THE ISLAMIC MINORITY IN GUANGZHOU: HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT DURING THE TANG DYNASTY (Minoriti Islam di Guangzhou: Sejarah dan Perkembangan pada Zaman Dinasti Tang)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This article aims to study the history and development of the Islamic minority in Guangzhou during the Tang Dynasty. Among the numerous dynasties in China, the Tang Dynasty stands out as one of the most prosperous in the country’s history. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty established Guangzhou as a prominent trading centre on the Maritime Silk Road. Adopting an open-door policy, Guangzhou attracted the arrival of traders from outside the country and in 651 A.D., the influence of Islam began to spread in Guangzhou. Khalifah Uthman dispatched a delegation, led by Saad Abi Waqas, to meet Emperor Gaozong. This friendship meeting led to the on the establishment of the first and oldest mosque in Guangzhou, the Huaihseng Mosque. This study used qualitative methods, namely the collection and evaluation of data from primary and secondary sources based on historical research methods. The sources and materials referred to were obtained from the website of China Radio International (CRI) and The Guangzhou Local Chorography Department, the Chinese Islamic Association, and the ancient books of the Tang Dynasty. Library research methods involving articles, magazines, books, and newspapers were also employed.The findings show that the Muslim community in Guangzhou has a long history since the time of the Tang Dynasty. The development of the Islamic minority in Guangzhou is evidenced by the establishment of the Muslim community, the construction of the Huaisheng Mosque, the emergence of Islamic scholars, the organization of religious  activities, and the appointment of religious officials. This is because the policy of the administration and economic development during the Tang Dynasty gave the opportunity for Islamic development there. This research demonstrates that the Tang Dynasty had an impact on Islamic development in China. This finding benefits the public and other researchers seeking important information on the history and development of the Islamic minority in Guangzhou, China.

ABSTRAK

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji sejarah dan perkembangan Islam minoriti di Guangzhou semasa zaman Dinasti Tang. Antara puluhan dinasti di China, Dinasti Tang merupakan dinasti yang paling makmur dalam sejarah negara ini. Kemakmuran Dinasti Tang telah menjadikan Guangzhou dikenali sebagai pusat perdagangan yang gemilang di Laluan Sutera Maritim. Guangzhou telah mengamalkan dasar pintu terbuka yang menyebabkan kedatangan pedagang dari luar. Bertitik tolak daripada dasar tersebut, pada tahun 651 Masihi, pengaruh Islam telah mula tersebar di bumi Guangzhou. Khalifah Uthman telah menghantar satu rombongan yang diketuai oleh Saad Abi Waqas untuk menghadap Maharaja Gaozong. Perjumpaan persahabatan ini telah membawa kepada perbincangan penubuhan masjid pertama dan tertua di Guangzhou, iaitu masjid Huaiseng. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif, iaitu pengumpulan dan penilaian data daripada sumber primer dan sekunder berdasarkan kaedah penyelidikan sejarah. Sumber dan bahan yang dirujuk diperoleh daripada laman web China Radio International (CRI) dan Jabatan Korografi Tempatan Guangzhou, Persatuan Islam China serta nashkah sejarah Dinasti Tang. Kaedah kepustakaan bersumberkan artikel, majalah, buku dan akhbar turut diteliti. Dapatan kajian mendapati bahawa komuniti Islam di Guangzhou mempunyai sejarah yang panjang sejak zaman Dinasti Tang. Perkembangan minoriti Islam di Guangzhou dibuktikan dengan kewujudan komuniti muslim, pembinaan Masjid Huaisheng, lahirnya ilmuan Islam, kerancakan aktiviti keagamaan dan kewujudan pegawai agama. Hal ini kerana dasar pentadbiran dan perkembangan ekonomi semasa Dinasti Tang memberi ruang kepada perkembangan Islam di sana. Penyelidikan ini berjaya membuktikan bahawa Dinasti Tang meninggalkan kesan kepada perkembangan Islam di China. Dapatan ini memberi manfaat kepada masyarakat umum dan pengkaji lain untuk mengetahui maklumat penting tentang sejarah dan perkembangan Islam Minoriti di Guangzhou, China.