I have been celebrating Eids in Japan for the last so many years now. I got a chance to live in many parts of the country, and, thus, was lucky to meet and greet so many wonderful folks from so many different backgrounds and cultures. On every occasion, I end up meeting with some new faces – some of them Japanese and some foreigners. However, the most disturbing scene I see on Eid days is that most of us seem to ignore newbies in the community. They come to the mosques, say their Eid prayers, and, unfortunately, go back to their homes without greeting anyone.
I have a question to ask you. What response do you give a newcomer in the Masjid? Do you greet them warmly or just pass by them to meet an acquaintance or a friend of yours? Do you ever take the time to welcome them into the community, and, actually introduce them to others so that they can also start building relationships with other members of the community?
There may be a non-Muslim guest on Juma or Eid prayer or at a dinner party or a barbecue which you are planning to do in the coming days. There may be a new convert to Islam. There may be a new member of your community or someone who has been unmosqued and is now courageously stepping back into the realm. So, how do you deal with them? Do you take care of them the way you were expecting from others when you or anyone else was going to join the community?
No matter where we are, if we see a new face, one item is clear on the menu; they need our greeting and it should be a genuine and warm one.
Don’t let them go home in tears of frustration or anger.
Give them a nice memory to take home with. I guarantee you they will hold it in their hearts and maybe some day share with others. Give your thoughts on this issue as it is very important to strengthen the community.
i agree with you on that muslim should help their new muslim brothers to fit in and help them by anymeans, because thats what the teaching of the holy prophet(S.A.W) and the holy Quran. That we should help each other.
You asked we dont greet people in masjid because we go to masjid to pray by entering in masjid we cant talk or even can say anyother thing that is related to business or other issues .because we pray in the masjid .we go their and pay over alligence to allah who is kind and generous.
I want to be a muslim.
Mike, I am glad to know that you have decided to become a Muslim. Could we talk over the Skype to share some info on how to become a Muslim? My Skype ID is hitechsol.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon.