Each year millions of Muslims from around the world make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. And pilgrims from China are no exception. As BON’s Fergus Thompson reports, the number of Chinese Muslims from the Hui ethnic minority taking part this year is up again.
The Hajj, as the annual pilgrimage to Mecca is known, takes place this year from November 25th–29th. Over three million pilgrims are expected to converge on the holy city later this month. While the number of Chinese Muslims amongst that number is still relatively small, it is growing.
In this episode, we are at the biggest Muslim temple in Xi'an, Qingzhen Da Si. It became a mixture of Ming and Qing style architect after the reconstruction. On the way here, you can enjoy a bargaining fun in a market where you can buy sorts of souvenirs. But when you’re enjoying, please remember two rules: don’t mention pigs and no alcohol. Today Qingzhen Da Si work as a celebration place for. Muslims. Perhaps the most interesting one is Ramadan, roughly in September, during which the Muslims couldn’t eat, drink, smoke or have sex during daylight hours. About 29-30days after it, they would get cleaned and go to a temple to pray their ancestors. The next beautiful place is Benlin Museum.
With thousands of Chinese Muslims returning from the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca Tom Mackenzie takes a look at what it means to be a Muslim in today's China. Here's today's B.O.N feature.