We all love holidays. They give us a blessed break from the daily grind, from office desks, factory floors, and full schedules. Holidays are more than time off; they are holy days protected moments with no deadlines, a chance to breathe, to marvel, to reconnect with the world and with oneself. It is no wonder we travel to distant, fascinating lands to discover the beauty Allah has spread across the Earth.
Carrying the Light of the Quran Across Borders
Recently, my wonderful friend Syed Aziz Hasan and his wife went on holiday to Japan, and he sent me some amazing pictures. It’s the most extraordinary holiday I’ve ever witnessed. In some ways, it wasn’t at all surprising since he is a passionate Quran student/teacher and visionary. He is also the founder of Al-Mustafa Academy in Edmonton, Canada. His heart burns with a love for Allah’s Book and a desire to nurture future generations of believers. But he is not only a teacher, he is also a da’i, a courageous street ambassador for Islam.
On holiday, while many of us are content to relax, Syed Sahib travelled to Japan with a suitcase full of Qurans and dawah brochures translated into Japanese. He gifted copies of The Majestic Quran to the Imam of the Tokyo Islamic Centre and personally distributed literature introducing Islam to people who may never have had the chance to hear the message of the One God. This is what Allah means when He instructs us: “Travel about in different countries so you may understand the fate of those who denied the Divine” (Ale-Imran: 137). A reminder that travel is not merely leisure, but an invitation to reflect, to learn, and to carry the torch of guidance wherever our feet tread.
Japan: A Land of Beauty and Remarkable Values
Japan is breathtaking. From serene shrines and peaceful gardens to ultra-modern cities lit by innovative brilliance. The country is a testament to economic prowess, excellence, balance and beauty. The Japanese people are courteous, disciplined and deeply respectful. They uphold values we recognise from our own faith: honesty, care for others, cleanliness, patience, kindness and dignity. In many ways, they live the ten commandments of life that the Quran teaches. Yet there remains one precious truth, they are still waiting to receive the message of Tawhid, Allah is One, the Kind and Caring Lord of all.
A Holiday that Becomes Worship
Just imagine, if every Muslim boarded their holiday flight with a heart full of da’wah, even a small stack of translated brochures, how many seeds of faith could be planted across the world? Millions would encounter Islam not through media distortions, but through real people, smiling, generous ambassadors of peace. He specially prepared a beautiful book introducing Islam, had it translated into Japanese and printed two hundred copies to give out. Now that is the love of Islam. Just imagine if we all did this when we go on holiday, that would be a revolution. I wholeheartedly applaud Syed sahib’s endeavours and pray that Allah reward him abundantly.
Witnessing Allah’s Majesty in the Land of the Rising Sun
He wrote, “This journey became very fruitful, now in Tokyo. The Japanese are real humans and know the value of life, how to respond and with very high morals and manners. I believe they are within the ten commandments of Allah, except for belief in the oneness of Allah. So, they lack Tawhid. So, it becomes the responsibility of Muslims to invite them. I will dare to say that though we believe in the oneness of Allah, we are weak in the other nine commandments. Alhamdulillah, Allah gave me Hidaya, guidance to come here and witness His majesty. Insha’Allah, in my next trip to Japan, I will bring the 4th edition of The Majestic Quran for the Japanese Muslims”.
The ten commandments referred to by Syed Sahib are mentioned in Surah Al-Isra, verses 23 to 38, and Al-Anam, verses 151 to 153. They are a set of divine moral and social principles that outline the foundations of faith, justice, and righteous conduct in Islam.
- Worship Allah
- Care for your parents
- Give to the needy
- Don’t waste your wealth
- Don’t be miserly
- Don’t kill
- Don’t commit adultery
- Don’t be dishonest
- Don’t follow blindly
- Don’t be arrogant
Conclusion
Syed Sahib’s story reminds us of Islam spreading through travellers, merchants, teachers, families, and ordinary believers who carried extraordinary faith to far-off lands of Indonesia and Malaysia. We, too, can be those humble torchbearers. We pray: “O Allah, guide the beautiful people of Japan to the beauty of Your Oneness.” And may every holiday become a moment of meaningful worship, gratitude and sharing the gift of guidance.
