Tag: Islam
The Two Eids and Other Hui Celebrations
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (5)
This month, our Hui neighbors observe Ramadan—the Muslim month of fasting which culminates with Eid al-Fitr. Yet even for Hui who do not fast, it’s a special time of increased spiritual awareness. Let’s look at four annual festivals and how they might lead to gospel opportunities.
The Princess Bride and Ramadan
If you’ve ever read or seen The Princess Bride, there’s a character who responds to every assertion the other characters make with “Inconceivable!” And this is just how my Muslim friend responded the other day. She said, 不可 思议 which my Chinese dictionary translated as “Inconceivable!”
Hui Food, Clothes, and Greetings
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (4)
How did you feel the first time you visited a “foreigner’s” home? Were you nervous? Did you find yourself wondering what to wear, what food would be served, and whether to bring a gift? Perhaps you are more often the host. How do you help your cross-cultural guests feel at ease?
Wahhabi-Inspired Islam in China
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (3)
Having learned a little about Islam with Chinese characteristics, you might wonder if there is any point in studying “orthodox” Islam to help you understand your Hui friends. The answer is yes and no.
Islam with Chinese Characteristics
Know Thy Hui Neighbor (1)
Starting with the Old School (Gedimu), this series introduces the main schools of Hui religious thought and practice, Hui diet, dress, customs, and festivals. Ideas for Christians seeking to better know and love their Hui neighbors in the name of Jesus are also included.
From the Middle East to the Middle Kingdom (8)
Hui in a Globalizing China (Since 1978)
The Hui responded to China’s opening up in different ways. Some became secularized, others used their freedom to become more religious. Some embraced globalization while others kept their hearts and minds close to home.
From the Middle East to the Middle Kingdom (5)
Hui Uprisings (AD 1645–1912)
The history of the Hui enters a time of ethnoreligious tension which spilled over into violence.
From the Middle East to the Middle Kingdom (4)
Forced Integration (AD 1368–1644)
Why do Hui and other predominantly Muslim minzu (民族, people groups) practice endogamy? If it is to prevent religious syncretism, it doesn’t appear to have worked.
From the Middle East to the Middle Kingdom (2)
Hui Origins (AD 651–1270)
All of Hui history, beginning with the arrival of Muslim traders, has implications for gospel ministry among them; each stage has shaped the Hui people’s foundational worldview.
Islam in China
A few years back I was talking with a Chinese scholar friend of mine about Islam in China. In what has to be one of the clearest examples of pragmatic religiosity I’ve encountered, he told me, “Islam has no future here because Han Chinese will never give up eating pork.”