Women to discuss burqa's place

Media reports of criminals wearing the burqa have stigmatised it for Westerners. Photo / Greg Bowker

Islamic women are to discuss issues surrounding the wearing of a burqa in a Western society at the first National Muslim Convention in Auckland this weekend.

"There is no argument about the need for Muslim women covering their head and hands," said Auckland Muslim leader and convention organiser Javed Khan, "but there is a division of opinions among Muslim scholars as to whether Islam also requires them to wear a burqa or cover her face."

He said a small minority in New Zealand have issues with Muslim women wearing the burqa, and this is made worse by media reports on terrorism, suicide bombings and people abusing its use.

Mr Khan said there were examples of people using burqas to try to flee authorities and wearing the full veil when committing criminal acts.

A group of eight veiled women were among a group of 10 caught in Indonesia this week with $17 million of methamphetamine.

"Most New Zealanders in general do not have an issue with women wearing the burqa, but we will hear from the Muslim women themselves how it impacts on their lives and their interaction with the wider community," said Mr Khan, who is also the senior vice-president of the Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand.

Muslim women will have separate sessions tomorrow to discuss issues such as this and others that were unique to them.

The Muslim community covers more than 50 different nationalities, several languages and races and many different groups, comprising refugees, immigrants and local converts.

According to the 2006 Census, more than 36,000 people in New Zealand professed to be followers of the faith.

But different Muslim groups, such as Sunni and Shiite followers, had differing interpretations and understanding of Islamic law.

"We felt it is important that the community gathered as one, and talked about the challenges that we face in common," said Mr Khan.

A strong focus of the conference will be on the family, because a big challenge among Muslim families is in fostering Islamic values, keeping the family functional and encouraging their children to keep the faith, Mr Khan said.

A public forum has also been scheduled for this afternoon for non-Muslims to discuss issues and matters of concerns they may have with the community.

FIRST NATIONAL MUSLIM CONFERENCE

Theme: Building strong New Zealand Muslim families.
Where: Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Rd, today and tomorrow.
Public Forum: Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 13 May Rd, today at 4.30pm.