An Egyptian Immigrant Shares Experiences in Japan

IQNA – An Egyptian university professor has opened a unique window into the world of Japanese Muslims by sharing cultural and religious experiences online.

In the heart of Tokyo, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, Sayed Sharara shares his experiences through his personal Facebook page, according to the Muslimsaroundtheworld website.

This page is not just a digital space, but a bridge that connects cultures and a mirror that reflects the life of the Muslim minority from within Japanese society. This page is an example of the experiences of a Muslim immigrant who decided to become a cultural ambassador between his country and the country of his residence.

Sharara not only portrays the daily events of Muslims’ life in Japan, but also offers a complete perspective including history, daily life, culture and education.

From Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr to weekly tours of the Grand Mosque in Tokyo, he conveys a vivid picture of the lives of the Muslim minority and how they integrate into Japanese society without retreating from their religious and cultural identity.

Highlights of the experience

1. Documents and living history: This section covers the lives of prominent Muslim figures and pioneers of the propagation of Islam, such as Ali al-Samni, Hajj Omar Mita, and Engineer Abdul Rashid Arshad, who traveled to Japan to translate the Quran into Japanese. These documents are a complete source of Muslim life in Japan that Arab expatriates and scholars can use to understand the history of the community and the challenges they face.

2. Introducing culture and daily life: Covering Ramadan activities, Eid prayers, and school classes, Sharara explains how Muslims in a foreign country can maintain their religious and cultural identity while respecting the host society. Weekly tours for Japanese visitors demonstrate the local community’s curiosity and willingness to engage with Muslims, creating a lively cultural dialogue.

3. Education and Knowledge as a Cultural Bridge: Through the University of Tokyo libraries, training courses, and Quran translations, this Egyptian Muslim offers a practical example of how to use knowledge and culture as tools to build bridges between people. This experience shows that Muslim immigrants can be an effective element in spreading the correct understanding of Islam and fostering understanding between cultures.

4. Addressing Social Challenges: On his personal page, Sharara addresses important issues such as language learning, choosing a home, raising children, and social integration while maintaining religious and cultural identity. This practical reading shows that a successful immigrant is someone who knows how to balance attachment to his country with positive interaction with the country of his residence.

Sayed Sharara’s Facebook page offers an exemplary experience for every Muslim immigrant; it involves being cultural and religious ambassadors among different nations, documenting history and highlighting important and influential people, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and cultural awareness, and maintaining religious identity while building positive relationships with the host community.

This is an experience that teaches us that Muslims abroad can be a bridge for knowledge and civilization, conveying a vivid image of their country and culture, and fostering dialogue between people. This is an inspiring model for all those who experience migration in an era in which the planet has become a small village.

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