Muslims throw open mosque doors

New Zealand Muslims are opening up their mosques next week, hoping to increase understanding of what Islam means and combat prejudices that have arisen following the terrorist attacks in Britain.

"The London bombings and attacks on mosques have put Islam in the spotlight," said Javed Khan, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.

Mr Khan said New Zealand Muslims were "absolutely" moderate - "I would be surprised to see even one radical in New Zealand" - and want non-Muslims to understand their way of life.

The theme of Islam Awareness Week is Getting To Know Each Other.

"It provides an opportunity for the wider community to begin engaging more with Muslims as people," said Mr Khan, a New Zealand Post solicitor.

For 23-year-old Tayyaba Khan (no relation), the outspoken founder of the Auckland Muslim Girls Association, the annual event is a chance to challenge negative perceptions of women in Islam.

"It's a big one for me," said the health sciences student. "I don't want to be perceived as someone without a voice or a place, because that's not the case."

The key, she said, is communication: that non-Muslims seek information with open minds, and that Muslims themselves engage. Some who migrated to New Zealand isolate themselves, she said.

"It's about everyone opening themselves up to new experiences."

Mosque open days will be held on Saturday, August 13, in Auckland (four mosques), Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Dunedin.