My weekend Tokyo Camii visit always provides me a chance to meet brothers and sisters from different countries. Last Saturday, I met Muslims from India, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. I guess there would be more people from various regions as I saw lots of people during prayers. I was about to forget that Japan is called homogeneous society.

One of the beauty in Islam I found on my way to revert is believing in same religion regardless of nationality or race. The beauty got brighter when I noticed we have no differentiation under Allah when I saw how Muslims lining up for their prayers for the first time.

At the same time, the beauty is in the difference. Each one of Muslims is carrying their own culture with geographic or historical backgrounds, as you might see their difference in the language, traditional costume, food, architecture and in any other elements for example. Also, none of us is the same as their gifted personality, talent, and character are given by Allah. Indeed our world and society are full of diversity and difference.

A couple of days after the weekend Tokyo Camii visit, I found one verse of The Holy Quran in chapter 49 and verse 13.

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) (49:13)

Reflecting back my personal experiences, understanding the difference brought me meaningful personal developments. I learned to be patient with people from different background especially during international youth programs and my work experiences in the diverse environment as I found out what I think good is not always same to the others. At the same time, I got to know there will be better for everyone when we understand each other in many ways.

Subhanallah. Allahuakubar. The Holy Quran clearly mentions the reason why we are different. It is for knowing each other rather than fighting or hating. Also, I believe this is the lesson we should apply to all human even when you encountered non-Muslim people because we are all beautiful creation by Allah. This reminds me the friendly, kind and warm attitude by my Muslim friends even during the time I was not Muslim but they are good Muslims to everyone around them.

As my life passion is to create opportunities for mutual understanding, this verse of the Holy Quran was powerful and convinced me that to understand each other is key to be a good Muslimah and to establish the better society. Alhamdulillah.

3 Responses

  1. Alhamdulillah…may Allah bless you my sister, and guide you in Islam. And my Allah give more hidayah to other people through you. Aamiin.

  2. Mashallah and Alhamdulillah. Past few months i have been starting to feel that Islam is full of intolerance and hatred (because i was surrounded by muslims in my city who only do those things), but reading this reminded to me again what Islam is truly about. I need to make Hijrah out of this environment I am in, to a place of beauty and friendship, like Tokyo inshAllah 🙂

    I made dua that I can work in Japan, so I can meet the Muslims of this wonderful place

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