Welcome to MAC web site and we appreciate your visit. Last Updated 27/09/2009

The Muslim Association of Canterbury Incoperation (MAC) was established in 1977 in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is a multi-ethnic, non profit organization for the Muslims in Canterbury.

MAC seeks to bring all Muslims in the region together in the service of Allah, the creator, as enshrined in the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him). It also seeks to facilitate understanding and alliance between the Canterbury Muslim community and the wider society.

To this end, one of the major objectives of MAC is to improve and promote a better understanding of Islam for both Muslims and non-Muslims and contribute towards a better future for Muslims, New Zealander's and humanity at large.

Al-Nur Mosque in Christchurch
Al-Nur mosque is located at 101 Deans Avenue in Riccarton opposite Hagley Park South. It is the first mosque with full facilities and functionality in the South Island of New Zealand. For more details click about us.

Al-Nur mosque serves a large and growing number of Muslims in Christchurch and the wider  Canterbury region. The doors of Al-Nur mosque are open to every one and every community in New Zealand for legitimate use visits as well as  research for knowledge and information about Islam and Muslims.

In fact over the last 25 years Al-Nur mosque has hosted visitors from many different communities. These include  Primary and Secondary School students and teachers, Universities research scholars and students, tourists and Government departments for different purposes including 'open days' for spreading Islamic knowledge to New Zealand non Muslim population.

Mosque Activities
Muslims in Christchurch perform their essential religious duties in Al-Nur mosque such as five times daily prayers, Friday prayer known as (Juma prayer) as well as the annual Eid prayers of Al-Adha and Id Eil Fitr, religious classes as well as other social functions like wedding ceremonies etc. To find out where Qibla direction is or where to face when a person is praying go to www.qiblalocator.com

Mosque Upgrade Project
As the number of Muslims in Christchurch and Canterbury has been growing over the past years, the space and facilities of Al-Nur mosque at Deans Avenue have simply become inadequate and are over stretched, because of this there is currently a plan to upgrade the prayer space as well as ablution spaces for both men and women. To this end you are humbly invited to donate generously towards this noble project.

The upgrade of the current facility involves a three stage alteration to the North and South wings of the prayer space, detachment as well as construction of new toilets and ablution spaces, a space for washing the dead and some storage facilities. Fourth and fifth stages are being considered to the West. When completed, Al Nur mosque will be better placed to cater fully for the needs of the growing Muslim population. For more details please click on projects.

What are the pillars of islam?
The pillars of islam are:

1. The belief (Imaan) that there is no God to be worshiped except Al'lah (the one God) and that Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) is his messenger.
2. Performing the prescribed prayers (Salaat), five times a day.
3. Fasting (Siyaam) every year, from sunrise to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan.
4. Charity (Zakaat) a minimum obligatory payment to the poor and needy every year.
5. Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if one is physically able and can afford it financially.

Shahada
This is the words that are spoken when one becomes a Muslim. They are few but so significant. With the utterance of these words, a person acknowledges Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of all, and the messenger-ship of His Prophet (peace be upon him). With these words, which come from the heart, a person steps from disbelief and ignorance to knowledge, light and guidance. A person can only reach this state by the Mercy and Guidance of Allah the Almighty.

  There is no god worthy of worship except Allah and   Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Prophet.

Muslim Association of Canterbury Inc (MAC) Al-Nur Mosque at 101 Deans Ave, in Riccarton, Tel +643-348-3930, Fax +643-348-3933, info@mac.net.nz, www.mac.net.nz, Christchurch, NewZealand.