Mauao Man

1,400 Years of Division: How Islam’s Ancient Conflicts Shape New Zealand Today

Understanding How Historical Schisms Impact Muslim Communities in a Modern, Multicultural Society

Introduction: An Imported Legacy of Conflict

Islam’s history is marked by 1,400 years of division, schisms, and internal conflict, beginning with the immediate crisis over leadership after the death of Muhammad in 632 AD. From the Sunni-Shia divide to the rise of extremist groups in the modern era, these divisions have left a lasting mark on the global Muslim community.

But how do these centuries of internal conflict affect the Muslim community in New Zealand? As a young, multicultural society with a small but growing Muslim population, New Zealand is not immune to the echoes of these ancient rivalries.

This post explores how the deep divisions within Islam — which began in the deserts of Arabia — continue to impact the Muslim community in New Zealand today.

1. Sunni and Shia Communities: A Quiet but Present Divide

1. Separate Mosques and Community Centers

In New Zealand, Sunni and Shia Muslims generally worship separately.
Major cities like Auckland and Wellington have both Sunni and Shia mosques.
Some Sunni mosques are affiliated with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), while Shia communities have their own independent organizations.
During major religious events, Sunni and Shia Muslims often hold separate gatherings.

2. Separate Religious Events and Holidays

Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims often observe different religious holidays:
- Ashura: For Sunnis, a day of fasting to commemorate Moses. For Shia Muslims, a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala (680 AD).
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Dates may differ due to separate methods of moon sighting.

3. Tensions During Religious Disputes

While open conflict is rare in New Zealand, Sunni-Shia disagreements can become tense:
- Online debates and social media arguments are common.
- Imported religious scholars (Sheikhs) may bring strong sectarian views that influence local communities.
- Private gatherings may feature heated discussions, especially around sensitive historical events like Karbala.

2. Political and Cultural Divisions Among Muslims

1. Importing Political Conflicts

The Sunni-Shia divide is not just theological — it is also political, and this has real-world consequences:
- Conflicts in the Middle East (Syria, Iraq, Yemen) can create divisions among New Zealand Muslims with family ties to those regions.
- Events like the Saudi-Iran rivalry are discussed in New Zealand mosques, often with polarized opinions.
Some Muslims in New Zealand express strong support for Sunni-majority countries (like Saudi Arabia), while others show solidarity with Shia-majority Iran.

2. Sectarianism in Education and Preaching

Religious schools and Islamic centers may teach different versions of Islamic history, depending on their Sunni or Shia orientation.
Sunni and Shia imams may preach conflicting messages:
- Sunni preachers may emphasize the authority of the Rashidun Caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali).
- Shia preachers may focus on the Ahl al-Bayt (Family of Muhammad) and the Imamate.
Textbooks and educational materials may differ between Sunni and Shia institutions.

3. Divisions Beyond Sunni and Shia: The Rise of Other Sects

1. Quranists: A Small but Vocal Minority

Quranists, who reject the Hadith and follow only the Quran, are present in New Zealand.
They are often seen as heretical by mainstream Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Online forums and social media are their primary spaces for discussion, but they may face hostility for their views.

2. Sufi Mysticism vs. Salafi Puritanism

Sufi Muslims, who emphasize spiritual experience and mysticism, may clash with Salafi Muslims, who advocate for a strict, literal interpretation of Islam.
Sufi gatherings (dhikr circles) and poetry recitations may be condemned by Salafi preachers as "innovations."
Salafi groups in New Zealand are known for their strict, conservative teachings, which can conflict with the more open, inclusive approach of Sufis.

3. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: Separate and Controversial

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has a presence in New Zealand but is considered heretical by both Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Ahmadis are officially excluded from the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ).
Ahmadis maintain their own mosques, schools, and publications, creating a parallel community.

4. Conflicting Messages in Public Representation

1. Competing Voices on Public Issues

When Islamic organizations speak on behalf of Muslims in New Zealand, they often represent the Sunni majority.
Shia Muslims and other minority groups may feel underrepresented.
Debates on issues like Halal certification, religious education, and interfaith dialogue can become divisive.

2. The Question of Islamic Unity

Public events celebrating Islamic unity may mask underlying tensions.
In interfaith dialogues, representatives may avoid discussing internal divisions to present a united front.
However, in private, these divisions remain significant.

5. Identity Crisis Among Young Muslims

1. Confusion Over Competing Teachings

Young Muslims in New Zealand may be exposed to conflicting teachings:
- A Sunni mosque teaches respect for the Rashidun Caliphs.
- A Shia mosque emphasizes the martyrdom of Husayn and the betrayal of Ali’s family.
- Quranist influences online challenge the authority of Hadith altogether.
This can create confusion, leading to an identity crisis for young Muslims.

2. Pressure to Choose a Side

Young Muslims are often pressured to identify with a specific sect.
Family expectations may clash with personal beliefs, especially for those exposed to multiple viewpoints.
Some young Muslims reject sectarianism altogether, seeking a "pure" Islam beyond Sunni or Shia labels.

6. The Impact on Interfaith Dialogue

1. Misunderstanding Among Non-Muslims

Non-Muslims in New Zealand may see Islam as a single, unified faith.
Interfaith events may present a "one voice" image of Islam, which does not reflect the internal divisions.
This can lead to misunderstandings, as non-Muslims may be unaware of the deep historical and theological conflicts within Islam.

2. Limited Representation in Public Discussions

Sunni organizations like FIANZ are often seen as the official voice of Islam in New Zealand.
Shia Muslims, Quranists, Sufis, and other groups may feel excluded from public representation.
This can lead to resentment and a sense of marginalization.

Conclusion: An Ancient Legacy, a Modern Problem

Islam in New Zealand may appear unified from the outside, but it carries the weight of 1,400 years of division, conflict, and competing interpretations.

For New Zealanders — Muslim and non-Muslim alike — understanding these divisions is essential for honest dialogue and true mutual understanding. A peaceful, multicultural society can only thrive when its members recognize and address the differences that exist, rather than ignoring them.

The Divided Legacy: How Islam’s First Centuries Created 1,400 Years of Conflict
Divided Faith: Understanding the Many Faces of Islam in New Zealand
Unity or Illusion? Can New Zealand’s Values and Islamic Beliefs Truly Coexist?
Christchurch: Tragedy, Unity, and the Challenges of Integration
Islam: What It Really Teaches — And What It Means for New Zealand
Sunni vs. Shia: Why the Divide Is Deeper Than Politics
Islam’s Rise: How a Small Sect Became a Global Religion
Can the West and Islam Coexist in New Zealand?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.