Manako 16/12/2014
Translation:
Kingi Taurua and TeRata Hikairo
K: There is certainly a lot for us to discuss tonight. So,
tonight as we’ve seen on TV, hostages have been captured in Sydney, by someone
believed to be a Muslim. TeRata Hikairo is our speaker tonight, TeRata is a
Muslim, he has thoughts to share on what he believes. Good evening my friend,
TeRata
T: My matua, my respected Ngapuhi elder Kingi, I greet you
and all the listeners tonight. Firstly, to correct what you said, Islam is a
religion of Peace, a religion of Love and a religion which takes care of
people. Therefore these terrorist actions currently taking place in Sydney
tonight, are those of 1 deranged individual. Such actions have no relation to
Islam. That being said, my own family and friends say to me ‘You Muslims, you are
terrorists’. My response tonight is that Terrorism has nothing to do with
Muslims. We are condemning these actions.
K: It is very good that you say that. Expound more on what
you say of love and care for people. Is that indeed what (Islam) is about?
T: Yes. Yes indeed. The essence of our faith, is a belief in
God. The same essence that you’ll find in any Christian Church, any Synagogue
and Hindu Temple. In fact all churches have Love and Peace. Islam is the same. Now,
what frustrates me is that this is the 3rd time in a 1-2 week
period, that I am again on Manako to broadcast that my religion is Peaceful,
mine is a religion of Love, and is a religion of caring, NOT a Terrorist
organisation. I’m frustrated that I have to continually do this, WHILE still
remaining grateful that I can broadcast this truth, that it may be widely known
that Muslims are a peaceful people.
K: Thank very much again, and it is great to hear you
speaking our language, and that you come on Maori Radio. I acknowledge the
ignorance of some in the different churches (organisations). It is also great
to hear you talking more about this and of the passion of many in their support
of your religion.
T: Indeed. In the last 30 years, we have had a lot of
Muslims immigrate to New Zealand, and our numbers are the same, we are about
30,000. About 1000 of all Muslims in New Zealand, are ethnically Maori. Those
are stats from Statistics New Zealand. Many New Zealand muslims, are business
people, doctors, nurses, Kohanga teachers and Kura Kaupapa Teachers. We are
just normal people.
But, some still think, that when Terrorist actions take
place like in Australia, people think ‘That’s
scary, these people are violent’. But NO. We are just like, Hindus,
Christians and Jews. We are loving and peaceful.
K: Are there many Maori who are Muslim?
T: YES. Statistics say there are about 1000, from all the
different Iwi. Many are in Auckland, some in Hastings, others in Christchurch.
But yes there are 1000, according to statistics.
K: Thank you, Thank you. And do you pray to God?
T: Yes, yes indeed. In fact we share beliefs with
Christians; We believe in Jesus Christ, Moses and Abraham (peace be upon them),
We believe in Scripture, We pray, we give Charity, and all of these sorts of
things. Just today, when I went to the Mosque, I saw Children learning
Scriptures. That is it really. We are scriptural, prayerful and loving.
K: Our Government seeks to send troops to fight ISIS, What
do you think about that?
T: The John Key-led Government will do as they do. I
believe, that we really need to examine and understand our reasoning what our
course of action might possibly be. I agree with sending Humanitarian Aid if
Iraqi and Syrian civilians ask the NZ Government for Humanitarian Aid, to help
parents and children there. Again, in my opinion, if NZ troops need to be deployed
to train (Iraqi and Syrian) Armed forces, then this is OK. But in terms of
direct combat, This worries me because I don’t want Kiwi troops placed in harm’s
way, and I’d rather Kiwi troops be involved in peace-keeping. That’s my
personal opinion.
K: And for your Maori Culture. You grew up with your Maori
culture and your Maori language. How does that all fit in with you being
Muslim?
T: For the majority of the 1000 Maori Muslims, and this is
my opinion, we do not see the difference (what I’m saying may surprise some)
BUT, We do not see the difference of the Old cultural values and our current
religious values, values like; Taking care of women and upholding her status in
society which is of high regard, taking care of the elderly, being hospitable,
praying to God, caring for the environment, giving to the poor and all of these
kinds of things. Tribalism, Tribal relationships, inter and intra family
relationships, and the most important thing Spirituality. Yes, the names are
different, in Maori God is IO Matua Kore (the Parentless God). The Quran says
in Arabic:
This speaks of a Parentless God.
K: Oh my Friend!! Yes.
T: This concept of a Parentless God, is exactly the
same. But, that all being said.
Returning to tonight’s topic, We hope that the whole community understands that
we completely condemn Terrorism, because we are peaceful.
K: Thank YOU. It has been great speaking to you, we’ll
certainly speak again, Thank you.
T: Thank you.
K: Listeners, that was the Muslim, TeRata
Hikairo who
spoke to us tonight. Good evening.
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