CHINA: Islam in China

Muslims and the practice of Islam have been present in China for nearly 1500 years. During this time, Muslims in China have undergone immense change, coping with persecution and discrimination over many centuries. Now, as the result of the new global interest in Islam, China's Muslims are being highlighted as the branch of Islam that has long been forgotten.

Observers note that Islam is undergoing a modest revival in China, with unofficial estimates putting the total number of Muslims in the country at 15million, worshiping at some 30,000 Mosques.

Islam is alive and well in China. Much overlooked for many years, Muslims in China are now of huge relevance on a global scale. As the world’s fastest developing country and the world’s most topical religion combine, the resulting outcome should be of great interest and significance to the global community.

2005