The Islam denominations and religious system of Hui Ethnic Group
Historical Background of Islam in China
Islam was established in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century and subsequently spread to China through the immigration of aboriginal guests. Throughout history, Islam has been referred to by various names in China:
- Tang and Song Dynasties: Known as “Dashi Law” and “Dashi religion.”
- Yuan Dynasty: Referred to as “Huis Law” and “Huis style.”
- Ming Dynasty: Called “Huis denomination” and “Islam.”
- Qing Dynasty: Labeled “Arabian religion” and “Islam.”
After the founding of New China, the State Council reinstated the name “Islam” as the universal term.
Denominations of Hui Islam
The Hui nationality adheres to orthodox Sunnite Islam, specifically the Hanafite school, one of the four major schools of Islamic law. At the end of the Ming and the beginning of the Qing dynasties, Sufi mysticism became prevalent. By the end of the Qing dynasty and the onset of the Republic of China, the Yihewani Movement of “respecting scripture and reforming custom” emerged, leading to the proliferation of Hui Islam into three main denominations and four official schools:
- Main Denominations: Gedimu, Yihewani, and Xidaotang.
- Official Schools: Zhehelinye, Gadelinye, Hufuye, and Kubulinye, resulting in over 40 branches overall.
Religious Systems of Hui Islam
The religious systems within Hui Islam are categorized into several frameworks, with the mosque area system and the official school system being the most prevalent.
Mosque Area System
The mosque area system is the oldest and most universal religious organization among the Hui. It is centered around the mosque and includes a compact community of nearby Muslim followers. Key features include:
- Community Structure: Each mosque area comprises a mosque at its center, surrounded by the living areas of Muslim adherents.
- Leadership Roles: An ahung (Islamic teacher), yimamu (leader), haituibu (coordinator), and mu’anjin (approver) manage religious and administrative tasks within the area.
- Management Council: A mosque management council, often led by a respected elder known as the “managing squire” or “head of community,” oversees the mosque’s operations, including land management and financial decisions.
- Cultural Significance: Mosques serve as political, economic, and cultural centers, functioning not only as places of worship but also as venues for community meetings and discussions.
- Community Size: Mosque areas can vary significantly in size, from dozens to several hundred or even thousands of households. Each mosque area operates independently without hierarchical relationships.
Official School System
The official school system combines Islamic Sufi mysticism with the Hui’s feudal patriarchal structure. Characteristics include:
- Denominational Form: Official schools represent a form of Chinese Islam associated with affluent and aristocratic families within the religious elite.
- Leadership: The founder of each official school is often deified, regarded as both a spiritual and communal leader, enjoying hereditary privileges and authority.
- Worship Practices: Followers venerate the founder both during their lifetime and posthumously by constructing tombs at their graves.
- Historical Context: Around the time of China’s liberation, the Hui Islamic community had approximately 40 to 50 official schools, with Zhehelinye, Gadelinye, Hufuye, and Kubulinye being the most influential, known collectively as the “four greatest official schools.”
Changes in the Religious Landscape
Following the establishment of New China, policies promoting freedom of religious belief were enacted, leading to the dismantling of the exploitation system within these religious structures. This shift facilitated the gradual erosion of prejudices among different official schools and reduced tensions between denominations, fostering a more unified Hui Islamic community.
