Scholars Advocate for the Continued Adaptation of Islam to Chinese Society
Quzhou,Zhejiang Province, China – A recent conference titled The Contemporary Value andPractice of the Integration of Islamic and Confucian Thought held in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, highlighted the importance of Islam’s continued adaptation to Chinese society. Theevent, organized by the China Islamic Association, brought together scholars and experts to discuss the historical and contemporary significance of the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought (伊儒会通) in shaping the development of Islam in China.
Participants emphasized that the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought has played a crucial role in facilitating the Sinicization of Islam, a process that has seen the religionevolve and become an integral part of Chinese culture. Scholars argued that this integration was achieved through Islam’s proactive adaptation to Chinese society and its cultural norms. This historical experience, they believe, holds valuable lessons for the ongoing process of Islam’s Sinicization in contemporary China.
Professor Mi Shoujiang from the Jiangsu Provincial Party School emphasized that the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought allowed Islam and its associated culture to thrive in China after its introduction, eventually becoming an intrinsic part of Chinese national culture. He stressed that the process of Sinicization does not require Muslims to abandon their religious beliefs but rather to adapt their practices to the realities of China’s socialist society. Professor Mi argued that contemporary Chinese Islam should build upon the fundamental principles of the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought while embracing innovation to adapt to the changing social landscape. He emphasized that theSinicization of Islam is an ongoing process, not a completed one, requiring continuous adaptation to the realities of Chinese society.
Zhang Xuesong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Buddhist and Religious Studies at Renmin University of China, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought as ahistorical experience and a key pathway for the Sinicization of Islam. He explained that this process involves Islam actively integrating into Chinese society while maintaining its core beliefs, rituals, and values. This integration, he argued, has manifested in Islam’s willingness to adapt and evolve in response to the changing dynamics of Chinese society.
Professor Ji Fangtong from the School of Public Affairs at Nanjing University of Technology drew attention to the work of Liu Zhi, a prominent Islamic scholar from the Qing Dynasty. Liu Zhi’s book Tianfang Dianli (天方典礼) delves into the fundamental tenets, ethical principles, daily practices,and rituals of Islam, showcasing similarities with Confucian texts in its approach and language. Professor Ji argued that the Confucian-led social structure of traditional China naturally led to a process of mutual learning and integration between Islam and Confucianism. He suggested that Muslims, in their interactions with mainstream society, naturally adopted Confucian ethical norms and frameworks, fostering a shared understanding and a convergence of values.
Min Junqing, Editor-in-Chief of the journal China Muslims, emphasized that the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought represents both a theoretical framework and a practical process for the Sinicization of Islam in China. This process, he explained,has evolved through stages of germination, accumulation, and exploration, ultimately reaching maturity and facilitating the convergence of Islamic and Chinese civilizations in areas such as thought, cultivation, and customs. He highlighted the work of Islamic scholars in translating Islamic texts into Chinese during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a testament to the ongoing efforts to promote theSinicization of Islam. He emphasized that the interpretation of these texts in a contemporary context is crucial for fostering a sense of self-awareness and agency among Muslims, promoting the accessibility and relevance of Islam, and integrating the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought into the process of Islamic interpretation and discourse.
The conferenceconcluded with a renewed emphasis on the importance of the integration of Islamic and Confucian thought as a guiding principle for the continued Sinicization of Islam in China. Scholars underscored the need for ongoing adaptation and innovation, ensuring that Islam remains relevant and integrated within the evolving landscape of Chinese society. The conference served as a platformfor fostering dialogue and collaboration among scholars and practitioners, contributing to the ongoing process of building a more harmonious and inclusive society in China.
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