Mauao Man

Unity or Illusion? Can New Zealand’s Values and Islamic Beliefs Truly Coexist?

A Critical Look at Whether Mutual Respect Is Possible When Values Collide

Introduction: The Power of Unity in Crisis

After the tragic Christchurch mosque attacks on March 15, 2019, New Zealand came together in an inspiring display of compassion and solidarity. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared, "They are us," expressing a powerful message of unity and support for the grieving Muslim community. Across the country, New Zealanders of all faiths and backgrounds attended vigils, offered flowers, and shared messages of support, including "We Stand With You."

But an important question remains: Can the Muslim community in New Zealand, given the teachings of Islam, genuinely say the same? Can they sincerely declare, "They are us" and "We Stand With You" — not just in times of tragedy, but as a matter of shared values?

⚠️ Important Note: This post is not about attacking Muslims as individuals — especially the victims of the Christchurch attacks. It is not about questioning their grief, their suffering, or their right to be treated with dignity and respect. Instead, this post seeks to explore a deeper question: Do the teachings of Islam align with the values of New Zealand’s secular, democratic society? Can true mutual understanding exist?

1. What Does "They Are Us" Really Mean?

1. A Declaration of Shared Humanity

"They are us" is a statement of empathy — a recognition that all people, regardless of race, religion, or background, share a common humanity.
It means standing together in times of hardship and supporting one another, regardless of differences.
It reflects New Zealand’s values of kindness, tolerance, and mutual respect.

2. A Pledge of Unity Beyond Differences

To say "They are us" is to affirm a commitment to peaceful coexistence, even when beliefs or cultures differ.
It means respecting each other’s rights and freedoms, while maintaining a spirit of open dialogue.
It means rejecting hatred and division in all forms.

2. What Does Islam Teach About Non-Muslims?

1. A Faith with Clear Beliefs and Boundaries

Islam is a faith that makes specific truth claims, teaching that it is the final, complete revelation from God, surpassing previous religions like Judaism and Christianity.
The Quran describes Muslims as "the best of nations" (Quran 3:110) and speaks of non-believers in strong terms:

"Indeed, they who disbelieved… are the worst of creatures." (Quran 98:6)

2. The Concept of Dhimmitude (Protected Status)

Historically, in Islamic societies, non-Muslims (Jews and Christians) were granted "dhimmi status" — they were protected but lived under certain restrictions.
Dhimmis were required to pay a special tax (jizya) and were often subject to limitations, such as not being able to build new places of worship.
While this was seen as a form of protection, it also marked non-Muslims as separate and subordinate.

3. Loyalty to the Muslim Ummah (Community)

Islam places strong emphasis on loyalty to the Ummah (Muslim community), a sense of global brotherhood that transcends national boundaries.
This unity is a source of strength for Muslims but can sometimes create a sense of separation from non-Muslim communities.

3. Can the Muslim Community Say "We Stand With You"?

1. The Spirit of Compassion and Support

After the Christchurch attacks, New Zealanders of all faiths and backgrounds stood with the Muslim community in solidarity.
But would the Muslim community in New Zealand feel equally compelled to stand with non-Muslims if they were the victims of religious violence?
Would Muslim leaders and communities declare, "We stand with you" if a church, synagogue, or temple was attacked?

2. Balancing Religious Loyalty and National Solidarity

Can Muslims in New Zealand fully embrace a national identity that includes respect for all faiths — even those they may believe to be false?
Can they genuinely support the rights and freedoms of all New Zealanders, including those who may openly disagree with Islamic beliefs?

3. Historical and Recent Examples

In France, after the Charlie Hebdo attacks (2015), many Muslims expressed sympathy for the victims, but some also criticized the cartoons rather than the violence.
In the United Kingdom, following the Manchester Arena bombing (2017), some Muslim leaders condemned the attack but warned against "Islamophobia."
In New Zealand, the response to the Christchurch attacks was overwhelmingly supportive of the Muslim community — but would the same solidarity be shown if a non-Muslim community was attacked by an extremist claiming to act in the name of Islam?

4. The Path to Genuine Unity: A Two-Way Street

1. Respecting Each Other’s Values Without Pretending They Are the Same

New Zealand is built on values of freedom, equality, and human rights, including the freedom to question or criticize any belief.
Islamic teachings, especially in their traditional form, sometimes conflict with these values — particularly on issues like freedom of speech, gender equality, and religious supremacy.
Genuine unity must be based on honesty — acknowledging these differences without hostility.

2. A Commitment to Stand Together — In All Situations

If Muslims expect New Zealanders to stand with them in times of tragedy, they must also be willing to stand with non-Muslims in times of crisis.
This means rejecting all forms of violence, whether committed by extremists of any faith.

3. Open Dialogue Without Fear of Accusations

Honest questions about Islamic teachings must be allowed without fear of being labeled "Islamophobic."
Muslims must be willing to explain their beliefs, and New Zealanders must be willing to listen without jumping to conclusions.

5. No Room for Misunderstanding: Direct and Honest Questions

Can a Muslim community that believes in Islamic supremacy (Quran 3:110) truly say "They are us"?
Can Muslims, who are taught to prioritize the Muslim Ummah, genuinely see all New Zealanders as equal brothers and sisters?
Can a faith that describes non-believers as "the worst of creatures" (Quran 98:6) embrace a society based on religious equality?
Can unity be real if one side is expected to accept criticism, while the other is shielded from it?

Conclusion: Can "They Are Us" Be a Two-Way Street?

The Christchurch attacks brought out the best of New Zealand’s spirit — compassion, solidarity, and unity. But true unity cannot be one-sided. It must be based on mutual respect, shared values, and a willingness to stand together — not just in words, but in actions.

Can the Muslim community in New Zealand truly say, "They are us" and "We stand with you"? The answer depends on their willingness to embrace the values of freedom, equality, and mutual respect that define New Zealand society.

And it also depends on the willingness of all New Zealanders to maintain a clear distinction between respecting people and critically examining beliefs.

Can the West and Islam Coexist in New Zealand?
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.