Worldwide Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, presenting Holy Quran to the Maori King
Unforgettable scenes as Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad given traditional Maori welcome
On 29 October 2013, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Jamaat) and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was welcomed by King Tuheitia at the Turangawaewae Marae in New Zealand and given a traditional welcome by the Maori community.
Upon arrival at 10.30am, three members of the Maori community welcomed Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad with a traditional Maori warrior exhibition.
The Maoris began the exhibition at a far distance from His Holiness but advanced step by step whilst roaring in their native tongue, whilst female members of the Maori community chanted from the side. As His Holiness proceeded through the Marae, dozens of Maori children and elders also partook in the welcome by chanting in the Maori language.
During the formal session, a number of Maori elders welcomed Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad with short speeches. The elders recognised His Holiness as “an inspirational and strong leader who advocates for peace.”
The highlight of the event was when Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad presented King Tuheitia with a copy of the Holy Quran, recently translated into the Maori language by Mr Shaqeel Ahmad Munir.
During the presentation ceremony, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the tribal elders and thanked them for their traditional welcome.
Speaking about the Quran, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
The Quran teaches people how to live together in peace and certainly today we need love, peace and reconciliation to spread far and wide – that is the message of the Quran.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded his address by expressing his hope that the mutual friendship developed between the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and the Maori Community would last forever.
Additional Reading
Muslim Leader Arrives in New Zealand
Maori People: Wikipedia article
Categories: Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Europe and Australia, New Zealand
Mashallah, my heart is full of love and respect for the King Tuheitia & Maori Community, thank you.
Ahmadi’s around the globe shall always remember this gesture of goodwill and respect extended by the Maori Community to our beloved Hazoor on his arrival in New Zealand.
Masha Allah a great memorable moment, may Almighty Allah bless them ameen.Our hearts are full of love for the Maori Community.We will ever remember the great welcome accorded by the Maori Community to our beloved Huzur aba on his arrival at New Zealand.
Mashallah Subhanallah.long live our beloved khalifa, with health and
blessings of God the almighty,the most mercifull.amen
If you took the time to know the Maori people you would also know they they welcome all people to their Marae in the same way. They honour their guests and draw them into the community. Chances are if the same group came back to that Marae in 2 3 5 10 years they would quote to you vividly the occasion.
The writer shows his ignorance of Maori people by claiming ‘by roaring in their native tongue’
The Maoris began the exhibition at a far distance from His Holiness but advanced step by step whilst roaring in their native tongue, whilst female members of the Maori community chanted from the side.
Thats just normal you stand off from the Marae and you called on to the sacred ground. A Maori warrior comes out with his Taiha spear and challenges the group to see if they come in peace. Then the visiting group lays a gift on the ground and the warrior dances out facing the group never showing his back.
You never noticed the meeting house. As it is full of the ancestors and the deep heritage.
You feel that you are bringing your wealth of heritage to the poor Maori. However they have a wealth of heritage you wouldn’t even understand……………
Your reporting is all designed to show a one sided bias. Instead of being a sharing of two distinct peoples and their esteemed leaders. You use this as an occasion to puff yourselves up and show only one side.
Go back and start again and the next time learn that they honoured your leader and group in a customary way. Its in their DNA now go and watch and All Black football match and see them do a Haka. A Maori war dance. Find out the meaning of the Haka. There is a game on Saturday New Zealand All Blacks against Japan.
It is best to come away with learning about other people. This builds understanding. Its better than laying your take on the situation where you see only ‘roaring natives’. It is a myopic view which needs challenging.
LOVE IT!!
Its so uplifting knowing our people have joined forces & made it easier for me to learn the Quran.
Already looking for a copy 🙂
I like the comment left by Mike.. we are too self cetered not to see the beauty and depth in cultures different from others. Instead of seeking acceptance we must accept them all with love and caring / understanding heart