Dr Anwarul Ghani, President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc. (FIANZ), the national Muslim organisation, announced today that Islam Awareness Week will be held from 10-16 August 2009.

Islam Awareness Week will be launched by Hon Pansy Wong, Minister for Ethnic Affairs, on Monday, 10 August 2009 at 10.00 am at the Wellington Islamic Centre, 7-11 Queens Drive, Lyall Bay, Wellington.

Islam Awareness Week provides an opportunity for the wider New Zealand community to learn about the beliefs, values and practices of Muslim New Zealanders and how these contribute to New Zealand society.

The theme of this year's Islam Awareness Week is "Al-Mizan - The Balance in Life". Dr Ghani said that "Islam is all about having the right "balance" in all aspects of life (economy, environment, politics, racial/ethnicity, family, gender etc)." Also explored is the material and spiritual perspective, balance between this world and the next.

Events will be held around New Zealand during the Week, including Open Days at most of the Masajid (Mosques) and Islamic Centres on Saturday, 15 August 2009, interfaith panel discussions, Islamic cultural arts and crafts displays and ethnic food fairs.

FIANZ is a partner in the Diversity Action Programme led by the Human Rights Commission and Islam Awareness Week represents a major event in its ongoing contribution to the Programme.

Further event information about the Islam Awareness Week and facts about the New Zealand Muslim community can be found on the dedicated Islam Awareness Week website: www.islamawareness.co.nz

Source: http://islamic-world.net