Islam in China
Etymology and Translations
The term “Islam in China” integrates the Arabic word إسلام (Islām), which signifies submission to the will of Allah, with the geographical and cultural entity of China (中国, Zhōngguó in Chinese). The Turkish translation for “Islam in China” is “Çin’de İslam.”
Historical Overview
Early Arrivals
Islam has been present in China for over 1,300 years. It was initially introduced by Muslim traders and itinerant teachers using the trade routes that connected the Islamic world to East Asia during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). This initial contact facilitated the establishment of small Muslim communities along these routes.
Expansion and Incorporation
The expansion of the Chinese empire into Central Asia brought various Muslim ethnic groups under Chinese jurisdiction. This included the Uighurs, who ethnically and linguistically distinguish themselves from the Han Chinese majority.
Demographics
Hui Muslims
The Hui people represent a significant segment of China’s Muslim population. They are ethnically Han Chinese who converted to Islam and culturally distinguish themselves from the majority Han through religious practices and community structures.
Uighur Muslims
Another major Muslim group in China is the Uighurs, a Turkic ethnic group primarily located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Their distinct cultural and linguistic heritage influences their Islamic practices.
Socio-Political Dynamics
Historical Contributions
Muslims have played diverse roles throughout China’s history. Many served as influential imperial officers and advisors, leveraging their trade connections and military expertise to assist in the expansion and governance of the empire.
Modern Era and Communist Rule
Under Communist rule, Muslims in China have experienced varying degrees of support and suppression. The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 initiated a phase of religious suppression, including attacks on religious practices and institutions. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), these restrictions intensified with the destruction of mosques and religious texts.
Period of Islamic Resurgence
By the late 20th century, along with the global resurgence of Islamic identity and solidarity, there was a period of revitalization for China’s Muslim communities. International support from Muslim-majority countries played a role in sustaining and reviving Islamic practices and institutions.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The history of Islam in China illustrates a complex tapestry of cultural integration, religious perseverance, and socio-political challenges. Though currently under scrutiny and subject to human rights controversies, particularly concerning Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, the Muslim communities in China remain vital and historically significant.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam in China: A History of Sino-Muslim Identity” by Ibrahim Abdul Matin.
- “China’s Muslim Hui Community: Migration, Settlement and Sects” by Michael Dillon.
- “Eurasian Crossroads: A History of Xinjiang” by James Millward.
- “Islamic Civilization in China: Selected Works of Duyvendak” by J.J.L. Duyvendak.
Through this entry’s exploration, one gains a nuanced understanding of how Islam has influenced and been influenced by Chinese culture, extending beyond mere coexistence to mutual shaping of cultural and religious landscapes.
Conclusively, Islam in China is not just a religious phenomenon but a historical narrative intertwining trade, culture, and socio-political evolution.
Conclusion
The story of Islam in China is one of notable endurance through significant historical transformations and socio-political changes. It highlights the resilience and adaptability of Muslim communities within a predominantly non-Muslim civilization, reflecting a broader theme of cultural and religious symbiosis.
