The spiritual leader of a worldwide Muslim community persecuted in some Islamic countries was welcomed onto the Turangawaewae marae in Ngaruawahia on Tuesday.
His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, wearing white, was welcomed onto the marae. Photo: RNZ
He is the Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was founded in 1889 and has millions of followers worldwide and about 400 in New Zealand.
The fifth Caliph is in New Zealand to open the sect's first mosque in this country in Auckland on Friday.
His Holiness has presented a copy of the first Koran to be translated into Te Reo Maori to the Maori King, Tuheitia. The translation has taken 25 years to complete.
The Ahmadiyya community is not recognised by mainstream Islam because of its recognition of all prophets.
It is persecuted in countries such as Pakistan and recognised as a persecuted religious group by the United Nations.
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