Welcome to MAC web site (this website is under construction)

The Muslim Association of Canterbury (MAC) established in 1977 in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand is an umbrella organization for the Muslims in Canterbury.

Mac seeks to bring together Muslims in the region 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, it is one of the major objectives of MAC to improve and promote a betterunderstanding of Islam by both Muslims and non-Muslims and to contribute towards a better future for Muslims, New Zealanders and humanity at large.

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

1. The belief ( Imaan ) that there is no God to be worshiped except  Allaah (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) once a year, from sunrise to sunset throughout the entire month of Ramadaan.

4.  Charity ( Zakaat ) which is paid to the poor and needy once 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

The words that are spoken when one becomes a Muslim, are few but so significant. With the utterance of these words, a person acknowledges Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of all, and the messengership 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