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.
