The Debate Surrounding the First Mosque in China: Tradition vs. Historical Evidence
The question of who built the first mosque in China and when it was constructed is a fascinating one, steeped in both tradition and historical inquiry.
The Traditional Narrative:
Traditionally, the honor of building the first mosque in China is bestowed upon Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (ra), the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) maternal cousin.
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| Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou |
This narrative suggests that Saad (ra) himself arrived in China during the 7th century and played a key role in establishing Islam in the region. The Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou, boasting a history of over 1300 years, is often cited as the first mosque built by Saad (ra).But still many researchers agree with this.
Challenges to the Traditional View:
Modern scholars have meticulously examined historical records and haven't found any definitive proof that Saad (ra) ever visited China. The lack of documented evidence during the 7th century concerning his presence in China casts doubt on the traditional narrative.
A More Likely Scenario:
Despite the lack of concrete evidence for Saad (ra)'s involvement, the arrival of Islam in China during the 7th century is highly probable. Here's why:
Trade Routes: The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, facilitated the spread of Islam eastward. Muslim traders are believed to have arrived in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).
Presence of Mosques in Major Trade Centers:
Major trade centers like Guangzhou, Quanzhou, and Yangzhou likely had mosques built during the Tang Dynasty to cater to the growing Muslim population.
Historical Records:
While no definitive records pinpoint the exact date of construction for the first mosque, historical documents from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) do mention the existence of mosques in China.
References:
The Mosque That Prophet's Companions Built in China by Bi'dünya Haber offers an interesting perspective on the traditional narrative.
China's Earliest Mosques by John E. Voll provides a scholarly analysis of the historical evidence surrounding the first mosques in China.
Huaisheng Mosque (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huaisheng_Mosque) on Wikipedia highlights the debate surrounding the mosque's construction and its historical significance.
Conclusion:
The traditional narrative of Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (ra) building the first mosque in China lacks definitive historical support. However, the arrival of Islam in China during the 7th century through trade routes and the subsequent construction of mosques in major trading centers is a more likely scenario based on available evidence.
Further research and discoveries may shed more light on this intriguing chapter in Chinese and Islamic history.