In a heartwarming act of kindness and solidarity, a local man in Jeju Island, South Korea, has captured attention for going above and beyond to support Muslim workers in his community.
Nasir Hong-suk Seong, 35, recently made headlines for converting a part of his home into a prayer room for Muslim laborers working nearby. Despite not being a Muslim himself, Nasir took it upon himself to create a welcoming space where Muslim workers could perform their prayers comfortably.
According to Arab News, Nasir furnished the prayer room with carpets and proper lighting, ensuring that those who used it felt not only respected but also at ease. "They just want a place to pray and feel appreciated," he shared.
More than just a space for worship, the prayer room has become a safe haven where workers can rest, deal with homesickness, and find comfort far from home. With the nearest mosque located over an hour away from their workplace, many workers had struggled to find a place to pray.
Jeju Island has seen a rise in its reliance on foreign labor, particularly from Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In 2024, it was reported that 3,567 foreign workers were employed on the island, many of whom are Muslim men working in the fishing and agricultural sectors.
Despite the demanding nature of their jobs, these workers have remained committed to practicing their faith. Inspired by their dedication, Nasir decided to create a dedicated space for them.
"About 30 percent of my guests are from Muslim-majority countries. When I got to know them through service, they turned out to be very kind and respectful," Nasir said.
He also pointed out the widespread misconceptions surrounding Islam in Korea. "There are many people who misunderstand this religion. I think when people talk about Islam in Korea, they think of something foreign, something unknown. But it can be as simple as caring for your neighbor," he added.
Nasir spent a month transforming a room in his late grandfather's house into a prayer space. He started working on it in March, dedicating all his free time after work to complete the project. "When I moved in, I had nothing. Not even furniture or pillows. This small prayer room was the first thing I made," he recalled.
"I always keep it open. People can come to pray in congregation at any time.... and seeing them pray here makes me happy," he said with a smile.
Though modest in design, the prayer room is thoughtfully equipped. Prayer mats are neatly laid across the floor, and a low shelf holds copies of the Quran in English, Arabic, and Korean. Arabic calligraphy decorates the walls, and a handmade sign shows the direction of the qibla.
One of the regular visitors is Khalid Hussein, 38, from Pakistan, who has worked in Jeju for 15 years. Employed at Nasir's fish farm, Khalid says the prayer room has helped him reconnect with his identity.
"It has become easier for us. Jeju is 100 percent different. The culture, the religion, everything is different. So, we have to compromise," he explained.
He often visits the prayer space with his colleague, Zahaid Hussain, also from Pakistan. Zahaid, who came to Jeju through a work contract, expressed his joy at finally being able to perform Friday prayers again.
"I felt happy when I was finally able to perform Friday prayers," he said.
Through his simple yet powerful act, Nasir has shown how kindness and understanding can bridge cultural and religious divides, offering a meaningful reminder that compassion truly knows no boundaries.
Source: ArabNews
