From “Allahu Akbar” to bomb cuisines—what really is Islam?

The VicMuslims Club

You may have seen some serious tea spilling in the news lately involving Muslims and their religion—but have you ever wondered about who they really are? Give us five minutes of your time to find out whether “Allahu Akbar” really is a trigger phrase for bombs in backpacks. 

What is Islam?

Islam is a faith centred on the belief in one God (Allah), and a way of life that invites inner peace through conscious submission to the Divine. It is rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Qur’an, the foundational text of Islam. 

Islamic philosophy teaches that all humans belong to  one global community: The Ummah. In other words: “Ehara tāku toa he toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.” My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but the success of a collective. 

Islam teaches us to love one other, to be generous to the poor and uplift the disadvantaged, to be kind to our neighbours, to stand up for the oppressed (including the call for tino rangatiratanga), to protect the wellbeing of the Earth (kaitiakitanga), and to build a world with peace and justice for all, regardless of our differences. 

Beyond the headlines and tired jokes, Islam at its core encourages a life of purpose, compassion, and self-refinement. 

Muslims pray, fast, give in charity, and seek knowledge to become better individuals and contribute to a more just and balanced world—one where sincerity and intention are just as important as action. Islam offers a deeply ethical and spiritually grounded framework for engaging with life and community, calling people from all nations and walks of life to the one true message—regardless of their upbringing, culture, or faith background. 

The VicMuslims Club 

VicMuslims is the official Muslim Students’ Association at Te Herenga Waka. We are proud to have 200+ members, including sizable international and domestic students. Our community is  diverse—Islam is not bound to one ethnic group or region, rather a kaleidoscope of the beautiful diversity God created humans in. 

The club’s primary role is to support, encourage, and foster a sense of belonging and community for Muslim students and staff on campus. We do this through events, community engagement, and by maintaining the Muslim prayer rooms on campus.

In short: we’re just a chill group of people trying to live moral, fulfilling lives. “Allahu Akbar” simply means “God is Great” and is an expression we use to refer to strong emotions within us. 

If you’re interested to find out more about Islam or just want to get in touch with us, flick us an email at vicmuslimsclub@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @vicmuslimsclub 

Ngā mihi nui and Salam, 

The VicMuslims Club