According to rahyafte (the missionaries and converts website):a light that reaches everywhere without end. Even in the land of the far east, which is where I am, whenever I close my eyes, I see your light. At that moment, the restlessness in my heart disappears, I gain a sense of purity, and I long for you, O knowledgeable Imam. Illuminate my path with your light, O Imam of the lovers. Preserve me with your light, O Imam.”
During his stay, he extensively researched and studied the mourning culture in Iran and enthusiastically participated in religious and mourning ceremonies dedicated to Imam Hussain (peace be upon him).
He joined in the chest-beating and chain-beating processions with the devotees of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and attended religious events in mosques, Hussainiyas, mourning processions, grand shrines, the Noon and Friday prayers.
Reza spent five days of the Muharram month in Sarab and, at the end of his trip, shared his thoughts about the people of this county and their mourning characteristics: “The people of Sarab have a deep faith, and the residents of this region have strengthened my sense of spirituality.”
Subtitle: Every year, during these days, the enthusiasm of mourning ceremonies for the Master of Martyrs, Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), and the heroes of Karbala resonates throughout Iran and various parts of the world, reflecting the glory and grandeur of the Shia school of thought.
Atsushi, a Japanese who converted to Islam and embraced the Shia faith about 20 months ago, has chosen the Islamic name Reza.
Reza is a foreign tourist who, approximately two years ago, became interested in Islam due to the encouragement of Masoud Sepehri, who lives in Astara County.
Masoud Sepehri, a resident of Astara, said: “I got to know Atsushi when he was 20 years old and came to Iran for the first time. Since then, he has been traveling to Iran every year and stays at our house for about 10 days.”
He added: “About two years ago, when Atsushi and I went out to repair his shoes, we passed by a mosque where the call to prayer was heard. He asked me if we could enter the mosque, and from that moment, his interest in Islam grew stronger.”
Sepehri continued: “Inside the mosque, we got acquainted with the prayer leader of that mosque, and with his guidance, we went to the seminary in Astara to find answers to Atsushi’s questions and doubts.”
Hojat al-Islam Yadal’lah Zare’i, the deputy of the seminary in Sarab County, who is now supporting Atsushi, stated: “Atsushi’s proficiency in the Persian language and literature, as well as his familiarity with Iranian Islamic culture, led us to be able to answer all his questions within three days.”
He added: “On the fourth day, Atsushi came to me, and after reciting the two testimonies of faith (Shahada), he became a Muslim and chose the Shia religion.”
According to Hojat al-Islam Zare’i, Mr. Nakane had studied various religions, including Christianity and Judaism, and had investigated his questions about Islam and converted to Islam.
Zare’i emphasized Atsushi’s interest in the Shia faith, saying: “After Atsushi converted to Islam, he congratulates his Iranian religious friends on religious occasions by phone and even asked me to recite the brotherhood formula with him on the auspicious Eid al-Ghadir.”
This Japanese youth traveled to East Azerbaijan Province and Sarab County this time due to his love for Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and his familiarity with the mourning culture of the Iranian people.
This Japanese Muslim said: “I am the only child in my family, and despite the fact that my parents are Buddhists, they welcomed my conversion to Islam and are themselves eager to embrace Islam, but the conditions are not suitable for them.”
Reza complained about the lack of suitable conditions in his workplace to perform his religious duties and said: “All my friends are Buddhists, and I cannot easily perform my daily religious obligations.”
He believes that despite Japan being the third most technologically advanced country in the world, the lack of spirituality in this country has caused its people to face difficulties in life.
Reza stated: “I participate in all religious events held at the Iranian embassy in Tokyo.”
He referred to the reasons for choosing the Shia religion and added: “I traveled to Iran, and I was attracted to the spirituality and culture of this country, and because Islam is the most complete religion, I became a Muslim and a Shia.”
Reza continued: “For a year now, I have been trying to cover my travel expenses and coordinate my work leave to be in Iran during the days of Muharram.”
Referring to Imam Hussain’s (peace be upon him) message in the incident of Ashura, he said: “The message of the Master of Martyrs is a lesson in freedom, and no one should live under the tyranny in this world.”
Before converting to Islam, Reza visited Mashhad and wrote a letter to Imam Reza (peace be upon him), saying: “The shrine’s lamp is always visible; it is your light, the light of affection and tranquility,
