Islam In China

My Calender Journey:
24- 27 June 2010, Summer Season.

My Findings:

The history of Islam in China began in the 7th century in Tang Dynasty just a few decades after the rise of Islam. Later many Muslims came to China to trade then dominated foreign trade, the export/import industry in the west and south. Islam reached its peak in Yuan Dynasty when the Mongol ruled China. Islamic influence came from the various steppe peoples who assimilated in Chinese culture.

My Views:

      In Beijing, I experienced living with Chinese Muslims community. They are so friendly and warmhearted welcoming other muslim guess. I still remember at my first meeting them....when I'm introduced as Malaysian, they suddenly thumb up and mentioned two famous name 'Mahathir' and 'Raihan' seemly that Malaysia familiar with them. Surprisingly, some of them can speak Bahasa Malaysia. So, I felt happy meeting with them and they showed their enthusiast to visit our country even intend to study in Malaysia universities.
      Although there is a small number of Muslim in Beijing (Peiking), it is not a big challenge to them in practicing Islam since they have proactive muslims association. At old time ago, several mosques had been established. During my travel in Beijing, I had visited these mosques:

i) Madian Mosque

This mosque near Suzhou Qiao which can hold about 500-people for prayers. Many foreigners conduct prayers there and the Imams there speak good Arabic.

Madian Mosque

The Madian mosque complex consists of prayer hall (arc building), Imam and administration room (left side) and ablution& toilets (right side).

Front entrance of the mosque

Imam's House

Entrance of Prayer Hall

Mihrab

ii)  Nan Dou Ya Mosque

      The most favorite mosque among foreign visitors in Beijing city centre. Everytime, Malaysian and Indonesian visitors could be seen visiting here. So, it's not surprise some of notice board written in Malay language. Many Arabic-Chinese caligraphic decorating the wall surface.

      At front gate of mosque, there is a Halal restraunt. Some of words promoting "beef", "mutton", "taufu" at front of premis. It is not to be worry since the muslim restraunt usually tagged a "Mat'mul Islami"  word on a small black plate. But the most important, BismiLlahi tawakkaltu ta 'ala Llah.

Nan Dou Ya Mosque

Mosque Entrance

Ablution area utilizing hot water

Male Prayer Hall

Interior Prayer Hall

Chinese muslims community

Charity box ("sumbangan" word written as well)

Grocery shop in mosque

Halal restraunt (mat'amul Islami) can be found at front of mosque (left side). Be careful, some money beggars waiting you!

iii) Niu Jie Mosque

This mosque located in Xuanwu District. It is the oldest mosque in Beijing and enjoys a great reputation among Muslims. It was originally built in 996, with major renovation projects carried out in 1442.

The most beautiful mosque (Niu Jie mosque's pagoda-like minaret)

Welcome to mosque

Plan map of Niu Jie Mosque

Mosque coridor

Ablution chamber (Igonna miss Hot water!)

Prayer Hall

Quranic recitation area

Qubah

Having time with native imam

Mimbar

Mihrab area

Chinese muslim mausoleum