User:Beedrumms/sandbox

In their early history, Muslims residing in China had closer interactions with adherents of other various faiths. Historically, Islam and Confucianism were brought together in the Han Kitab. Muslims treated the works of Confucius with considerable respect highlighting the harmony between the two doctrines[131] and their ethical norms.[132] Jesuit and Muslims in the 16th century entered into a dialogue using each other’s ideas to engage with those outside Chinese territory.[1]In 17th century, the Chinese Muslims population expanded due to a large conversion of Chinese Jews to Islam.[131] Another example of greater Chinese Muslim synthesis with other surrounding identities is how Muslim General Ma Bufang allowed polytheists to openly worship, and Christian missionaries to station themselves in Qinghai. General Ma and other high ranking Muslim generals even attended the Kokonuur Lake Ceremony where the God of the Lake was worshipped, and during the ritual, the Chinese national anthem was sung, all participants bowed to a portrait of Kuomintang party founder Dr. Sun Zhongshan (Sun Yat Sen), and the God of the Lake was also bowed to, and offerings were given to him by the participants, which included the Muslims.[133] In addition, the tradition of foot-binding was practiced by both Muslim and non-Muslims orders, noting the transcendence of greater Chinese culture across all communities of faith.[137] Contemporary academia finds the study of the interactions of Muslims and Non-Muslims to be a sparsely populated area, as Chinese society operates in a more closed system.

Some studies have been performed such as a comparative study of Buddhists and Muslims living in the Menghai area of Yunnan that shows these groups are working together in close communities. By speaking the same language they rely on each other and they are seen as having promising future living together.[2] It is important to remember that there is no one unifying Islam, but many different Islams that are practiced day-to-day.

Relations of Muslims and Non-Muslims in China is an important topic as it helps for the better understanding of the plethora of religious lives in our modern world. Often in the West Islam and Muslims are viewed through a very narrow stereotype of “terrorist” and “arab”. This is untrue and better knowing how others live leads to a more accepting society.