JAPAN — “What time is your Tarawih? 7:30pm? Here, Tarawih only starts at 9:30 p.m., waiting for the congregation to come home from work! Hahahaha”. Why did these words immediately ring in my head the first time I did Tarawih with the Ainul Yaqeen Foundation community?
The spirit of the Muslim community in Japan to practice Islam is very touching. Although during the day they have to do activities with a busy schedule, some are students, full-time or part-time workers, housewives, and others. But at night, they still pray Tarawih together in Ramadan and never miss a beat.
The Tarawih prayer is followed every night by Kulkas (short lecture) and tadarus/tilawah Al-Qur’an together. These activities often end at 12:00pm. In fact, the next day they will return to their work routines.
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Ainul Yaqeen Foundation’s congregation is very diverse. The majority are Indonesians, but there are also Japanese-Indonesian, Indonesian-Egyptian, Indonesian-Philippine, and other mixed marriage couples. Those who come to pray Tarawih in congregation mostly live in the Adachi City area. They come to Ainul Yaqeen Foundation every night by bicycle. Some have to travel 5 minutes, while others have to travel up to 40 minutes by bicycle to arrive at Ainul Yaqeen Foundation.
Seeing the spirit of the worshippers to liven up the nights of Ramadan in the land of Sakura is something to be proud of. Their spirit is exemplary. It made me think of the story of Companion Abu Bakr, one of the Prophet’s most loyal companions. Day and night he was always with him, even if he did not see the prophet for one day. This prophet’s friend who has the nickname As-Siddiq is a very honest person and he is the one who always justifies the prophet.
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Uthman bin Affan was a companion of the prophet who was famous for his diligence and patience in worship. Despite his advanced age, Uthman still persisted in fasting Ramadan with great enthusiasm. He also often gave charity to people in need, without expecting anything in return.
From the stories of the spirit of faith in Islam of friends in Sakura Country and the friends of the Prophet Muhammad, we learn that religion must be totality. Faith must be expressed with totality in worship, especially in the holy month of Ramadan. This needs to be done so that we can achieve mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from hellfire. Aamiin ya Allah ya rabbal alamin. Wallahu a’lam.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Ustazah Cutra Zwan, Dompet Dhuafa Dai Ambassador 2024