Cultural Assimilation

Here we are in front of the Tower of Introspection. The function of this pagoda is that of a minaret from which a 'muezzin' recites the call to prayer. Islam in China is a synthesis of Middle Eastern and local elements. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) the muslim community in China got somewhat cut off from the rest of the muslim world. It was during this time that the Hui became more assimilated into the larger culture. One good example of this is the changing of surnames. The name 'Muhammad' changed to 'Ma.' 'Hasan' became 'Ha,' 'Hussein' became 'Hu,' 'Sa'id' became 'Sai,' 'Shams' became 'Zheng,' etc. Some muslims that had married Chinese wives took their wife's surname. Islam in China, and especially Sufi brotherhoods, became increasingly influenced by Daoist and Confucian thought. Confucius and Lao Tzu are considered prophets by Chinese muslims. Today, aside from abstaining from pork and the wearing of caps and head scarves, the Hui are almost indistinguishable from other Chinese.