Mauao Man

The Thin Edge of the Wedge:

How Gradualism is Changing New Zealand

From Cultural Sensitivity to Quiet Sharia Compliance — Understanding the Strategy of Gradualism

Introduction: A Quiet Strategy with Far-Reaching Goals

For many New Zealanders, the idea of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law seems like a distant concept — something that happens in the Middle East, not here. But the reality is that the process of gradualism (tadarruj) is already at work in New Zealand. This strategy involves introducing small, seemingly harmless changes aligned with Islamic values, which over time can expand into broader Sharia compliance.

This post takes a deep dive into the concept of gradualism — showing how it works, providing clear examples of how it is being used in New Zealand, and comparing it to similar strategies in other Western countries.

1. What Is Gradualism (Tadarruj)?

1. Gradualism Defined

Gradualism (Tadarruj) is an Islamic concept where Sharia principles are introduced step by step, rather than all at once.
It is a recognized strategy in Islamic jurisprudence, based on the understanding that Sharia cannot be imposed suddenly in a society that is not ready for it.
Instead, Muslims are encouraged to promote Islamic values gradually, using peaceful means such as education, cultural sensitivity, and legal accommodation.

2. The Quranic and Hadith Basis for Gradualism

“We sent it (the Quran) down in stages, so that you may recite it to the people at a slow pace, and We revealed it gradually.” (Quran 17:106)
- This verse is used to justify the idea of gradualism, arguing that even the Quran was revealed in stages, not all at once.
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” (Quran 16:125)
- This verse is interpreted to mean that Muslims should introduce Islamic values in a gradual, peaceful, and wise manner.
“When Aisha was asked about the first verses revealed, she said: ‘It was about faith and paradise. Later, when people’s hearts became stronger, the laws of halal and haram were revealed.’” (Sahih Bukhari 4993)
- This Hadith from Aisha, Muhammad’s wife, is often cited to show that even the Prophet introduced Islamic laws gradually, beginning with basic faith before introducing rules and regulations.

2. How Gradualism Works: The Thin Edge of the Wedge

Gradualism works by starting with small, seemingly harmless changes, which are then expanded over time. This strategy is often described as “the thin edge of the wedge” — a small opening that gradually widens, allowing more significant changes.

Step 1: Initial Acceptance

Halal Certification: Initially presented as a way to ensure food is permissible for Muslims, but ultimately extends Sharia principles into the commercial sector.
Islamic Schools: Promoted as a way to provide religious education, but also teach Sharia law and Islamic governance as the ideal system.
Islamic Dress Codes: Muslim women are encouraged to wear the hijab as a sign of modesty, but this can evolve into pressure for full niqab or gender segregation.

Step 2: Normalization

Islamic Family Law: Muslim couples are encouraged to follow Sharia in marriage, divorce, and inheritance, even within a secular legal framework.
Islamic Finance: Interest-free loans and Sharia-compliant investments are promoted, creating a parallel financial system.
Public Prayer Spaces: Mosques and Islamic prayer rooms become common in public institutions, including schools, universities, and airports.

Step 3: Expansion

Halal Certification Expanded: Not just limited to food, but also cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even financial products.
Islamic Education Expanded: More Islamic schools are established, teaching classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and the idea of an Islamic state.
Family Law Influence: Muslim couples are encouraged to resolve disputes through Sharia arbitration, even though New Zealand’s legal system is secular.

Step 4: Political Advocacy

Hate Speech Laws: Criticism of Islam is labeled as “Islamophobia,” and there are calls for laws to protect Islam from criticism.
Recognition of Sharia Principles: Muslim organizations lobby for recognition of Sharia in areas like family law, finance, and education.

3. Gradualism in Action: How It Is Changing New Zealand

1. Halal Certification: Extending Sharia Compliance

New Zealand’s halal certification industry is a multi-million dollar business.
What began as a service for Muslim consumers has expanded to include non-Muslim businesses seeking halal certification for export purposes.
Halal certification is more than just a dietary preference — it is a form of Sharia compliance, with fees often going to Muslim organizations.

2. Islamic Education: Teaching Sharia in Schools

Islamic schools like Al-Madinah School and Zayed College for Girls teach Islamic values alongside the New Zealand curriculum.
These schools emphasize Sharia principles in family life, modesty, gender roles, and even political history.
Graduates are taught that Sharia is the ideal system of law, even if they live in a secular society.

3. Islamic Family Law: Sharia in Personal Life

Muslim couples are encouraged to marry, divorce, and inherit according to Sharia, even if they also follow New Zealand’s secular family law.
Imams and Muslim scholars offer “Islamic counseling” to resolve family disputes based on Sharia principles.
This creates a parallel system of family law within the Muslim community.

4. Public Pressure and Cultural Sensitivity

After the Christchurch mosque attacks, Muslim organizations gained greater influence in New Zealand, using their platform to promote Islamic values.
Criticism of Islam is often labeled as “Islamophobia,” making it difficult for open discussion of Islamic teachings.
Muslim organizations are consulted on government policies, education, and media representation, giving them a greater voice in shaping public perception.

4. Gradualism in Other Countries: Lessons for New Zealand

1. The United Kingdom: From Cultural Sensitivity to Sharia Courts

Halal certification and Islamic finance began as minority accommodations but have become multi-million dollar industries.
Islamic schools teach Sharia values, and some Muslim communities have established Sharia councils to resolve family disputes.

2. France: Cultural Sensitivity Becomes a Legal Battle

Halal food, Islamic dress codes, and Muslim organizations became common.
Eventually, demands for separate swimming times for women, prayer spaces in public institutions, and restrictions on criticizing Islam appeared.

3. Canada: The Sharia Law Controversy

In Ontario, Muslim organizations pushed for Sharia family law in the 2000s, arguing that it was a form of religious freedom.
After a public outcry, the government rejected the idea, but the push for Sharia continues in other areas, including Islamic finance and education.

Conclusion: A Slow but Steady Path to Change

Gradualism is a quiet but powerful strategy. In New Zealand, it is already at work — introducing Islamic values in small, acceptable ways, which are then expanded over time. What begins as a matter of cultural sensitivity can become a means of advancing Sharia principles in education, family law, business, and public life.

Understanding this strategy is not about fear, but about awareness. A free society should be open to all ideas — but it must also be able to critically examine them, even if they come wrapped in the language of diversity and tolerance.

Is It an Obligation for Muslims to Establish an Islamic State?
The Push for an Islamic State: How the Dream of Sharia is Pursued Worldwide
Inside a Pure Islamic State: What Sharia Law Looks Like in Practice
Between the Ideal and the Real: Why Modern Muslim States Don’t Reflect Pure Sharia

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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.