Media Release: 31st Oct 2016
Islamic exhibition comes to Gisborne
A Kiwi Muslim community is offering residents of the East Coast an opportunity to experience a free exhibition on
Islamic literature. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the translation of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, in Te Reo
Maori.
“There are many misconceptions about the Islamic scriptures, and how their teachings may differ from those of other
religions. The aim of this exhibition is to provide a first hand opportunity to people from all faith groups to come and
see for themselves, what the Quran says about the questions that fascinate us, ranging from the creation of the
universe, to the end of days, and life after death”, says Mr Bashir Khan, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community in New Zealand.
“A lot of animosity towards Muslims nowadays arises from not knowing about the core teachings of Islam. This is
certainly not helped by a minority of fanatic Muslims who are trying to force their own interpretation of Islam on the
world. The Holy Quran according to Islamic faith is the true message of God that has remained unchanged from the time of
its first revelation. If one wants to see what true Islam is about, the simplest way is to find it in the Quran”.
The Ahmadiyya community has translated the Holy Quran in over 70 different languages, with an aim to make it easy for
people seeking to understand it. A series of exhibitions are held worldwide by the community to make it accessible for
everyone. The Gisborne exhibition will include a selection of these translations, as well as several other books of the
community on contemporary and religious topics. A series of short presentations will be made during the course of the
day giving the attendees an opportunity to ask questions about the Holy Quran and Islam.
The exhibition will be held on Saturday, the 5th of November at the Chinese Association building, 75 Desraeli Street in
Gisborne, from 9:30-4:30 pm. The event is open to public, and free refreshments will be provided to attendees. Further
information can be found by contacting 0800 Y ISLAM, or through email at info@ahmadiyya.org.nz.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889
by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in Punjab, India, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 206 countries with
membership exceeding tens of millions. Its motto of ‘Love for all and hatred for none’ is evidenced through the peaceful
actions of its millions of followers. The New Zealand branch of this community was established in 1987 and has just over
500 members. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavors to be an active and integrated community within
New Zealand society.
ENDS