Ahmadiyya imam Mustenser Qamar believes "meeting a Muslim" is the key to dispelling negative connotations associated with who they are. Photo / Supplied
The age-old saying, "don't judge a book by its cover" is particularly important in today's society. And one which a Muslim initiative is using in an attempt to dispel negative connotations associated around what it means to be Muslim.
"Since the horrendous events on 9/11 and the countless terror attacks
since, scepticism and uncertainty have enshrouded the religion of Islam and Muslims around the world," Ahmadiyya imam, Mustenser Ahmad Qamar said.
"We want to assure everyone that no one despises these terrorists more than the Muslim community itself. These terrorists have twisted the religion of Islam and are using it for their own personal gains and political motives."
While New Zealanders, for the most part were able to "divorce the actions of a few barbaric individuals within the religion of Islam," Qamar said there were still a large number who had never met a Muslim.
Ahmaddyia Muslim community New Zealand, head of outreach, Mohamed Anas Raheem said a lot of the "misunderstanding and misconceptions around the faith" stemmed from a "fear of the unknown".
