Sabahuz Zafar
Missionary, Japan
On 2 June, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Japan hosted its first Ramadan Iftar dinner in its capital, Tokyo. There was an open invitation for everyone to attend and learn about the month of Ramadan and break the fast with local Muslims. This event was promoted and publicised on social networking sites as well as an event promoting website, with 350,000 readers every month.
The event was attended by people from all walks of life including university students, businessmen and a professor of Chiba University who specialises in cultural anthropology. A student of the prestigious Tokyo University, upon seeing the event on the website mentioned above, decided to fast on the day of the event so that he could break the fast with us.
Before Iftar, the guests were given a brief introduction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Japan and its humanitarian efforts for disaster affected people. A brief but comprehensive overview of fasting was given to the guests highlighting its importance and blessings.
Following the Iftar, Maghrib prayer was offered. Some guests expressed that it was their first ever experience of seeing Muslims offering Salat. Thereafter, dinner was served.
The event concluded with a question and answer session in which the majority of questions were focused around the topic of fasting and Ramadan.
Also at the event, various books and booklets were displayed both in Japanese and English on a variety of topics including a booklet in Japanese on Ramadan and fasting. Guests benefited greatly from the literature provided.
Tokyo Lajna members, mainly Native Japanese Ahmadis, played a key-role in organising and running this special event. From setting-up the event, preparing the food and serving and dealing with the female guests.