Shaykh Ahmed Maeno’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. Growing up in Japan with a love for manga and a deep spiritual curiosity, he explored Buddhism and other faiths before a life-changing encounter with Muslims in Melbourne, where he discovered the powerful words of Malcolm X, which resonated deeply with his soul. This opened his heart to a new life of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.
In this intimate conversation with OnePath Network, Shaykh Ahmed reveals how he faced family rejection, discovered the Qur’an beyond media stereotypes, and found the strength to pursue Islamic scholarship from Japan to Damascus. This is a moving journey of sincerity and hope for anyone seeking truth.
A Spiritual Quest in the Land of the Rising Sun
Born in Aichi Prefecture, the industrial heartland of Japan, Shaykh Ahmed Maeno describes himself as an introverted child who loved to draw. This passion for art led him to an unexpected spiritual awakening.
From Manga to Monastic Dreams
At the age of ten, Shaykh Ahmed discovered a manga series detailing the life of Buddha, drawn by the legendary Osamu Tezuka. This was his first encounter with profound questions about life, death, and existence.
“As a child, I came across the life issue of living and dying,” he recalls. “I got scared of dying.”
This fear sparked a deeper quest for meaning. By fourteen, he had explored Buddhism so intensely that he decided he wanted to become a Buddhist monk. His shocked parents convinced him to at least finish junior high school first. Though he put the monastic dream on hold, his search for truth had just begun. He delved into books on the world’s major religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam.
An Unexpected Encounter in Melbourne
Shaykh Ahmed’s initial impression of Islam, shaped by Orientalist books, was negative. He saw it as a “fanatic, horrible, terrible, violent religion.” That perception changed dramatically during a high school exchange program in Melbourne, Australia, where he met a Muslim for the first time, a young sister from a migrant family.
He developed feelings for her and, in line with Western culture, confessed his heart. Her response stunned him: “No, because you’re not Muslim.”
“I was refused because of having a different faith. That never happened in my life coming from Japan,” he explains. A fleeting thought crossed his mind: if I become Muslim, maybe I’ll have a chance.
However, an internal dialogue stopped him. He recognised that embracing a faith for superficial reasons would be a disservice to her, to himself, and to the “super extraordinary being” he already believed in.
“I knew if I were to follow that cheap idea, that would be rude… against that extra super ordinary being.”
The Turning Point: Finding Conviction in Islam
Though he was rejected, the sister was kind enough to introduce him to her Egyptian family. Their warmth and hospitality began to melt away his preconceived notions about Islam.
Beyond Stereotypes: Discovering the Qur’an’s Message
The family’s son tried to convince him of Islam through books on the scientific miracles in the Qur’an. But Shaykh Ahmed was searching for spiritual, not material, proof. “I was thirsty spiritually,” he says. “His approach wasn’t really appreciated by me.”
It was the father’s approach that truly touched him. He handed Shaykh Ahmed an English translation of the Qur’an and said, “Read this book and think for yourself.”
This simple act of respect empowered him. Upon returning to Japan, he decided to study Islam with his own eyes, free from media bias and Orientalist interpretations. The more he learned, the more he found a perfect match between Islam and the complete way of life he had always been searching for—a faith that influences every moment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Malcolm X Moment: A Step Towards Allah
Despite his growing conviction, Shaykh Ahmed hesitated. He feared the social stigma and being seen as an “apologetic Muslim” in a society where religion is often viewed with suspicion.
The final push came from an unlikely source: the film about Malcolm X. He was deeply moved by Malcolm’s transformation and charisma. A particular scene resonated with him, where an elder tells Malcolm:
“If you take a step towards Allah, He takes two steps towards you.”
“I was in that exact situation,” Shaykh Ahmed recalls. “I wanted to come closer to God, but I was afraid, I was hesitant. That statement really gave me encouragement.”
Witnessing the scene of the Hajj, where millions from every race and nation gathered for the sake of one God, solidified his decision. He realised becoming a Muslim wasn’t about joining a particular group; it was about belonging to the Lord of all worlds.
The Path of Sacrifice and Sincerity
That very night, inspired by the film, Shaykh Ahmed performed his first *sujood* (prostration). “I felt as if lightning was coming from my bottom to my head,” he describes. It was in that moment that he considered himself a Muslim.
Taking the Shahada and a Father’s Rejection
He immediately called the Egyptian family in Melbourne to share the news, and they helped him choose the name Ahmed. A month later, he found the Islamic Association of Nagoya and formally took his Shahada (declaration of faith).
His family, however, misunderstood his conversion, believing it was solely to marry the girl in Melbourne. When that possibility faded, and a national tragedy involving a religious cult soured Japan’s view of religion, his father confronted him.
“My son, why are you still being a Muslim?” his father asked over the phone.
The conversation ended with words that shattered his world: “You are no longer my son.” He had been kicked out of his family.
A Lesson in Sincerity
This painful test became a profound lesson. Shaykh Ahmed realised that despite his Shahada, he had subconsciously associated love with the divine, almost as an equal to God. This experience purified his intention, teaching him that “Almighty God can be love, but love is not God.” This insight later helped him counsel other Japanese converts who came to Islam through marriage, reassuring them that the path of love is a beautiful gateway to faith, just as it was for companions like Khadijah and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them).
The Pursuit of Knowledge: From Japan to Damascus
With newfound resolve, Shaykh Ahmed turned his focus to seeking sacred knowledge. An initial attempt to study at Al-Azhar University in Egypt was unsuccessful, but his journey eventually led him to Damascus, Syria, in 2000.
Finding a Spiritual Home in Syria
Walking through the streets of Damascus as a 25-year-old Japanese Muslim scholar was a surreal experience. He was immediately struck by the deep respect society had for students of knowledge.
- Strangers would discreetly place money in his pocket as a form of charity.
- He witnessed scholars of immense stature display profound humility, such as one who, in his 90s, came outside to welcome students personally.
Lessons from the Scholars of Damascus
In Syria, he learned from luminaries like the great scholar Shaykh Muhammad Said Ramadan Al-Bouti. One of Shaykh Al-Bouti’s teachings left a lasting impact:
“Take all the blessings as a love letter from Allah. When you take a grasp of water, remind yourself that this is a love letter from Allah. Allah is telling you, ‘My servant, I love you.’”
He also learned a critical principle for da’wah (outreach): “The one who prolongs his hand cannot prolong his tongue.” This taught him the importance of financial independence to ensure his message remained pure and uncompromised.
Returning Home: Bridging Two Worlds
After years of study, Shaykh Ahmed made the difficult decision to return to Japan before completing his PhD. He felt it was crucial to gain work experience in Japanese society to understand its reality and connect with people on their level.
Japanese Culture and Islam: A Tale of Two Purposes
Shaykh Ahmed sees many parallels between Islamic ethics and Japanese traditions like honesty, hard work, and meticulousness. The Japanese concept of Kaizen (continuous improvement) closely mirrors the Islamic spirit of Ihsan (excellence).
“The huge difference between the two is the purpose, the niyyah (intention),” he explains. “What is that for?”
While Japanese tradition centres on improvement for its own sake or for society, Islam orients all actions toward pleasing Allah. This, he believes, is the missing link for the Japanese people.
The Challenges and Hopes for Islam in Japan
Today, Shaykh Ahmed works a corporate job five days a week and dedicates his private time to da’wah. He uses his unique position to bridge cultures, even performing nasheeds in Japanese. His ultimate hope is not for rapid conversions but for Islam to become deeply rooted in Japan.
“I don’t mind it taking a long, long time,” he says, citing the 300 years it took for Islam to flourish in Indonesia. “The important point is for Islam to be rooted in Japan, so that insha’Allah, Allah would bless that rooted Islam to be flourished.”
A Universal Message of Faith
Shaykh Ahmed Maeno’s journey from a manga-loving boy in Aichi to a respected Japanese Muslim scholar in Damascus is a testament to the universal call of Islam. His story teaches us that the path to truth often demands immense sacrifice, tests our sincerity, and ultimately connects us to a love greater than any other—the love of our Creator. It reminds us that faith is not about erasing our identity but about elevating it with a divine purpose.
FAQs:
What is the fastest-growing religion in Japan?
In recent years, Islam has been among the fastest-growing religions in Japan, driven largely by an increase in foreign workers, students, and international marriages. Although Muslims still represent a very small percentage of the population (estimated at around 0.28% of the total population as of early 2020), the number of mosques and halal facilities has expanded rapidly across major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Japanese interest in Islamic culture and humanitarian values has also been rising, with more locals converting to Islam each year. This growth reflects Japan’s gradual move toward a more multicultural and globally connected society.
What is the main religion in Japan?
The main religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism, with many people participating in aspects of both, reflecting a cultural belief that religious practices are not mutually exclusive. Shinto is the largest religion numerically, while Buddhism is also a major religion, and a significant portion of the population participates in both.
- Shinto: The largest religion by number of followers, originating in Japan.
- Buddhism: The second-largest religion, with many Japanese people also practising it.
- Syncretism: It is common for Japanese people to practice traditions from both religions, especially for life events like festivals.
- Christianity: While a small percentage of the population, Christianity has a presence in Japan.
- New Religious Movements: A variety of new religions, many with roots in Shinto and Buddhism, have also emerged and continue to gain followers.
Is it hard for a Muslim to live in Japan?
While Japan is generally known for its hospitality and safety, living as a Muslim in Japan does come with challenges. Practising daily prayers, finding halal food, or attending Friday congregations can sometimes require extra effort, especially outside major cities. Public awareness of Islamic practices remains limited, which can make fasting during Ramadan or wearing hijab misunderstood by some.
However, these challenges are gradually easing. More Japanese companies now provide prayer spaces, halal options are appearing in schools and airports, and local communities are becoming more inclusive.
Can a Japanese person be Muslim?
Absolutely. Islam is a universal faith, which means that regardless of nationality or background, anyone can be Muslim. In fact, an increasing number of Japanese people are embracing Islam every year. They come from all walks of life: students, artists, teachers, and even monks searching for spiritual depth.