THE STORY OF NEW MUSLIMS

Becoming Muslim

Ali Muhammad Mori (Japan)
Social Worker and Preacher

About 18 years ago I was in Manchuria where Japan was still wielding power. It was in a desert near Pieching that I first came across a group of Muslims. They were leading a pious life and I was deeply impressed by their way of living and by their attitude on life. This impression became deeper and deeper as I travelled into the interior of Manchuria.

I returned to Japan --- a defeated country --- in summer of 1946 and I found that the situation in Japan had changed altogether. There was tremendous change in the realm of thinking of the people. Buddhism which was the faith of the majority of Japanese, was thoroughly corrupted and instead of providing salvation it was exerting an evil influence upon society.

Christianity, after the war had made rapid strides in Japan although it existed there for the last 90 years but it had remained as a formal religion only. At first Christianity seemed to be accepted by the innocent, pure and simple young people who in a way had 'killed' their love for Buddhism, but to their great disappointment they soon found out that behind the cover of Christianity there existed the network of British and American capitalist interest. Christianity which has been given up in Christian contries is now being used for export, to serve their capitalistic interest.

Japan is geographically located between Russia on the one hand and America on the other and both wish to exert their influence on the Japanese people. None can offer a lasting and happy solution to the spiritually disturbed Japanese people.

To my mind it will be the doctrine of Islam and none other that undoubtedly offers the much sought solution. Particularly I am appreciative for the fraternity in Islam. All Muslims are brethren unto one another and God has enjoined that they should live in peace and harmony with each other. I believe that it is this type of 'Brotherhood' which is so vital and needed most by the world today.

Last summer three Muslims visited Tokushima. They had come from Pakistan and it was from them that I learnt a great deal about Islam and what it stands for. Mr Motiwala in Kobe and Mr. Mita in Tokyo came to my help and I embraced Islam.

Last but not the least, I eagerly hope that one day the bonds of Islam will infuse new spirit amongst Muslims from every nook and corner of the world and this great message of God will resound once again with full glory from every land, so that the Earth becomes a Heaven to live in and God's creatures be really happy --- both materially and spiritually elevated as God does intend.

From "Islam, Our Choice"

(Indonesian language)