(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Cultural and Educational deputy of Jameatul Mustafa University announced an approximate number of 70 MM Muslims and 45'000 active mosques in China.
Hujjatulislam Mohammadreza Saleh, Cultural and Educational deputy of Jameatul Mustafa (SA) University said the 70 MM Muslim population of China concentrated in west and northwest of the country, more than 50'000 were Shia Muslims.
On the history of Islam in China, he noted that the religion had been transferred to China via Muslim merchants and said," Muslims in China have adopted Islam through Iranians and that is the reason for clear evidences of Iranian culture among them."
"This effect is to the point that Chinese Muslims say the intention of their prayers in Persian," said the official and referred to the interest of the Chinese Muslims in the culture and literature of Iran.
He also said that adjacent to most mosques in China is a seminary to help those interested in the Islamic studies.
He referred to the improved atmosphere after the Communist revolution in China and said," The process during the past years has had great improvements providing a better atmosphere for activities of the Muslims."
He hailed the freedom of religion in China saying that the freedom is to the point that Muslim women in this country have no problem in maintaining their Islamic hijab in public.
More than 300'000 Muslims live in the Chinese capital of Beijing and their enthusiasm to hold religious ceremonies is quite renowned.
Hujjatulislam Mohammadreza Saleh noted the popularity of Ahlul Bayt (AS) names contrary to the Sunni majority in China and hailed the feasts held on the day called after Hazrat Fatemeh (AS), daughter of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
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