Islam in China

Islam was introduced to Chinese people in 650 CE – through an Arab delegation headed by Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqaas during the period of third Islamic Caliph in Medinnah – Uthman ibn Affan. The members of the delegation built first mosque in Canton city (known as ‘Memorial Mosque’).

In the begining, Islam was resented by Pagan Chines, but after their defeat in 751 CE, and during the rule of Caliph Manur, Muslims found respect and tolerance within several Chinese communities. However, the situation changed under Manchu Dynasty (1644-1911), which persecuted Muslims and waged five wars against them – in Lanchu (1820-28), Che Kanio (1830), Sinkiang (1847), Yunan (1857), and Shansi (1861).

Some Muslim communities lead by Yakoob Beg (1820-77) and Tu Wenhsin (Sultan Sulayman), however, inflicted crushing defeats on Manchu forces and establishe an Islamic State (1867-77).

According to 1936 population statistics – Muslims numbered more than 48 million. However, after Communists’ take-over in 1949 – the persecution of Muslims surpassed their plight under Manchu Dynasty – and within a decade of Communist rule, Muslim population was reduced down to just 10 millions. The Holocaust of 38 million Muslims pales before the much publicized plight of Tibetan Monks or the Jewish holocaust under Nazi rule.

Ann Miller Darling’s pictorial article China\’s Nu Ahong, published in Saudi Aramco World (July-August issue) is a good read on this topic.