Living Well as a Muslim through the Pandemic Era—A Qualitative Study in Japan

This study explored the living situations, financial conditions, religious obligations, and social distancing of Muslims during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 28 Muslim community members living in the Kanto region were recruited; 18 of them were included in in-depth qualitative interviews and 10 in two focus group interviews. The snowball method was used, and the questionnaires were divided into four themes. The audio/video interviews were conducted via Zoom, and NAVIO was used to analyse the data thematically. The major Muslim events were cancelled, and the recommended physical distancing was maintained even during the prayers at home and in the mosques. The Japanese government’s financial support to each person was a beneficial step towards social protection, which was highlighted and praised by every single participant. Regardless of religious obligations, the closing of all major mosques in Tokyo demonstrates to the Japanese community how Muslims are serious about adhering to the public health guidelines during the pandemic. This study highlights that the pandemic has affected the religious patterns and behaviour of Muslims from inclusive to exclusive in a community, and recounts the significance of religious commitments.