A gentle introduction
Curious about Islam, or about the mosque down the street? This page answers the basics in plain words. No prior knowledge needed, and no obligation.
One God,
Islam is the belief in one God, the same God spoken of by Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, and in Muhammad as the last of the prophets. Its message is in the Quran. A person who follows it is called a Muslim.
For Muslims, faith is lived in daily habits: praying five times a day, being honest at work, caring for family and neighbours, and giving to those in need. There are about two billion Muslims in the world, from every culture and language.
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
There is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God. This sentence is the heart of Islam.
Six beliefs,
Muslims summarise their faith in six articles of belief and five pillars of practice.
The six articles of faith
God
One Creator, without partner or image.
Angels
Beings of light who carry out God's commands.
Scriptures
The Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and finally the Quran.
Prophets
From Adam to Muhammad, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
The Last Day
Life after death and accountability for what we did.
Divine decree
God knows and permits all that happens; people remain responsible for their choices.
The five pillars of Islam
Shahada: the declaration
Saying sincerely that there is no god but God and Muhammad is His messenger.
Salat: prayer
Five short prayers a day, facing Makkah.
Zakat: giving
Giving 2.5 percent of saved wealth each year to those in need.
Sawm: fasting
No food or drink from dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan.
Hajj: pilgrimage
A journey to Makkah once in a lifetime, for those who are able.
Your neighbours,
Muslims have lived in Japan for over a century. Today they are students, engineers, nurses, factory workers, shop owners, and a growing number of Japanese citizens.
- 230,000+
- Muslims living in Japan
- 47,000+
- Japanese Muslims
- 110+
- Mosques across the country
Estimates from Waseda University research (Tanada, 2020). Numbers have grown since.
What happens
A mosque is a prayer hall, a classroom, and a community centre at once.
Five daily prayers
Short congregational prayers led by an imam. Friday noon prayer includes a sermon.
Classes
Quran reading for children, Islam in Japanese for new Muslims, and Japanese language for newcomers.
Shared meals
Breaking the fast together in Ramadan, Eid celebrations, and community potlucks.
Help and advice
Support for new arrivals, families, and anyone going through a hard time.
How to visit
Everyone is welcome. A few small courtesies make the visit comfortable for all.
Clothing
Wear what you like; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated. Women may borrow a scarf at the entrance.
Shoes
Please take off your shoes before stepping onto the carpet, as in a Japanese home.
Photos
Photos of the building are fine. Please ask before photographing people, especially during prayer.
Women's area
Women pray in a separate space. Visitors of any gender are welcome to observe from the back of the hall.
During prayer
Keep quiet and avoid walking in front of someone praying. Afterwards, feel free to ask anything.
Things people
Honest answers to questions we hear most often.
Next steps,
Pick whichever suits you. There is never any pressure.
New Muslim course
Eight friendly sessions in Japanese, with a personal mentor. Open to anyone curious.
Open Mosque day
Every third Saturday. Tour, prayer demonstration, and halal snacks.
Books and websites in Japanese
Ask us for a short reading list, including a Japanese translation of the Quran with commentary.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about prayer, visiting, and daily life.
A guide is one message away
Our Japanese-speaking mentors are happy to answer questions, by message or over tea at the mosque. No question is too small.
Mentor: Dr. H. Ach Firman Wahyudi, S.E., M.Sc (Chiba Islamic Culture Center) and the Al Muttaqin team.