******* Islam In China *******
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The ancient record of the Tang Dynasty describes a landmark visit to China by Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), one of the Companions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in 650 C. E.
This event is considered to be the birth of Islam in China.

The Chinese emperor Yung-Wei respected the teachings of Islam and considered it to be compatible with the teachings of Confuscius. To show his admiration for Islam, the emperor approved the establishment of China's first Masjid (Mosque) at Ch'ang-an, that Masjid still stands today after 14 Centuries.

Muslims virtually dominated the import/export business in China during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 C. E.), the office of Director General of Shipping was constantly held by a Muslim during this period.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-164 C. E.), a period considered to be the golden age of Islam in China. Muslims fully integrated into the Han society by adopting their name and some customs while retaining their Islamic mode of dress, dietary restrictions and religious practice.

Anti-Muslim sentiments took root in China during the Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911 C. E.), which was established by the Manchus who were a minority in China.

Muslims in China number more than 35 million according to unofficial counts. They represent 10 distinct ethnic groups, the largest are the Chinese Hui, who comprise over half of China's Muslim population.

The largest Turkic groups are the Uygurs who are most populous in the province of Xinjiang, where they were once the overwhelming majority.