Miancheng Mosque

Miancheng Mosque

Miancheng Mosque is a cultural relic protection unit of Xiantao City.

When visiting Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town, you must not miss its symbol — the mosque — to experience Islamic culture and feel the sincerity of Muslims.

Miancheng is the only Hui ethnic town in Hubei Province, with nearly 7,000 Hui residents. The mosque is the symbol of Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town. Before the founding of the People’s Republic of China, there were two mosques in Miancheng: the East Mosque was located at Qili City, built during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty; the West Mosque was located at Honghua Dike, built during the Jiazi era. In the autumn of 1938, they were tragically bombed by Japanese aircraft, and in the spring of 1941, they were burned down by the 128th Division, leaving both ancient mosques in ruins.

Today we are visiting a mosque rebuilt in 1955 on the site of the former West Mosque. Look at this Islamic-style building — that’s the mosque. It mainly consists of the minaret, prayer hall, and ablution area, serving as a place for Muslims to pray and for Hui people to conduct religious affairs and celebrate major festivals. The Hui people mainly practice Islam, which emphasizes faith in God, reverence, love, compassion, forgiveness, submission to divine will, and striving for peace. Their practices are based on the "Five Pillars" and "Five Ethics." The Quran is the fundamental scripture of Islam and also the basis for legislation, moral standards, and ideological doctrines in Islamic countries. It must be believed unconditionally and serves as the highest guideline for actions. Its doctrines are very strict, so please behave civilly after entering the mosque and do not smoke.

Everyone, please follow the direction I’m pointing. The crescent moon on the round dome of the minaret is the symbol of Islam. This is closely related to Eid al-Fitr, one of the three major Islamic festivals. Muslims fast during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, they abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, and also refrain from sexual activity. On the last day of Ramadan, they look for the new moon from the minaret. The day after the new moon is sighted is Eid al-Fitr. If the crescent is not seen, the sighting is postponed, but not beyond three days. Another festival is Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Legend has it that Ibrahim was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his son to test his loyalty. Just as Ibrahim was about to obey, Allah commanded him to sacrifice a sheep instead, giving rise to Eid al-Adha. There is also the Islamic New Year, also called the Prophet’s Birthday or Mawlid al-Nabi, observed on the 12th day of the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed to be the birthday and passing of Prophet Muhammad. On that day, gatherings are held, the Quran is recited, and stories of Muhammad’s life are told. This festival is often celebrated in the prayer hall. Let’s go to the prayer hall and experience it together.

Ah, your feelings are quite consistent and genuine — you find it empty. That’s right. There are no idols in the mosque. Muslims only worship God. Animal images are also not used for decoration; Arabic calligraphy and floral patterns are commonly used. Look, on both sides of the mihrab (prayer niche), the Islamic declaration is artistically written in Arabic: “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” In China, worshippers face away from the west — that is, Muslims must pray with their backs toward Mecca. Before praying in the prayer hall, they must perform major and minor ablutions and take off their shoes. So, what are major and minor ablutions? How are they performed? What are the requirements during the process? Let’s go to the ablution area to find out.

Look, this is a bucket. There’s a small hole with a radius of about 1 centimeter at the bottom. When the bucket is filled with water, the water flows out through the hole, washing the body from head to toe — this is the traditional method of performing major ablution. The current method of major ablution is much more modern, with a full set of shower facilities. There are also rules when bathing: you must wash from left to right and from top to bottom. And at this time, you must also remember the teachings: when washing your face, think about showing respect to others; when washing your hands, think about not stealing; when washing your feet, think about not taking the wrong path but staying on the right one. Minor ablution involves washing the face and hands. Whether it’s major or minor ablution, they share one thing in common: flowing water must be used, not collected or stagnant water.

Muslims avoid saying the word “kill”; they say “slaughter” when referring to chickens or cows. Additionally, Muslims pay great attention to cleanliness in their diet. They do not eat animals that have died naturally, blood, pork, nor do they consume horse, mule, dog meat, or foods with ugly appearances. They also do not drink alcohol. Cattle and sheep must be slaughtered while invoking the name of Allah before being eaten. These details are recorded on the signs outside — you can go and take a look.

Well, after visiting the mosque, do you feel you’ve undergone a holy cleansing? The Hui people’s dietary culture is also a major highlight. The Miancheng beef series dishes will leave a lasting impression on you.

Miancheng Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Xiantao City. Before 1952, it was the seat of a prefecture, county, and other administrative divisions. From 1953 to 1983, it was under the administration of Tonghaitan Town. In 1984, it was approved by the Mianyang County government to become a county-level town, and in 1987, it was officially established as Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town with approval from the provincial government. Located in the southern part of the city, 35 kilometers from downtown, it covers an area of 36 square kilometers with a population of 25,000, including Hui, Han, Mongolian, and other ethnic groups. It governs 12 village committees: Zhuling, Huangjinlou, Yuanlou, Wanghe, Shaoshendu, Shangguan, Nanqiao, Gubaimen, Chengjiao, Qihong, Jiangbei, and Eryang, as well as the Miancheng residential committee. Xiantao-Jian... More detailed information about Miancheng Town++