The ideology of communism conjures up thoughts of an atheistic society whose government rules with an iron fist and does not hesitate to use all out force at the slightest hint of dissension from the established norm. This big brother type of government would not only expect its citizens to obey its laws but also to eradicate any kind of expression of individuality especially when it comes to choice of religion. Victims of this ideology seem to have no alternative but to conform with the masses or else face the harsh realities of forced conversions, torture, or even death. Such are the thoughts that come to the mind of most Western educated individuals who have been trained to think of Communism as the ultimate enemy of freedom, human rights, and democracy. But when taken out of the Western perspective, the story of religious, and more specifically Muslim toleration in China, reveals a nation that offers more to believers of Islam than many of the so-called democracies of the world today.
As much as Communism was deemed the enemy of the democratic West, it was and continues to allow Islam to flourish within its borders. History portrays China as a nation that openly accommodated the needs of its Muslim citizens and implemented laws to protect their interests. Dr. Sun Yatsen, after proclaiming the doctrine of harmony and equality of China's five major races, used stars to represent them on the Chinese flag, one of which represents Islam. Shortly after the revolution of 1911, Muslims were appointed to positions in the army and obtained seats in the National Legislative Assembly. Chairman Mao, author of the Red Book and the leader who laid down the foundations of Chinese communism, ordered a mosque to be built at Yenan, his headquarters after the Long March of 1934-1935.
Further, the People's Liberation Army was instructed to follow a 10-point code in Muslim areas that included the protection of mosques, and a ban on eating or even mentioning pork. Through the Agrarian Reforms of 1950, all lands belonging to religious institutions were nationalized, with the exception of property attached to mosques. And today, old mosques are being renovated, as China has adopted a liberal policy towards religious minorities with respect for their customs and traditions. These examples provide evidence contrary to the popular belief inculcated in the West that China has an inhuman record with respect to religious tolerance and human rights. By all means its record is not flawless but Muslims in China, despite constituting a minority, have a freedom that is lacking in many of the world's nations who pride themselves on being democratic societies with respect for all races and religions. The Chinese social attitude and treatment of Muslims is far better than most democracies such as France, Germany and India.
An estimated 20 million Muslims inhabit China, comprising 2-3% of the total population. A number of different ethnic groups follow the Islamic faith, including the Hui, Uighur and Kazak among others. Isolated from mainstream Chinese society, not only in terms of religion but geography as well, the majority live in the autonomous regions of the country such as the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, situated in the northwest. According to the law, autonomous regions are implemented in areas inhabited by ethnic communities and corresponding bodies are formed to exercise this autonomy.
Ningxia, recognized as an autonomous region in 1958, is home to the Hui Muslims whose ancestors were Persian and Arabic merchants. Comprising one third of this region's population, they incorporate Islamic values with respect to food, cleanliness, marriage, funeral rites, and dress. About 6,000 minarets attached to 3,000 mosques can be observed throughout this particular area, also known as the "Chinese Mecca." Muslim culture with its Islamic bookstores, restaurants, shops selling prayer rugs, scrolls with Qur'anic messages, hats, and veils abound.
Another region, that of the Xinjiang Uighurs, was established as an autonomous region in 1955. With more than 7.6 million Uighurs, these Muslims trace their origins to Turkish nomads who settled in the area in the ninth century. Whether they are shepherds, oasis farmers, or businessmen, this ethnic group enjoys a higher standard of living compared to most other groups in China. Attractive houses, proper modes of transportation, and a constant flow of money from successful businesses have all helped bring about this affluence. Mosques also prosper here and Islamic literature is freely bought and sold in the streets.
Islamic minorities have typically flourished in China even during harsh economic conditions for the rest of the country. Granted exemptions from national laws, such as the right to bear more than one child, Muslims all over China are bestowed with other concessions. The first Islamic University in China was opened not too long ago and the government encourages Muslims to go on the Hajj with the help of a regional pilgrimage office established more than six years ago. One reason for these concessions is economic; the grasslands of the northwest where most Muslims live, also provide meat and dairy products for the country. And the government needs cooperation from the Muslims to further develop the region. The Soviet Union and India, which border Xinjiang, are two countries with more of a hostile rather than a friendly history with China and the Muslims within their territory. They are another reason for the Chinese to promote as much peace as possible with the Muslims without granting national autonomy 
Saadia Ali is a writer for Islam Online from Washington, DC. Her field of interest is International Affairs. For feedback, e-mail saadman1@yahoo.com
Asia & Africa
