CGTN America
From the series XINJIANG: Exploring China’s new frontier
Xinjiang is home to China’s largest Muslim population. It currently has some 25,000 mosques. China says it fully respects the freedom of religious beliefs, and that “cannot be matched by any other period in history.” The government says it firmly opposes any attempt to politicize religious issues. China also refuted criticisms from some western media saying fasting had been banned during the holy month of Ramadan this year. In our special series on Xinjiang, reporter Han Bin documents the last days of Ramadan at one mosque in Bachu County.
Ramadan is about dedication. Amina Ismayil and her daughter Patime Abudukiyim, prepare the daily Suhoor, or the last meal before sunrise. This will have to sustain them for 15 hours.
Sixty-four-year-old Abdukerim Mamut is the head of the household.
“I hope to help Ramadan start well and end well. This is the sacred mission from God,” said Abdukerim. “With my gratitude to God, I will do a good job for the prayers. After a whole month of fasting, people should be cleansed of their sins and hatred. The community should usher in peace and harmony. This is the meaning of Ramadan to me. ”
The Uyghur Autonomous Region is home to half of China’s Muslim population. Abdukerim has been the Hatifu, or senior Imam, of Bachu’s biggest mosque for 15 years. He began studying Islam when he was . To him, Ramadan is one of the most important times in the Muslim calendar.
Abdukerim has been the Hatifu, or senior Imam, of Bachu’s biggest mosque for 15 years. He began studying Islam when he was 8 years old.
During Ramadan, Muslims are required to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. They pray five times a day, facing the direction of Mecca.
“Fasting will nurture one’s spiritual mind, to understand the plight of the poor, and bridge the gap between hunger and satiety,” Abdukerim said.
Abdukerim’s mosque, the Id Kah in Bachu, has a history of 150 years. It has been refurbished several times over the years. Worshippers can number as many as ten thousand during religious holidays.
Prayers at Abdukerim’s mosque—the Id Kah in Bachu. It has a history of 150 years and has been refurbished several times.
China’s far western region of Xinjiang is home to some 10 million Uygur Muslims. Ramadan is widely observed here. The fast is a central tenet of Islam. Believers say it’s all about self-discipline, generosity, and sincere faith.
Special evening prayers are conducted, with long portions of the Qur’an recited. They are known as the Taraweeh.
The holy month is a special period of discipline and worship. Muslims pray throughout the day and night.
After a month of fasting, it comes the time for rejoicing and renewed hope. A communal prayer is conducted, to mark the end of Ramadan.
This is the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, their biggest celebration.
Abdukerim’s family prays before a feast marking the end of Ramadan.
Bachu once suffered from extremist activities, and many are hoping the spirit of Ramadan can bring lasting peace within their communities.
“If I am still alive next year,” said Abdukerim. “I will be grateful to observe Ramadan whole heartedly like this year.”
Abdukerim is grateful that Ramadan has brought his whole family together. He hopes such harmony will ensure prosperity within Bachu, and the wider society around them.
