How the Indonesian Muslim Women’s Community in Japan Is Building a Home for Muslims

UIN Jakarta International KKN in Japan - Who doesn't know the Land of Sakura? Islam has been flourishing in Japan for a long time, and currently there are around 200 thousand Muslims living there, both from those who have long embraced Islam and converts. This is certainly good news for Muslims who want to continue practicing their religion in a country with a majority non-Muslim population.

Over time, more and more Japanese citizens are interested in learning more about Islam. However, they are often worried about the judgment of others and feel left behind in many areas such as reciting the Qur'an, covering the aurat, and so on. To bridge this gap, Muslim communities have been formed to serve as a platform for Muslims. In Tokyo, specifically at Masjid Nusantara Akihabara, there is a Muslimah community called Fatayyat that was established three years ago under the auspices of NU. The community has more than 140 members with about 5 active administrators to date. Fatayyat organizes various activities in each period.

This year, KKN International Japan from UIN Jakarta had the opportunity to discuss with Kak Fadila, Chairperson of Fatayyat Tokyo. Some of the regular monthly and weekly activities held by Fatayyat Tokyo include tahlil with Muslimat and khataman Al-Qur'an. In addition, they also organize annual events such as commemoration of Harlah, Muharram, religious studies, and digitalization training such as poster making. Not to forget, they also hold LKD (regeneration). This activity is carried out offline or online, depending on the availability of administrators and members who are scattered in various regions.

Fatayyat is growing rapidly, attracting many people to join its activities. In learning events, this community often invites speakers from outside to gain deeper knowledge and experience. This is done due to limited human resources and the desire to base learning on authentic books.

Outside of routine studies, Fatayyat also held a sharing session filled by Ustadzah Oki Setiana Dewi, who discussed life and mental health in Japan. The response from the participants was very emotional and touching, considering that social life in Japan is still very minimal and tends to be individualistic.

Kak Fadila herself, from her experience of feeling the lack of social interaction in Japan, wants to make the Fatayyat Muslim Community a place for its members to find friends in arms and embrace them in the path of Islam. The hope is that Muslim friends can continue to be istiqamah in practicing worship and spiritually enriching.

In the future, with the existence of mosques in Japan, Fatayyat Muslim Community is expected to contribute more widely and become the right place for Muslim women.

Participants of UIN Jakarta's Japan International Community Service Program: Naila Rafifa, Yulia Rahma, Anisa Nur Safarina, Ghany Fitriamara S, Annisa Dzakiah.

(Ghany Fitriamara S.)