{"id":11,"date":"2025-03-12T21:06:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T13:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/?p=11"},"modified":"2025-11-19T19:05:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T11:05:08","slug":"the-development-of-chinese-islam-and-the-patriotic-consciousness-of-hui-muslims-during-the-republican-era-1912-1949","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/2025\/03\/12\/the-development-of-chinese-islam-and-the-patriotic-consciousness-of-hui-muslims-during-the-republican-era-1912-1949\/","title":{"rendered":"The Development of Chinese Islam and the Patriotic Consciousness of Hui Muslims during the Republican Era (1912\u20131949)\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Author\uff1aThe Hi-Storyteller Humanities and History Club (2024-2025) <\/strong>of Beijing No.2 Middle School International Division<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abstract  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Republican era (1912\u20131949) marked a period of profound social transformation in China, during which the patriotic consciousness of Hui Muslims underwent a historic transition from awakening to active practice. Drawing on historical documents and scholarly research, this paper explores the development of Chinese Islam and the evolution of Hui Muslims’ national identity and ethnic solidarity during this period, focusing on education, cultural initiatives, scriptural studies, contributions to the Anti-Japanese War, and international engagement. The study reveals that Hui Muslims not only advanced religious reforms domestically but also actively participated in the war effort, strengthened ethnic cohesion, and enhanced their global influence through cross-cultural exchanges. Their actions embodied the principle of “nation first,” making unique contributions to China\u2019s modernization.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I. Historical Background of Chinese Islam\u2019s Development  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, Sun Yat-sen advocated the “Five Races Under One Union” ideal, promoting equality among the Han, Manchu, Mongol, Hui, and Tibetan peoples. However, entrenched Qing-era social hierarchies perpetuated discrimination against Hui communities, particularly in political and economic spheres. In response, Hui intellectuals recognized that religious faith alone could not ensure progress; instead, they sought to integrate into national development through education, culture, and military engagement.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Five colors on their uniform express the idea of “Five Races Under One Union”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ma Fuxiang, a prominent Hui political figure and former governor of Gansu, championed modernization and aligned Hui interests with national goals. Under his influence, traditional Islamic schools (\u201cjingtang jiaoyu\u201d) coexisted with modern institutions in Gansu and Ningxia, enabling Hui Muslims to balance religious traditions with contemporary knowledge.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 1931 \u201cSeptember 18th Incident\u201d (Japanese invasion of Manchuria) further galvanized Hui society. Publications like \u201cYuehua\u201d(Lunar Brilliance) and \u201cMuslim Youth\u201d emerged as platforms for rallying Muslims to resist foreign aggression, blending cultural discourse with patriotic mobilization.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

II. Islamic Education in the Republican Era  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chengda Normal School: A Beacon of Modern Education<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1925 by scholars Ma Songting and Tang Kesan in Jinan, which then moved to Beiping (Beijing) in 1929 ,  became a cornerstone of Islamic education.Founded in 1925 by scholars Ma Songting and Tang Kesan in Jinan, which then moved to Beiping (Beijing) in 1929 ,  became a cornerstone of Islamic education. Its curriculum combined modern subjects (Chinese, mathematics, science) with Arabic and Quranic studies, aiming to elevate Hui youth\u2019s social standing through holistic education.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The Gate of Chengda Normal School<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Graduates like Fa Jingxuan(scholar) and Ma Jian (translator) later shaped Islamic intellectual circles. During the \u201cMarco Polo Bridge Incident (1937)\u201d, students volunteered at battlefronts or enlisted, embodying the link between national survival and individual duty.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

III. Cultural Revival and Publications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
“Yuehua”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Hui Press and Intellectual Mobilization <\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Publications such as \u201cYuehua\u201d (1930) blended Islamic scholarship with political commentary. During the war, editorials like “Hui Youth Must Rise to the Challenge” urged Muslims to resist Japan through both combat and cultural defiance, inspiring many to join the resistance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IV. Contributions to the Anti-Japanese War <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
1. Hui Military Leadership <\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Hui generals like Ma Hongkui, Ma Bufang, and Ma Zhanao led forces in critical battles. Ma Zhanao\u2019s Ningxia Hui Guerrilla Unit disrupted Japanese supply lines, while Bai Chongxi (a Hui strategist) trained troops and declared, “Islam commands us to defend our homeland. The nation\u2019s fate rests on every citizen\u2014we Hui will never be slaves!” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Logistical and Economic Support  <\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Hui communities donated funds, medical supplies, and handmade provisions. Shanghai merchant Ma Yunting founded the \u201cHui Resistance Relief Association\u201d, while women in Gansu and Ningxia sewed uniforms and rations for soldiers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

V. International Engagement <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sino-Arab Cultural Exchanges  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hui students like Ma Jian studied in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, bridging Chinese resistance efforts with global Muslim solidarity. In 1941, Ma Jian\u2019s Cairo speech exposed Japanese atrocities, securing Egyptian medical aid for China.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Republican era saw Chinese Islam evolve through educational modernization, cultural revitalization, and global engagement. Hui Muslims demonstrated unwavering patriotism during national crises, reinforcing ethnic unity and leaving a legacy of multiethnic cooperation for contemporary China.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

References  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Ding Mingjun. (2014). “Debates over “Hui Ethnicity” and “Islam” in the Republican Era: Hui Self-Identity”. Journal of Beifang University of Nationalities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Puyi, Aisin-Gioro. (1911). “Abdication Edict of the Qing Emperor”.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Additional historical and academic sources.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Author\uff1aThe Hi-Storyteller Humanities and History Club (…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":499,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-clubs-passages"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":576,"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions\/576"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/en.uhhc.com.cn\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}