Is China Erasing the Hui Muslim Identity? 

welcome back friends for another video - didn't forget you!🥳 Making a video to articulate controversial stuff takes time to think through and I don't just want to just speak from a predictably 'Chinese viewpoint'. let me know what you think of the video! edit: to all muslim friends who reminded me to not have the Quran reading as background music - apologies! I wasn't aware of this and I just thought it sounds beautiful. I'll be mindful of that in future videos!

in Indonesia we have the Cheng Ho Mosque, which is a mosque with Chinese architecture, the mosque was built to honor a Chinese Muslim admiral named Cheng ho (Zheng He) who spread Islam in Southeast Asia.

The Qur'an doesn't talk about getting rewarded for jihad and receiving 72 virgins.

It's not just Guangzhou, if you go to Xi'an, Ninxia etc. All those oldest mosques in China share similar elements of Chinese traditional architecture. Very few exceptions are old mosque in Quanzhou which is Persian style brought in by Persian merchants but was preserved as part of World Heritage Site.

Thankyou for sharing this. I am a Muslim who lives in Indonesia. I'm just aware about the presence, culture and religion of Hui ethnic in China. About the architecture of a Mosque, I am sure that there is also great diversity across the muslim communities in the world, and it has also changed from time to time. In Indonesia, there are also old mosques (built around 16th century) with JAVA-nese (and not "Middle-East" ) Architecture to "conform" to the main culture at the time where HINDU culture was still dominant. I have seen a number of Mosques in Yunnan (and also in Indonesia) which were built by Chinese Muslim communities with Chinese architecture, and I think they are interesting. I like them.

The best China blogger is back! Honesty, integrity and reliable information!

Chinese Muslims don't necessarily look Arabic or dress in the Arabic traditional style, and Chinese mosques don't necessarily look Arabic either. It is a great feature of Islam that it can be embraced by such a diverse group of people.

The first gentleman in the video said it wisely, he wore white hat as his Muslim identity but if he should took off his hat does that mean his not Muslim? He's still a Muslim at heart. It doesn't matter what exterior or accessories you wear as long as you're practicing & believing in Muslim values, you are a Muslim. Thank you for your hard work for this video. Hope all of us can learn from each other to understand each other better.

The problem is that Islam is not just a religion of worship that we often see in the daily lives of Muslims. Islam is a methodological system of life both individually, family, community and State. Islam must be upheld in a comprehensive manner according to the capabilities of its adherents. Being able to mean here is being able to be patient in carrying out God's commands and being able to accept the risks. What is certain is that the risks are multilevel, and each level of risk gets a different reward from Allah.

Excellent video. I think most people don't know that the chinese mosques are being restructured, most people think they are just being demolished, so the video was very insightful

Your insights and critical analyses are blowing my mind, and it's awesome. It's so easy for an outsider to judge another countries actions and policies from a biased lens.

Thank you for providing a nuanced perspective into the Hui Muslim identity. Your video reminded of a Hui couple and their restaurant I visited in Kunming. It was a one of my most memorable experiences during that visit.

Your comments about "not fitting into society and needing education" are interesting at 14:20. This is the same 'logic' used in the UK and Australia to tackle radicalisation, which is basically what the Chinese government is doing. Somehow people have interpreted the Chinese method as being 'repressive', while the very same strategy when used by them is 'modern and free'. Thought provoking.

Hi, I am from Indonesia, a country with most Muslim population in the world. In Indonesia, the early mosques also incorporate the original culture, the Hindu and traditional style. Due to this strategy, the population could easily accept Islam as a new faith because it didn't clashed frontally with their original culture. Only when Islam had become the major religion, the more Middle Eastern style was incorporated. And now, several new mosques even use modern and avant-garde style, leaving the ubiquitous dome shape. Regarding the assimilation of religion, the history is a bit different in Indonesia, since Islam finally become the dominant religion. Even with the domination, Islam has evolve into a more "Indonesian" style, with its own unique culture and tradition. Only in the last decade there is a purification movement ignited by the new Islam awakening around the world.

Thank you for sharing an "insider's view". As someone who have had a great fortune to visit some of the impressive mosques from Malaysia to Oman and as a practising Buddhist with freedom to practise my faith without fear in my home country Nepal, it is deeply concerning that these magnificent domes are being replaced with flattened tops. Places of worships are underpinned by philosophies of the concerned religion. They inspire us to reflect and contemplate on scriptures. For example, Arabic calligraphy is only used in the domes of mosques not on their walls or floors. The calligraphy symbolizes God's words and highest wisdom. In Buddhism, our temples often have flatten roof to symbolize one taste of samsara (world) and nirvana (liberation). I am actually concerned that this kind of approach whilst well-meaning may actually be short sighted and unintentionally eroding Islamic values.

there are actually eight other Muslim ethnicities/nations within China besides Hui and Uyghur. It would be great if you could cover eight other groups and how they practice, thanks!

i had visited this place sometime on the 25th China Import and Export Fair. And given a chance to pray in this Mosque, Alhamdulillah.

看了你发布的很多视频，内容的细节到位且有逻辑，时间线清晰，最重要的是非常丰富且曲折的心路历程，支持你！近现代的中国经历了那么多苦难，再次站在世界舞台中央，很不容易。我觉得所有中华儿女应该自豪，感谢你能站出来向世界介绍中国！

Thanks for making this video. I didn't know that the mosques are not demolished, but the gov is replacing them with new ones with Chinese architecture. I am pretty cool with that actually. Cheers. Greetings from Malaysia.

My previous comment was incorrect, China has only triple amount of mosques then western countries, which is still a lot.

Like your style of presenting and balanced view. Thanks for your videos and really enjoy it.

Thank you ! I have started to watch more of your videos! You have done SO MUCH in depth research to help present these situations, perspectives, opinions...

There is a need for one religion to be distinguished from another religion, otherwise, what is the point of having different names. Buddhism and Islam have theoretical and practical differences. So, why can’t these differences allowed to be manifested into each architectures? If walking into a traditional Chinese mosque, one cannot determine if it is a mosque or Buddhist temple, then I believe we have integrated to the point of not allowing each to practice their own religion freely. Of course, Islam allows some degree into adaptation to local culture, but that doesn’t mean one has to give up its distinction. A true free society would allow distinction within its society, and let its people choose the path that they seems most logical or appealing. In long term, this is what makes a society resilient; allowing external influence as it can be a change for the positive.

Your commentary is very important for Muslims from other geographic locations to understand that Islam melds into the people/culture it joins, not that an "Arabized" culture should represent Islam as a faith or culture alone. I became Muslim in China through Hui Muslims, his family had been Muslim for more than 1350 years, while a language student at Beijing University over 40 years ago. When I spent time as a language student and expat in the Middle East a decade later, I am so glad I was introduced to Islam outside of the Middle East...an understanding of Islam that was more kind, inclusive, and inculcating a softness toward others from Far Eastern philosophies--and not flagellation from an "Islam is superior-ity" complex that is not obvious to many Muslims bound to traditional thinking. Just take a look at the knee-jerk reactions of most Muslims in traditional Muslim states...form over substance. You are helping many people understand Muslim Chinese groups and the variation among them based on when the different schools of thought entered China.

Siming, I just found your channel. I've gone through 3 videos, and I am so impressed and inspired by your sense of fairness, curious, and most importantly, honest assessment. These combinations gently removes doubt in your work for those who are more subscribed to western influences. I wish I was much younger as I would work in parallel to send these messages that you present. Cheers.

In Indonesia, the biggest Islamic organization - called Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) - also holds a principle "hubbul wathan minal iman" that literally means "patriotism is a part of the faith". Also I found another vlog about Hui Muslim community in Xi'an by Indonesian just as a comparison. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VXaZv9JxhvE.html

hi, first, kudos for this simple yet fine video explaining how China views and works with culture interaction issues. I'm from Singapore, a generation apart from you but totally appreciative of the information and explanation you put forth in this and many other wonderful videos. In my view, Singapore takes a not dissimilar stance (from China) towards many societal issues, including those towards religious harmony and societal security. Compared to the turmoil we had in the 60s and 70s, I would say that my government did a good job and similar results will likely continue to prevail in China going forward. Thanks again for your good work. BTW In Singapore, we still know Islam as 回教。

As Asianmuslim myself, a most eloquent clip ever on Utube. I totally agree with your point of view. You know for sure, main problem in this kind of situations - is west would love to exploit these kind of situation in any where in the world. So for practicality's sake most people would probably agree with your point of view.

ahh regarding the arabic style dome, my grandfather was Hui Muslim and my mum told me the arabic style mosque never existed in China, even in western part of China, until recent decades, for example the first Mosque in Xinjiang looks completely non-arabic, it is completely a central asian architecture, so China is merely remove the later outside influence, and resume to what it should be, btw, your english is excellent, and your reporting looks sincere

I live in sweden that is one of the most secular society in the world, maybe close to China in that respect. As a curiosity I live in a very small village in south of sweden and a few years ago a Bhuddist temple with a big golden Bhudda statue was erected! I went there out of curiosity and was told that there would be a holy meeting the next day with food and a cermon and was invited. I visited and met the three monks and was treated very well and the food was delicious. In the western world muslims clash with the values of many countries, in Switzerland there was a vote that stopped use of minarets especially with loudspeakers. In sweden there has been individuals burning copies of the Quoran and that has made sweden a legitimate target of terrorism. Some people here says that religion is the cause of all evil in the world.

this allowed me to see the other side of the argument more (I have always heard about Xinjiang region in the news and about the treatment of the Uygur, so I never thought there would be tolerance to the Muslim faith in other parts of china as well). It is interesting to see the assimilation of culture and I think you explained it really well. Might visit china soon even 🌺👍

"Patriotism is part of the faith" is actually an alleged statement (known as a hadith) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (God's blessings be upon him). Some dispute its actually being spoken of by the prophet but it seemed very popular on the walls of mosques all over China that I have seen. I wouldn't have recognized it in Chinese but saw it written in Arabic often, even in calligraphy. (حب الوطن من الإيمان) I also remember many Hui restaurants having photos of Xi Jinping meeting Hui people in west China framed on the wall.

I thank you for sharing us your point of view off your Chinese Muslim community.

The domes of Mosques in the Middle East evolved from the East Roman church dome construction tradition. When Arab Muslims conquered previously Christian regions in the Middle East, churches were sometimes turned into Mosques. An example is the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. Minarets were a Muslim innovation to facilitate the call to prayer.

I have been to Nanguan Mosque in Yinchuan, Ningxia in 2013 and 2014., when the original architectural structure was still intact.

Islam was never a religion that was made solely for the Arab people in the Middle East, it was made for the world. It's perfectly fine for muslims to uphold and maintain their culture so as long they don't prioritize it over Islam and is within Islamic values. And I think that's what the Chinese government doesn't really like as it opposes their views.

Very nuanced and well structured! I also like when your cat gave it’s cameo 😂

What one gathered from Chinese history, is that the Muslims helped the Chinese people during one of those ancient dynasties. In return, they were rewarded by being allowed to live in China and own land. I personally find the Chinese policy of the government reveals genuine care to integrate the Muslims within Chinese society, an effort that many minorities in other countries do not find within multi ethnic and multi religious communities within a state that is governed by a majority.

You're wright girl, design of the mosque & what you're wear doesn't really matter as long as you know which parts of your body to be cover,Islam is super simple & straight forward, you don't have to follow import culture, just think Islam itself no force, even by forcing yourself are call force,so you don't have to follow others culture thank you so much girl, keep it up keep on research

The first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad had a roof made of date palm leaves, not a dome, the dome actually came from Rome, and there are no rules for the shape of mosques in Islam.

I like your videos and how you clarify the issues. The control by the government of personal lives is the issue and freedom of thought and life pursuits, I feel, are the cure. Your English is excellent ! Thank you ! Peace & Love💕🌸🙏

China is so huge (huge land far and wide,1.4 Billion population), it cannot afford to have its ‘children’ fighting, and tearing the ‘family’ apart. So far, China’s approach to maintaining peace, order, stability, economic growth and security has worked well. It has even miraculously lifted 800 million of its people out of poverty in less than 50 years! And no other countries have come close to achieving such technological and infrastructural advancement as China did. As time goes on, the Dalai Lama loses more supporters, because people can tell that he was used by the US in its break away n conquer strategy to weaken China.

I came across your vlog today Appreciated the piece about your identity journey since age 15. It takes courage and self confidence to bare your soul. Congratulations for finding peace at such a young age. Your identity will evolve with time and life experiences. I know you will do well

Its always a bit unsettling when people have to speak in cryptic language or hide their true feelings due to what they perceive the government might do to them in response if they were to speak plainly. It makes sense that a religion would be adapted to the local population, that happens everywhere around the world. But it is one thing for a religion to adapt itself to appeal to the shared values of the local population, it is a totally other thing for the government or some other entity to come in and decide what should happen with them. If the muslim community had come together and decided they wanted to renovate the mosque and do it in a more chinese style, fine. But for the government to enforce it on them seems harsh and cruel. It definitely does still seem like cultural erasure, and even the other mosques you visited seemed to be trying to pander to the government somewhat (was the patriotism sign there initially? Or was it placed there later as the government started looking more into religious minorities?). Thanks again for presenting this insider view of the situation. It's always interesting to see other cultures in the world. I went to China in 2006 and found it very enjoyable and fascinating. It's great to be able to see these videos and see what's happening in the country (even if i dont agree with it necessarily).

I think it would be fair to say that there are 56 ethnicities in China so it is impossible for any ethnicity to be treated more important than the other. The central requirement is every religion can freely operate as long as it is not used for political purposes to destabilise the country. Chinese people has a culture long enough to distinguish education, spiritual release and governance system are separate entities.

Actually the dome was not originally Islamic. It was originally from the Christian churches during the Byzantine and Orthodox era. The muslims then took it as their own thereafter. Look at Haga Sophia church-turned-mosque in Turkey with the huge onion on it. Built in 537ad, that was there before the time of the Prophet Muhamad, born 570ad. That explains why the oldest Chinese mosque in Guangzhou, which i already visited back in 2004, together with what was believed to be the resting place of the companion of the Prophet, Saad Bin Abi Waqqas, has taken the local chinese shape. Becoz at that time the early arab muslims who brought the religion to that southernmost province of China thru sea werent influenced by those onion shape churches of the Christians yet. Becoz Islam of the Prophet Muhammad's first generation of companions was still very new to any kind of specific shape or design. Only after a few generations when the Islamic conquests grew larger and wider esp during the 2nd century of the Hijrah calender or 7th century ad did they saw the onion shapes on Christian churches and decided to adopt it on their mosques. (I am a Muslim from Malaysia and had studied in Egypt for 10 years... we still have a few old mosques in Malaysia of around 2 centuries old that took on local taste and design with no onion shaped roofs whatsoever. In fact it looked very much like a Chinese or Budhist temple design with sharp ends pointing up, with 3 layers of roofs and the only different with a Budhist temple was it was normally green in color. And this was the trend of most mosques in the whole of South East Asian region up until the onion shape came in during the second half of the 20th century. Pls google old mosque in Malaysia and Indonesia.) Then the Islamic influence thru the Silk Road to China took place a few centuries later. The Arab and Persian Muslims then intermarried with local Chinese and the Hui people came to exist, who was originally a mixed of arabs persians and chinese but mostly Muslim in religion. Some of these arab persian muslims even served in the Mongol courts of Kublai Khan as ministers. These muslims who came by land then introduced the onion shaped mosques in the central of China or along the Silk Road. This was already past 4 or 5 centuries after the first mosque in Guangzhou which had not yet brought any influence of the originally Christian onion shape. Becoz by then the onion was already prevalent in the Islamic world from Spain to India around 2nd century ad. Btw, why i said that IT WAS BELIEVED to be the resting place of Saad bin Abi Waqqas was becoz there were 2 more claims of his resting place in the the middle east. And that that one in China actually belongs to his uncle. To me personally as a Muslim, travelled far and beyond, i have no real affection for a specific shape of a mosque. The most important thing to me is that i love it when lots of people are inside praying or learning in it. Many old mosques in my country are already demolished to make way for modern style mosques with air-conditioned and all, something very much needed in a tropical country. Some maintain the good old roof shape and some just change it, by themselves, without any government intervention. I love to see more videos from you, the Han Chinese girl.❤

Destroying cultural motifs and identity is just cruel and cannot be justified no matter what anyone says.

I am really inspired by the great service you are doing for mankind, You are very good hearted and you are a talented teacher especially for me as an American to help me observe some of my prejudices, and let them go and think more in terms of being in human brotherhood with Chinese people. Thank you.

CHINA CULTURE SHOULD BE THE MAIN FRAME, INCLUDE THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE BUILDING FOR RELIGION.

Criminally underrated channel.

China becoming a economic power and setting priority for its own people shows it's commitment for it's people untapping their full potential as true power to make impact in modern competitive era. Whete their is struggle for world dominance, china will definitely face arch enemy expecially from it's direct competition. China is now opening up whole world and giving more opportunities for people world wide. Most people in second or third world countries appreciate china to offer them an alternative to other single minded colonists. Only time can unveil true motives of china and I wish it's a win win for all of us

You are enlightened and wise beyond your years. Your vids are so impressive in both content and style. I am interested in learning more about the Uyghur issue bc I fear that the view from the US lacks insight and nuance. I have traveled to China for business on several occasions and find the people and culture fascinating. Thank you for making these vids.

I feel at ease knowing that China does not erase identity.

French here ! I find this video very interesting. In France I don't think we would destroy old mosques as we have deep respect for old architecture + we traditionally also have sacred places (the churches). But I thing the chinese government and the french one are taking similar decisions : try to have everyone feel like a national and put their religion second in ordre of priorities. Here, we focus more on how people dress (hijab is a sensitive issue) >

This is one of the most well researched and presented RU-vid "ammeter" video's I have seen really well done! Awesome that you live in GZ, I live a little way away in ZS that has a super interesting history as well not as old as GZ but full of amazing milestones. The only comment I can make is that this was a well presented open and factual video and I look forward to seeing more of them.

China has 30000 mosque and 20 million Muslim now. The world oldest mosque is situated in Guangdong China (sometime 800 A.D.)。

In my opinion Chinese architecture looks more esthetic than the so called Arabic architecture. Either or it doesn’t make any one lesser of a Muslim

Genghis Khan and his descendants were open to religion. That's how it all started. They opened the doors and it can't be shut. Panda is building the silk road. You would think he would be open minded to few religions.

I watches a few days ago from vlogger Little Chinese Everywhere exploring Shadian muslim city. Apparently the city has the largest Mosque in south western china in arabic style and signature green dome built by Muslims in more recent history. With 40000 mosques around China, do you think policies vary from different counties or provinces to another?

I've been in the USA over 30 years. Been to multiple cities for work and living. New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Atlanta Georgia, All over New Jersey, never ever have I seen a Muslim Mosque. The USA says it is tolerant of religions, but in the background, they spread hate and fear about other religions that are not Christianity, Jewish, or Evangelicals.

Hello Ms Lan Thank you for sharing your experience and taking us though your journey.

There is a saying in Egypt. Eat what you like but dress to please others. It does not matter if the government insists on a particular appearance if they do not interfere with the essential elements of the faith.

If the mosque was built hundreds of years ago, why does it need to suddenly make changes now in order to “integrate”? Hasn’t it been integrated for many lifetimes?

I felt China had the right intention of weeding out extremism, but they executed it incorrectly just as you said. Without the direction of the Imams in those communities which would have helped the government greatly, they sort of created issues that didn't need to happen. I know that In Xinjiang a lot of those who came back from Syria were extremists and have those separatist values, which plays nicely into the USA's narrative. Which could have been the reason why the govt acted so quickly on the matter without proper education and planning themselves. After all, no one wants to live in a disestablished country. I felt more comfortable being a Muslim in China than in the USA. Muslim Chinese have always been a part of Chinese history, Arabic writing was on the Chinese yuan, I know it's mainly cashless now in China so I don't know if you can find an yuan but check it out. One of the first people to embrace and accept Islam was China. In fact China has some laws that are similar to Islamic law. I also want to mention that the line about Jihad is incorrect, maybe you misunderstood. Jihad does not mean a holy war, it means to fight for oneself. So for example, to battle oneself in the pursuit for truth, or knowledge, for justice, or to become more strong in faith, or to strong in charity etc etc. Holy war is what extremists turned the word Jihad into made popular by their US funded leaders. Also 72 virgins are NOT mentioned in the Quran, it's only in a Hadith- which are 'stories' that were written by others 100's of years later. We take these books with a grain of salt. I personally do not really follow any Hadithes as the Quran is clear, no other text is to be followed. I really enjoyed this video! I have to say I do feel like the Chinese govt doesn't like chaos, they still have that ying yang balance and to avoid chaos they make some mistakes like this. I do hope that the friendships with different Middle East countries and more conversation will help the govt to rectify the issues they have created from their poorly executed plans to stamp out extremism.

I don't know if this relates at all, but as a Jewish American I noticed something really interesting. I can tell what year (roughly) a synagogue (Jewish place of worship) was built in by what it looks like. All the synagogue from before 1920 loook vaguely Byzantine and middle eastern, then From 1920-1950 All the synagogues look like churches. Like they really wanted to fit in (or be unnoticed by antisemites) sort of like how the Hui in china want to (or are perhaps forced to). But in 1950-1970s The synagogues all look very Jewish, very big, and very gaudy. This is because Jewish Americans were starting to reclaim their faith and stop being ashamed of it after the chaos and pain of WWII, they also started to be permitted in all professions, and more Jewish immigrants were coming so the community had gained wealth and acceptance. Post 1970s to now days I think they realized the flashy look, might not be the best look, and they tend to be smaller and have a red brick almost New York style look.. sort of hipster really lol.

No islam no terorist very good

When they say patriotism is part of faith, they aren't joking, thats a saying of the Prophet. Islam is like water, meant to take the shape of the culture and people it is in and spread good virtues and practices throughout it. The most incredible thing, in my opinion, is how adaptable Islam is to time, culture, and technology without sacraficing its principals. Its part fo the beauty of Islam when cultures let their unique style shine through the universal practices of Islam like prayer. Hpwever, certian religious symbols, like the green dome or crescents, and especially Arab symbols are meant to mimic the style of the culture of the person Muslims love: the Prophet Muhammad SWA. It is not obligatory in Islam but something we just love to do. Thank you for sharing, I love learning about the Chinese and their way to view the world! Also incredible you got to visit the grave of Saad ibn abi Waqas RA, an incredible person!

I randomly came across your video today and I enjoyed it. It was very informative and refreshing to hear from a Chinese what exactly the situation is in China. I would like to point out that in Islam their is no template for a mosque in terms of design, for example the big round dome is not Islamic. It’s part of Turkish culture, once Turks embraced Islam they built their mosque with a dome and many other Islamic nations adopted it. Great video btw, look forward to future videos. Viewer from 🇬🇧

I appreciate the way the complexity of relationships with state, culture, and spirituality are presented. It’s not black and white/ good vs evil. Unfortunately Western media prefers a simple minded black and white, that is much easier to manipulate with propaganda.

The Quran is suitable for every era. If you cannot understand it and adapt your life to it that is a you problem not a Quran problem. I like how you gave your opinion in a clear manner. Thanks for showing the true colour of what is this all about conformity, which is never good for humans as we are not machines.

This is not only a China problem, it could also be a world problem. Though it seem more evidence in China because of it's huge population, political pressure in the world stage and the ways of governing. In this case is religion while others are cultural/social differences. In the west, case example like honour killings or shame killings by some ethic group family which is forbidden in the western society still had happened. I do think people need to be reminded where they are living in once in a blue moon, so they don't forget their new country's general house rules and everyone can live happily together. This video is fascinating and you speak clearly on the topic. Enjoy it very much. 👍

Why is China so much scared of these domes? Losing culture to these domes ? Instead of focusing on how 2 make these people more patriotic you are taking away their identity. I would not mind a mosque being built in Pakistan using a pattern or architectural design of a Chinese Buddhist temple cuz I think we need one Anyways China may have existed millenia ago but the boundaries kingdoms dynasties religions n cultures did change so after the freedom of 1948 China was given new boundaries in that case it inherited new area new people new cultures along languages which shall be preserved n respected cuz they don't live in a borrowed land from mainland China, they were there China just declared the boundaries over them China need to change its approach to Muslims, there's always many many different ways to solve the issues or problems, We in Pakistan believe China is the best country on earth being most peaceful n respectful in any regard n other Muslim countries think same as well , doing business with China along new projects trade invention n helping China make its currency dominance . And China is scared of these not even one percent population because of their domes . Focus on teaching them patriotism instead stealing their culture n identity Don't repeat what happened in 1954 n1938 in Lanzhou n 1971 in Yunnan

You raise some interesting points. When you think about a nation, what it is, it’s composed of many different peoples and those people won’t always get along. The government of a nation wants to maintain stability in order to grow and be more prosperous. This can’t happen if a minority group of people decide to cause problems because they think they are special and want to special treatment and freedoms. If you live in a specific nation like China, you must respect its rules, that keeps society functioning healthy. Obviously some governments take this too far, but again we are human and human society is messy and always will be. Sadly humans have a very difficult time living peacefully together.

A vital part of a thriving society is that people from all backgrounds should feel they belong to the greater whole. At the other end of the extreme, you would have a divided society where the minority feel like they do not belong, the majority suspicious and fearful of the minority, and both succumbing to misinformation and misunderstanding. By the way, I watched it through at 1.75 speed and missed not a single word. Impressive delivery!

I'm glad I found you. I really enjoy your content! How come you only have 25K subscribers?! We need more of this type of content on RU-vid.

Thanks for your efforts in explaining complexity of China culture.

Thank you for this very informative vlog. Respect from South African Muslim.

Interesting. The fact that even during the cultural revolution these mosques remained, but now with the current ruler, he thought to assimilate all into his religion, and and alter rules for how muslims should practice, designating people praying regularly or keeping a beard as extremists. He changed the rules to stay in power for longer. The crack down against muslims in Xinjiang is as much to do with how much mineral wealth and oil the region has (which has been known for some time). The CCP are goddess, and it's arrogant leader will not live forever. No leader ever succeeded trying to control how people think. The best and most loved leaders were the best to their people.

As a Muslim, It's OK, as long as muslims can pray in the newly built mosque! Love China , China Building Bridges across the world

very informative video, thank you

As I got comments from negationists, I remind you that the UNO expresses its deeps concerns about the situation of Muslim people in China "OHCHR Assessment of human rights concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China".

I have a few critiques: 1) Patriotism is nationalism, this is a sickness in the heart and goes against islam. Just because propaganda is on the side of a mosque does not mean it is inline with Islam. 2) The mosque you went to looks like the local buildings. The mosque that was rebuilt no longer looks like the local buildings but looks like a han chinese building (it might be incorrect to call it this but the jist is the same). The hui people are not based in the south east of china. They are based on the west side, where there is more central asian influence. 3) With the chinese government's attitude of everyone being chinese, the fact is the hui are gonna be dead a lot longer than they are going to be alive. Chinese for 70 years, muslim for eternity. I am muslim, and any other identity I have is secondary to my faith. As an analogy, what is more beatiful? A rain forest with every sort of vegetation with no pesticide fertiliser or anything else artificial or a monoculture of corn with every chemical under the sun needed to survive? The government intervention is those chemicals. People would automatically learn to co-exist without it. Look at muslims all over the world. It works everywhere else.

I find your perspective and comments most useful, enhancing understanding, great alternative to ordinary news.

"Now sadly, I couldn't interview him or record the conversation because legally speaking he was not allowed to take interviews unless it was authorized by the government." I believe you looked uncomfortable when you said this. I am very glad you did, it means, I believe, that moral outrage is present in your mind regarding the CCP's authoritarian oppression of its minorities. Well, of the entire population really, but more evidently in the case of its minorities.

It's not necessary that, a mosque should looks like a Arab's architecture. In chaina it can be in Chinese architecture, After It's a prayer place, it’s not how it’s look like, But the main point is everyone should granted to pray as their believes

Chinese tradition and Islamic tradition both are wonderful...

that's the most information i've been able hear about the issues there.

Also, regarding to the government implementation on the Muslim mosque renovation, you should have included the context, like for last decades there were a trending movements of de-sinicization going really heavily among the Chinese Muslim society, which believed the extremism and separatism as its core, this movements had been recognised pushing by the Arabic nation including Saudi, the most affected area is Ningxia, easy targets to be picked. And CCPs respond is kind of late actually so it seems a bit harsh from the beginning but as in fact the extremism and separatism had already seeded successfully, and then we have witnessed the terrorism unfolded inside China. You should have guys out the context more before going into such complicated decision making procedure. To start with, go do some research on the 去阿化or沙化 And, remember you are a Chinese, you should have the capability to analysis things as in a comprehensive contextual systematic thinking, it is in your gene. So try to do it better next time, don’t skip information for your audiences sake.

Whether or not any particular government wishes to erase Muslim identity, it will not happen. Islam is a world view and a way of life, a framework inside which a person fits his or her culture. A mosque may be knocked down, but it is only a building in which to pray. Muslims may pray anywhere the ground is flat enough. True, a house of worship should be respected as a house of worship, but you cannot expect those who lack understanding to behave with wisdom. By the way, Muslims living in non-Muslim countries are in the position of being "guests." As such, they are expected to "follow the local rules" to the extent that it does not conflict with their practice of Islam.

Completely avoided talking about unlawful imprisonment and internment

As a Muslim there is no right or forbidden way to design a mosque as long as it’s clean and doesn’t have iconography. The usual mosque design is adapted from Arab architecture since Islam originated here. So I don’t care if they redesign it as long as they let them pray.

China is 100% correct in how it deals with the FOREIGN and invasive religious rubbish from distant lands. Chinese are about the only smart people on the planet when dealing with foreign religious rubbish. Foreigners and foreign cultures ARE GUESTS in foreign lands. And as GUESTS, the foreigners/cultures ARE DUTY BOUND to abide by 'house rules' of the foreign lands. When mere GUESTS refuse to abide the 'house rules' of THEIR HOSTS, then said GUESTS take on the characteristics of invaders. And when this becomes the case, the invaders then EARN negative consequences.

Here is the thing. In my understanding culture and religion is not the same things. Not on Islam at least According to Islam, there is no superiority over culture… All culture is welcome as long as it does not contradict my religious beliefs. I like how this man explained that “if I didn’t wear a head cap doesn’t make me less Muslim than who wears one.” In the holy Quran and authentic Hadith, you will never find anything where it’s identified any specific fashion and culture to follow. It’s saying you need to cover your body but didn’t say which colours or any fashion to follow. It says the mosque needs to be a clean and comfortable place to pray and doesn’t mention any dome or any colours. Islam gives us complete for freedom to follow it according to our culture. Just protect yourself from haram. Also, the writing in the mosque caught my eye… 3:11 the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself taught that the "love for one's nation is a part of faith" My life in China makes me understand Islam more than any other Islamic nation. Where I found cultural diversity in Islam. And local Chinese are quite respectful towards Muslims... I saw halal restaurants make a double business as any other restaurant. Most Chinese people prefer Halal restaurants. I think “ Langzou la main “ is the largest restaurant Brand in China. I am currently living in Dubai. Unfortunately, I have to say, I found more Islam in China than in Dubai. Dubai is a Muslim-majority region but here Islam getting fade away day by day. the new generation is much influenced by western culture and going far away from Islam. May Allah help us and our loved ones to protect ourselves from this fitnah

Put it this way, when You Pray in a Mosque, as a Muslim doesn`t matter much if there`s A DOME OR NOT, YOUR HEART (IMAN)/BELIEVED . TO ALLAH IMPORTANT

Chinese civilization is known to all the civilised people's around the world.

Identity of Islam is thru its believers way of life. Islam is to a way of life, muslim are people who believe in God and submit to his teaching. As far as architecture, clothing and cultures, Islam allow for a wide range of variety. There is no such thing as islamic dome..it is just so happens that most culture with muslim in them. Love your video...great study in preparing it

West must speak for Palestine

Make a video on genocide of uighur Muslims by Chinese govt.

I tell you my opinion as an Italian. In Islam, religion and politics are merged. Islam spread by the sword. Once the Arabs conquered the first territories, they not only tried to spread their religion but also their culture. First, the language, tying it to that of the Quran. They said that the Quran should never be translated, thus prompting millions of non-Arabs to learn Arabic. Arabs were nationalistic and proud. This explains the motto "Patriotism is part of the faith" (that's not a chinese motto.) Arabs were and are as much patriots as the Chinese. As for architecture, the early Arabs were not so strong as to impose their own architecture on conquered countries, partly because the early Arabs were Bedouins, living in mud houses and tents. Their decorative motifs were used in the new architecture, but they came from different applications (goldsmithing, furniture, and so on). Let us not forget that the Bedouins of the South met other Semites, in the North, who were highly Hellenistic. If you go to visit Petra, Jordan, you can realize this, as well as if you visit the ruins of Palmyra. After Hellenization, these Semites from the North had been Christianized and were now building in the Roman Byzantine style, which used domes a lot (just see the church of St. Sophia, in Constantinople...turned into a mosque in 1454, then a museum and now a mosque again). The first mosque, in Damascus, Syria, looks like a Byzantine Christian church, with interior adaptations. The onion domes, however, are a more recent reinterpretation of the Byzantine dome, via Persia and Uzbekistan. These are not architectural elements directly related to early Islam, but rather a link to the Islam of the steppes, which is what came to parts of China. Probably these onion domes in present-day China were related to the national sentiment of these small Islamized human groups. It is understandable that China wants to kinesize Muslim religious architecture in its territory, to homogenize these minorities. I do not think, however, that they are happy. They may never tell you, but I don't think they are. China is not fighting religion, but the national identity of that ethnic group.

Remember, the holiest and first mosque, the Kaaba, has the shape of a cube. Mosques are not bound to a specific shape; each generation and culture can have a different flavor. Only the minarets have a particular functional purpose: to call for prayers. The funniest part of this cleansing accusation is that the Islamic faith has no hard rules for the shape of the mosque, but it has the hardest rule against LGBTQ. Western institutions are so keen to protect the shape of mosques but coerce Muslims to accept LGBTQ, which is absolutely haram.