all faiths on Friday, March 22, 2019.

There are 27 Mosques and Islamic Centres affiliated to the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) in Auckland but the ‘Open Evening’ will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Ponsonby Masjid, Ranui Mosque, North Shore Islamic Centre and Masjid Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq in Pakuranga, organised in conjunction with the New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA).

Police officials will be present at these Mosques to ensure public safety.

Request to Public

Visitors to Mosques are requested to follow the Islamic sentiments of modest attire, remove footwear at the entrance or as directed

The Programme is an opportunity to people of various other faiths to meet, convey their condolences and express their solidarity with the Muslim community following the massacre in Christchurch on Friday, March 15, 2019.

A Press Release said that the Auckland Council is working with the FIANZ and NZMA to encourage various ethnic groups to come together and stand as one at this tragic moment.

Welcoming Religion

NZMA President Ikhlaq Kashkari said the meeting is also their way of thanking the community for their support, compassion and kindness in the aftermath of the attacks.  

“Islam has always been a welcoming religion and we are encouraged to look after our neighbours and those who need it the most. It is important now, more than ever, to show solidarity and band together with our brothers and sisters across the country,” he said.

Mayor Phil Goff will be attending the Progamme at the Ponsonby Masjid and Ranui Mosque to pay his respects to the Muslim community.

Affirming our Interfaith

Mr Goff said that after this devastating tragedy, “it is incredibly important that we reaffirm our belief in a nation where people are free to follow their faith and express their cultural identity.”

“This is a time for us to confirm our support for a multi-cultural and multi-faith city and nation. With Auckland Mosques opening their doors to Aucklanders on Friday, we have the opportunity to meet, talk and show our solidarity and commitment to the Muslim community,” he said.

“I hope that as many people as possible can take up the chance to visit one of the mosques and to express to those hosting us our sympathy and support for them at this difficult time,” Mr Goff added.

Life as Kiwi Muslims

Mr Kashkari welcomed the wider Auckland community to attend the Programme at one the listed Mosques to hear a range of speakers and talk to people about their experiences growing up and living as Kiwi Muslims.

“We want to encourage an atmosphere of inclusivity and openness. It is only through standing together as one that we will be able both heal as a nation. This is a time when we need to look out for each other, support one another and continue to remind each other that we are in a safe, supportive and compassionate country,” he said.

Location of Mosques

Addresses of Mosques where the ‘Open Evening’ will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019 from 5 pm to 8 pm:

Ponsonby Masjid, 17 Vermont Street, Ponsonby
Ranui Mosque, 31 Armada Drive, Ranui
North Shore Islamic Centre, 9 Kaimahi Road, Wairau Valley
Masjid Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq: 5B Cortina Place, Pakuranga

Contact Numbers in need

If you or anyone you know is concerned about friends or family, please  call 0800-115019.

For anyone needing wellbeing/mental health support or advice, please text 1737.

People can register missing persons or themselves as alive at

 

https://familylinks.icrc.org/new-zealand/

Monitor the New Zealand Police website (www.police.govt.nz) for information

Anything suspicious, please call 111

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