04-08-2025
Research hopes to pave peaceful path for Muslims
A pathway to peace for Israel and Palestine may lie within postdoctoral research being carried out at the University of Otago.
Afghan refugee and University of Otago postdoctoral fellow Dr Hussain Raissi said there was a prevailing belief that being part of the Muslim community was fundamentally incompatible with being part of Western societies.
But his PhD thesis challenged that widely accepted idea, and he believed the two identities could coexist harmoniously.
His PhD research examined the experiences 258 Muslim immigrants, aged between 16 and 29, from major urban areas of New Zealand.
When discussing the adaptation of immigrants and newcomers, he found the focus was often on housing, employment, health and education, rather than things that would give them a sense of belonging.
He said a sense of belonging was "crucial" because if immigrants were not made to feel welcome, it could lead to a sense of isolation, marginalisation, health issues such as anxiety and depression, identity confusion, dissimulation, loss of cultural roots, social unrest and conflict.
"These individuals often navigate the delicate balance between their Islamic faith and the cultural norms of their new environment, which is vital for their personal growth and integration."
When they were made to feel welcome, it promoted social integrations and provided greater education and employment opportunities, both of which were crucial for social and economic participation.
That engagement helped youth develop their skills, boost self-esteem and foster a feeling of belonging, he said.
Dr Raissi is now building on his PhD research as part of his postdoctoral fellowship at the university.
He said it would explore how different forms of social capital — bonding within communities, bridging across communities, and linking with institutions — influenced feelings of inclusion and belonging among Muslim immigrants and refugees.
The study would also engage directly with biculturalism, multiculturalism and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
"I'm interested in how shared values, mutual support and civic trust can contribute to a stronger sense of social cohesion."
By focusing on social capital, the project would explore how relationships — whether with family, friends, neighbours or institutions — could support belonging, resilience and wellbeing.
"Stronger bonding social capital within the Muslim community can provide emotional support and cultural continuity.
"Bridging connections with other communities fosters mutual understanding and reduces isolation, and linking relationships with institutions like schools, councils or government services can improve access to opportunities and build trust."
While his research would not directly address the Israel-Palestine conflict, it would investigate how global injustices affected local trust and belonging.
"For many Muslim immigrants in Aotearoa, the stance a government takes, or doesn't take, on humanitarian crises like Gaza, can deeply impact their sense of inclusion and trust in public institutions."
He said it was possible the research could help Israel and Palestine find a pathway to peace but was not confident it would be used.
"Ultimately, I hope this work will inform policies and community initiatives that recognise and build on these social connections, helping Muslim immigrants feel valued, respected and genuinely included in the fabric of New Zealand society."
