This book examines a significant part of New Zealand history through a critical analysis of the Muslim community in Christchurch, a neglected but important aspect of wider New Zealand social and religious history.
Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in New Zealand and one of the least understood by the wider public. However, the historic reality demonstrates that the first Muslim settlers arrived within 15 years of the proclamation of the colony in 1841, and many have been living quietly in this country and contributing to society ever since. Drury elucidates how New Zealand Muslims have proved it possible to integrate into a European society in the South Pacific whilst retaining an idiosyncratic sense of Islamic communal identity.
This book is a useful reference for scholars and educators curious to learn more about Muslims in New Zealand and about the Christchurch Mosque communities before the 2019 shootings.