Choice of Mosque and Ethnolinguistic Homophily: Muslim Migrants in Auckland

Abstract

In this study, we identify the factors that Muslim migrants in Auckland, New Zealand's gateway city, prioritize when seeking to identify a suitable mosque, and the significance that frequenting a mosque has in their lives. We explore factors related to ethnicity, culture, language, belonging and the intergenerational transmission of religious knowledge and values from the theoretical perspective of homophily, or the tendency of individuals to socialize with others whom they consider to be similar. The importance of ethnolinguistic and cultural homophily is primarily linked to wellbeing, social support and bonding, the intergenerational transmission of beliefs and culture, and spiritual authenticity. Mosque attendance was viewed as a key factor in social integration, connectivity and wellbeing. The lack of suitable mosques for Shi'a was problematized. We discuss the different mosque-related priorities of the first and second generations, and formulate recommendations for catering to the multifarious needs of congregants in a Muslim-minority context.