How to be a Better Muslim in 2023 as a Foreigner living in Japan

As a Muslim living in a foreign country, it can be challenging to stay true to your faith and maintain your religious practices. In this blog post, we'll be discussing some tips on how to be a better Muslim in 2023 as a foreigner living in Japan.

Make time for daily prayers. One of the most important practices in Islam is the daily prayers, or salah. It's important to set aside time each day to pray and connect with God. If you're living in Japan, you may find it helpful to set a reminder on your phone or mark off specific times on your calendar to remind you to pray.

Find a local mosque or Islamic center. It can be helpful to have a place where you can go to pray, learn about Islam, and connect with other Muslims. In Japan, there are many mosques and Islamic centers located in major cities, and you can often find information about them online or through local Muslim communities.

Learn about and follow Islamic dietary laws. As a Muslim living in Japan, you may have to be more conscious of what you eat in order to ensure that it is halal (permissible according to Islamic law). This means avoiding pork and pork by-products, as well as any other food that is not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines. It can be helpful to look for halal certification labels on products and to check ingredient lists to ensure that the food you're consuming is compliant with Islamic dietary laws.

Stay informed about Islamic events and holidays. Islam has a rich tradition of holidays and festivals, and it's important to make an effort to observe and celebrate these occasions. In Japan, you may have to be more proactive in seeking out information about Islamic events and holidays, as they may not be widely recognized or celebrated in the local culture. You can keep track of these events by following Islamic calendars or by connecting with local Muslim communities.

Practice self-control and modesty. Islam emphasizes the importance of self-control and modesty, and it's important to strive to embody these values in your daily life. This means avoiding actions or behaviors that are harmful to yourself or others and dressing modestly in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

Seek knowledge and understanding. Islam places a strong emphasis on seeking knowledge and understanding, and it's important to make an effort to learn more about your faith. This can mean reading books or articles about Islam, attending lectures or workshops, or seeking guidance from scholars or imams. In Japan, you may have to be more proactive in seeking out these resources, but they are often available through local mosques or Islamic centers.

Practice charity and compassion. Islam teaches that all people are brothers and sisters in faith, and it's important to show compassion and care for those in need. This can mean donating to charities or volunteering your time to help others. In Japan, you can often find opportunities to give back through local mosques or Islamic centers, or by getting involved with organizations that serve the local community.

By following these tips, you can work towards being a better Muslim in 2023 as a foreigner living in Japan. It may take some effort and dedication, but the rewards of staying true to your faith and values are immeasurable.