Islam and Anas’ Visit

Dear Family and Friends,

As you may remember, last January ISIS beheaded two Japanese. Of course, the news rocked this nation. It also resulted in a very lively discussion about Islam in my adult English class. Even though I knew a bit about that “Religion of the Book”, and did my best to portray it in a positive light, I felt it was unfair of me to try and answer my students’ deep and complex questions, blended with confusion and shock. I realized I needed help.

As an aside, on personal level, I had two questions of my own. What is the appeal of Islam that is causing it be the fastest growing religion in the world? And maybe more importantly, what is Islam’s contribution to the ongoing evolution of the human soul?

Tohoku University, fortunately in Sendai, has many foreign students. I happened to know a Muslim from Algeria, and asked him to come to my class to teach us about his religion. He was not able to come, but his Jordanian friend, Anas, could.

When I contacted Anas, his kind reply was:

I do, fully, understand the purpose behind your reaching out to Muslims; and I do, truly, appreciate your doing so. Consequently, I will be happy to come and talk to your class.

I, of course, was both thrilled and relieved to receive his assistance.

The speech Anas gave was about the basics of Islam. It was clear and well organized. 

 
One key point that emerged was that Islam was more than a religion. It was a way of life. He also emphasized the distinction between religion, politics, economics, and tribal customs. Unfortunately, very often these become confused in people’s thinking.

Anas touched only briefly upon the issue of gender in Islam. He did not mention the remarkable work being done by Musawah, a group striving to empower women in the Islamic world. He did say, however, that according to the Quran, depending on gender, physical and physiological structures and needs were different. That was why the teachings of Islam regarding this issue were built upon justice, not equality. Another way of saying that might be: “Not the same, but fair”.

One example he gave of this concerned inheritance. According to the Quran, when the parents died, all the children were to receive part of the estate. However, male children were to receive a specific amount more than their sisters. The reason being that in Islamic societies men were the main breadwinners, so needed more to support the family.

He added that since Islam had many sects, the understanding of the Quran differed accordingly. When there were conservative men involved, for example, the interpretation differed greatly from when more open-minded men or women were doing the interpreting. He went on to say, “Muslims were all supposed to be moderately-conservative, as well as tolerant. However, some old tribal, cultural, and even linguistic values or notions did affect some Muslim societies’ understanding of Islam and the Quran.”    

As for the problems with ISIS, Anas felt that it was a total aberration of his beloved religion. He considered this horror to be an outcome of politics and economic hardships. And he emphasized it was in no way connected to Islam. To quote him exactly, “These people, ‘terrorists’, have no understanding of the religion. They were frustrated by injustice and the situation in their societies {and} thus, found ventilation in violence.”   

As for Sunni-Shi’a conflicts, Anas said that until the beginning of the past decade, the two branches of Islam were not discussed. That included in his family, in the street, at school, or through media. However, about ten years ago, major political events started taking place in the Middle East and around the globe. That was when Sunni-Shi’a differences began to be mentioned and emphasized.

Of course, the students and I learned a lot from his thought-provoking lesson, and asked innumerable questions. Later, several of the class members sent me their reactions:

Thank you for the interesting English class last Wednesday and sending me a photo. I am glad that I had opportunity to hear about various issues regarding Islam directly from a young, gentle Muslim. I supposed that most Muslims might have a very rigid idea in his creed. To my surprise, it seems to me that he has a very “flexible idea” about Islam. I wish from the bottom of my heart that every Muslim had the same “flexible idea” on the religion as he had. 

* * * * *

Thank you, too, for giving us an opportunity to learn about Muslim.
Anas San’s lesson was great.
It seemed that he prepared carefully and very sincerely.

In fact, he corrected one of my stereotypes.
I mean, I was thinking the same question as he said that he was once asked in Hong Kong; ‘Is he Sunni or Shia sect?’
But he said, ‘I am Muslim.’
It was really impressive for me.
Knowing nothing is dangerous but knowing a little is more scary, because that can lead you to a fixed idea, I think.

* * * * *

His lecture made Islamic culture feel a little closer to me.
His story about Ramadan reminded me of my experience of being on a diet.
He said not drinking water during the day doesn’t make him proud, which was impressive.

But I also realize tin Islam the genders are clearly divided.
Today’s class was from the male perspective.
It would be very interesting having a Muslim woman come to class and tell us of her feelings and experiences as a practicing Muslim.

* * * * *

As I write this, it is the holy month of Ramadan, so Muslims all over the world are fasting. Breaking fast is called Iftar. Every Sunday evening a special Iftar is held by Muslims in Sendai. Anyone is welcome. Anas has invited me to go this coming Sunday. Of course, I said yes. I will take my former student Toshi, who is thinking of marrying an Indonesian, but must convert to Islam to do so.

Eventually, Toshi may become a Muslim, but I will not. Even so, we both feel that knowledge can bring respect. And our little efforts toward better understanding something as powerful as Islam may be one small step to help change the world for the better.

I will close this letter in the way that Anas ended a message to me.

Be Always Blessed, My Friends.

Salam,
Anne