The Beppu Muslim Association has been striving to establish a cemetery in Japan since 2020. Led by Muhammad Tahir Abbas Khan, who has resided in Japan for over two decades, the association aims to create a burial site where Muslims can be laid to rest, aligning with Islamic traditions that prefer burial over cremation. Initially, the association believed it was on the cusp of securing approval from the town of Hiji, located on the southern island of Kyushu, in September 2020. However, their efforts have faced significant hurdles due to misleading reports and social media attacks.
Khan, a professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Oita prefecture, and a Japanese national for over a decade, has described the association's request as "straightforward." Despite this, the goal of establishing a cemetery remains elusive. The association has encountered resistance fueled by misinformation that has permeated both traditional media and social platforms. One claim, originating from a YouTuber, suggested that the association's efforts were part of a broader plan to transform Japan into a Muslim-majority nation. The accuracy of this claim has not been verified.
The proposed cemetery in Hiji represents a significant cultural shift from Japan's long-standing tradition of cremation. Muhammad Tahir Abbas Khan and the Beppu Muslim Association emphasize that their intention is not to challenge local customs but rather to address the needs of the Muslim community residing in Japan. Despite this clarification, misinformation continues to hinder progress.
The Beppu Muslim Association's pursuit of a cemetery underscores a broader conversation about cultural integration and religious diversity in Japan. The association remains committed to its goal while navigating the complexities of public perception and misinformation.
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