Mauao Man

Divided Faith: Understanding the Many Faces of Islam in New Zealand

Subtitle: Sunni, Shia, Quranist — What Do They Believe, and Why Does It Matter?

Introduction: One Religion, Many Beliefs

In the wake of the Christchurch attacks, New Zealanders stood together with their Muslim neighbors, embracing a message of unity. But as the conversation continues, it becomes clear that Islam is not a monolithic faith.

The Muslim community in New Zealand is diverse, encompassing Sunni, Shia, Quranist, Sufi, and other groups — each with its own beliefs, practices, and interpretations. Understanding these divisions is essential, not only for understanding the Muslim community itself but also for recognizing the diverse ways Islam is lived and understood.

But what do these different groups believe? Where do they agree, and where do they conflict? And how do these divisions impact the Muslim community in New Zealand?

This post takes a clear, balanced look at the different branches of Islam in New Zealand — and why understanding these divisions is crucial for anyone seeking a clearer understanding of the faith.

1. The Major Divisions of Islam: A Spectrum of Beliefs

1. Sunni Islam: The Largest Branch

Followers: Approximately 85-90% of Muslims worldwide, including many in New Zealand.
Core Beliefs: Sunni Muslims follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as preserved in the Sunnah (traditions), which include the Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad).
Leadership: Religious authority is based on the consensus of scholars (ulama) rather than a single leader.
Legal Schools: Includes four major schools of thought — Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali — each with slightly different interpretations of Sharia (Islamic law).
- Hanafi: The most flexible in legal interpretation, common in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) and Turkey.
- Maliki: Emphasizes the customs of Medina, dominant in North and West Africa.
- Shafi'i: Known for a strict interpretation of Hadith, widely followed in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia).
- Hanbali: The most conservative, the foundation of Saudi Arabia’s legal system.
Presence in New Zealand: Sunni mosques are the most common, and many Islamic organizations are Sunni-led.

2. Shia Islam: A Minority with Deep History

Followers: Approximately 10-15% of Muslims worldwide, including a small but significant community in New Zealand.
Core Beliefs: Shia Muslims believe leadership should have remained within Muhammad’s family, starting with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Key Figures: The Twelve Imams, considered infallible spiritual leaders by most Shia Muslims.
- Ali ibn Abi Talib: The first Imam and cousin of Muhammad.
- Husayn ibn Ali: The third Imam, whose martyrdom at Karbala (680 AD) is a central event in Shia history, commemorated annually during Ashura.
Branches: Includes Twelver Shia (the largest group), Ismaili Shia, and Zaidi Shia.
Legal System: Shia Islam has its own schools of law, including Ja'fari jurisprudence, which is used in Iran.
Distinct Practices: Shia Muslims may engage in rituals like Tatbir (self-flagellation) during Ashura, which are not practiced by Sunnis.
Presence in New Zealand: Shia mosques and community centers exist in Auckland and Wellington.

3. Quranist Islam: A Modern, Minority Movement

Followers: A very small minority worldwide, but gaining attention in the age of the internet.
Core Beliefs: Quranists reject the Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad) and follow only the Quran as the word of God.
Interpretation: Quranists emphasize personal understanding of the Quran rather than relying on religious scholars.
Legal Approach: No reliance on traditional Sharia law, leading to more flexible interpretations of Islamic practice.
Controversial Position: Many mainstream Muslims, both Sunni and Shia, consider Quranism a heretical deviation from true Islam.
Presence in New Zealand: Often individuals rather than organized communities, but they may attend mainstream mosques.

4. Sufism: The Mystical Path

Followers: A minority within both Sunni and Shia Islam, with a focus on spiritual experience.
Core Beliefs: Emphasizes direct, personal experience of God through prayer, meditation, poetry, and music.
Key Practices:
- Dhikr (Remembrance of God): Repetitive chants of God’s names.
- Sufi Poetry: Works by poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Al-Ghazali are celebrated for their spiritual depth.
- Sufi Orders (Tariqas): Includes Naqshbandi, Qadiri, Chishti, and Mevlevi (Whirling Dervishes).
Sufi Saints: Revered figures considered spiritually powerful, whose shrines may become pilgrimage sites.
Presence in New Zealand: Often present within Sunni or Shia communities but may also have separate gatherings.

5. Other Minority Groups: Diverse Beliefs Within Islam

Ahmadiyya Muslims: Considered heretical by mainstream Sunni and Shia groups because they believe their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, was a prophet after Muhammad.
Ismaili Muslims: A branch of Shia Islam led by the Aga Khan, known for their focus on education and humanitarian work.
Ibadi Muslims: A small, ancient sect primarily found in Oman, known for their emphasis on tolerance and non-violence.
Nation of Islam: A unique movement in the United States, which blends Islamic teachings with African American social justice.
Presence in New Zealand: These groups are small but may exist quietly within the broader Muslim community.

2. Key Differences and Points of Conflict

1. Leadership and Authority

Sunni Islam: Religious authority is based on the consensus of scholars (ulama) rather than a single leader.
Shia Islam: Spiritual authority is vested in the Imams, seen as divinely guided leaders.
Quranist Islam: Rejects any religious authority outside the Quran.
Sufism: Authority is based on spiritual lineage through Sufi masters (sheikhs).

2. Legal Interpretations: Sharia vs. Personal Understanding

Sunni and Shia: Both follow Sharia law but differ on the sources and methods of interpretation.
Quranists: Do not follow traditional Sharia, relying solely on the Quran for guidance.
Sufis: Emphasize personal spiritual experience over strict legalism.

3. Views on Non-Muslims

Sunni and Shia: Teach respect for “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians) but may also emphasize Islamic superiority.
Quranists: More open to pluralism, seeing all righteous people as valued by God.
Sufis: Often embrace a more universal, mystical approach, seeing divine truth in all faiths.

3. How These Divisions Impact the Muslim Community in New Zealand

Mosques: Sunni, Shia, and Quranist mosques may preach different interpretations of Islam.
Schools: Islamic schools may teach specific doctrines depending on their affiliation.
Community Organizations: Sunni groups like FIANZ (Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand) are the most prominent.
Public Representation: Different groups may speak for the Muslim community, leading to conflicting messages.

Conclusion: More Than One Voice

Islam in New Zealand is not one voice, but many. Recognizing the diversity within the Muslim community is essential for anyone who wants to understand the faith beyond headlines and stereotypes.

By exploring these divisions, New Zealanders can better understand the real beliefs, values, and perspectives of their Muslim neighbors.

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

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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.