Muslim History in New Zealand

The first Muslims arrived here in 1874. They were of Chinese origin involved in the mining industry.  The first permanent Muslim residents settled in the 1900s in and around the city of Auckland. In 1950 New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA) was established in Auckland. The founder members were Ismail Bhikoo, Ghulam Muhideen,  Dosi Mia Ali Moses, Ismail Moses, Abdul Rehman Sukumia, Yousuf Ismail Bhikoo and Abdulsamad Bhikoo. These early Muhaijurun (migrants) began gather in their private homes to observe salaat, qur'an classes and religious celebrations. As their numbers grew the need for a larger, fixed place of worship and education became more pressing. Thus an ordinary house was bought and converted into Islamic Centre in Auckland in 1957. In 1960, Moulana Said Musa Patel from Gujrat was appointed as the first Imam of New Zealand.

Subsequently other associations were established in other parts of the country.

On 30 March 1979, after the Jumah Salaat, Marhum Sulaiman Bhikoo  laid the foundation of the first mosque in Ponsonby, Br. Rahim Rasheed was then the  president of NZMA.

By the late 1970s it was becoming increasingly apparent that a national body was required to co-ordinate the activities of the regional Associations, increase their efficiency and generally represent the interests of Muslims as a whole, at national and international levels. Thus it was that after two years of informal discussions between the various regional Muslim groups and organisations, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) was formed in April 1979 by the initiative of Mazhar Krasniqi.

Today, the New Zealand Muslim community comprises of over 42 different nationalities. Over the last three decades the number has swelled from approximately 200 in 1950 to just above 36,000 today.

Please refer to the Graph 1, prepared from Table 31(religious affiliation by ethnic group) &  Graph 2, prepared from Table 32 (regional council by religious affiliation).

Ethnicity wise New Zealand Muslim population – 2006 Census

GRAPH 1,    GRPAH 2

References:

www.fianz.co.nz,

http://media.live.harnesslink.com/files/f1116457165.pdf

www.stats.govt.nz

www.ahmeds.orcon.net.nz

FOR DETAILED HISTORY,  THERE IS WONDERFUL BOOK

Islam In New Zealand - The First Mosque By Abdullah Drury

available for $12 each, plus $3 postage/handling within NZ. Contact: abdullah@xtra.co.nz