An example of the ways in which Qamar is reaching out to others is his recent visit, with youths from his mosque, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house in Wiri.
Source/Credit: Manukau Carrier
By Chris Harrowell | February 10, 2015
The pious life of a spiritual missionary may not be to everyone's taste.
But it's a calling for a new member of South Auckland's Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Mustenser Qamar, 26, is living in a unit beside the mosque in Dalgety Dr, Manurewa, while serving as a missionary and imam, or leader.
Originally from the United Kingdom, he will work wherever his faith's spiritual leader or Caliph, his Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, sends him.
Qamar trained in the UK, Spain and Pakistan for seven years to become a missionary.
"At any time I can be told to go somewhere else and I'm prepared for that," he says.
"Once I decided to devote my life, I gave decisions to the Caliph and do what he says."
Qamar says he enjoys the challenges presented by his unique role. One of his goals is to enhance perceptions of Muslims and Islam.
"Everyone comes from a different background, he says.
"When you're dealing with others you need an awareness of their way of thinking. Islam is a very understanding religion and we must be understanding of different cultures and traditions."
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But there's a lack of knowledge in society about his religion and values, Qamar says.
"A lot of people haven't met a Muslim before. We reach out to and meet other people so awareness of true Muslims, who are peaceful and law-abiding citizens, can be raised."
An example of the ways in which Qamar is reaching out to others is his recent visit, with youths from his mosque, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house in Wiri.
"We spent quite a few hours learning about their beliefs and speaking to their missionaries," he says.
"Islam is not about isolating yourself. It is a very open faith. Hearing about other religions and cultures is important."
Qamar and Ahmadiyya Muslim New Zealand national president, Iqbal Mohammed, recently left for Samoa, where they will work among the faithful until February 20.
Mohammed will perform various administrative duties for Samoa's Ahmadiyya community while Qamar focuses on improving their wellbeing.
New Zealand's Ahmadiyya Muslim community has more than 450 members, of whom about 400 live in Auckland.
Read original post here: New Zealand: South Auckland's Ahmadiyya Muslims share message of tolerance
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