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Attitudes towards Muslims have improved markedly over the three years since Islam Awareness Week was first introduced, says Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand chief executive Sultan Eusoff.
This week mosques around the country are opening their doors to the public to increase people's knowledge of Islam.
"It is essential to showcase Islam. [It] has come under an intense spotlight and there is a lot of misconception so we really have to show what Islam is all about," Mr Eusoff said.
"Basically we want to show Islam is a peaceful and tolerant religion."
Mr Eusoff said this message had not always been widely understood.
"Sometimes people give in to emotions over things that happen overseas.
"For example when we had the London bombings (in 2005) there were people who telephoned us with their anger over the incident."
Over the last two years there had been a number of incidents where New Zealand mosques were vandalised.
"Now we have very much less," Mr Eusoff said.
"I must say, in all honesty there is nothing negative we are facing right now."
The theme for this year's awareness week is "unity and diversity" with a focus on communication.
Dialogue sessions are held at mosques where anyone is welcome to join discussions and exchange ideas. The number of people taking advantage of the open days has increased each year.
"It has been very successful," Mr Eusoff said.
One message organisers hope to get across this week is the importance of understanding the difference between Middle Eastern culture and Islamic religious practices. As the world's second largest religion, practitioners of Islam are widely spread throughout the world.
"Most of the migrants (to New Zealand) come from non-muslim countries. People sometimes confuse culture with religion so it is imperative to see it with the proper view."
Mr Eusoff insisted the mosque open days were not about converting anyone.
"We just want to be part of the wider community and to share our religion."
For information on regional events visit www.islamawareness.co.nz
- NZPA
