Islam was introduced to China in around the mid-seventh century A.D, and the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) witnessed the zenith of prosperity of Islam. There are nearly 18 million people from Hui, Uygur, Tartar, Kirgiz, Kazakh, Ozbek, Dongxiang, Sala and Baoan ethnic groups in China adhere to Islam, mostly belong to Sunnite Sect. Most of the Muslims in China live in compact communities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan Provinces; besides, some Muslims in small groups live in other provinces or cities in China. At present, there are more than 30 thousand mosques in China with over 40 thousand imams or ahungs.

Islamic Rites and Customs in China

Since Islam was introduced to China, especially since it was introduced to the hinterland, some rites and customs have been attached particular importance to and have developed significantly. Elements of Buddhism and Daoism as well as the Han culture were absorbed into Muslim rites and customs, which were particularly obvious on some festivals and wedding ceremonies. Due to the given surroundings, Islamic followers strictly abstain from eating pork and lard.

Corban is an important festival for Muslims. Corban Festival is also called Zaishengjie while the Hui people call it Zhongxiaojie (festival of faith and obedience). It comes 70 days after the Feast of the Fast Breaking, or the tenth day of the second month in the Islamic calendar. The festival bears the meaning that disciples will devote everything to show their obedience and faith to Allah.

In the festival, Muslims gather at major mosques and other public places and have grand ceremonies and celebrations. They prepare livestock beforehand, the livestock should be healthy camels, oxen or sheep, and the choice depends on one's financial condition. The meat will be separated into three parts. One part is for the family itself, one for relatives and friends and the rest part for charity.

Mosques in China

There are more than 30,000 mosques in China, among which the four greatest are: Huajuexiang Mosque in Shaanxi Province, Dongguan Masque in Qinghai Province, Nanguan Mosque in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Aitiga Mosque in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The Nanguan Mosque is located in Yinchuan City with hundreds of years’ history. On every Friday and the traditional festivals of Islam, thousands of Muslims gather here and attend religious activities. The Nanguan Mosque is not only an open place for religious activities but also a famous scenic spot.