Da`wah in contemporary Japanese society : a case study of Tokyo mosque

Abstract

This is a case study on Tokyo Mosque and the dawah activities in Japan among contemporary Japanese and local Muslims. It deals with the arrival of Muslims in Japan and the establishment of Islamic dawah organizations and mosques. It studies the Muslim perception and sensitivities in the context of the current daÑwah situation in the Japanese society and relations with various religions and culture of Japan. The main aim of this research is to explore and analyse the origin of the organised dawah activities at Tokyo Mosque and its impact. This study also traces the inner problematic issues related to dawah and its challenges for the realization of peaceful coexistence among the Muslims and Japanese in Japan. The thesis specially focuses on the debate and dialogue of the Muslims with the followers of other religions and cultures in Japan as this will decide the future attitude of Islam and Muslims in Japan and its relation to the Japanese community. It attempts to assess the structure, organization and the pivotal role of Tokyo Mosque and its educational activities. It explores the position of Islam and Muslims and their interaction with a completely different culture of Emperor worship of the past and a highly modernized, industrial and civilized nation. This includes the study of the strategy Muslims have adopted for dawah and their fresh understanding and analysis with reference to Tokyo Mosque. It deals, therefore, with Muslim participation and cooperation in dialogue, welfare and social activities with other religions. It discusses the salient features of Japanese culture and community and Islam and local Muslim community. Feasibility of Islam and its compatibility in the Japanese society has been studied to identify the progress of dawah in Japan. An additional objective of this study is to examine the social and cultural development between Muslims and non-Muslims from the early days of the arrival of Islam in Japan. Expectations and apprehensions of the Muslims have also been identified. The thesis also analyses how far the Muslims are ready to consider sensitive issues arising due to the construction of mosques and the expansion of da`wah activities in Japan. The thesis further discusses the problems faced by the new generation of Muslims in Japan in holding fast to their Islamic belief and practicing the Islamic traditions in a non-Muslim, godless and atheistic society. Finally, it investigates how Muslims in Japan face and overcome the apparent materialistic society of Japan, which has now become their home. The thesis is followed by a conclusion and some recommendations.