Miancheng Mosque

　　 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 Eastern Mosque was located at Qilicheng and built during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty; the Western Mosque was situated at Honghuadi and constructed 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.

　　 What we are visiting today is a mosque rebuilt in 1955 on the site of the former Western Mosque. Look at this building with Islamic architectural style—that’s the mosque. The mosque mainly consists of the Watchtower (Wangxing Tower), the prayer hall, and the ablution area, serving as a place for Muslims to pray, handle religious affairs, and celebrate major festivals. The Hui people primarily follow Islam, which emphasizes faith in God, reverence, love, compassion, forgiveness, submission to divine will, and striving for peace. Its practices are centered around 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 in unconditionally and serves as the highest guideline for conduct. Islamic teachings are very strict, so please behave civilly inside the mosque and refrain from smoking.

　　 Ladies and gentlemen, please follow the direction I’m pointing. The crescent moon on the dome of the Watchtower 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. Throughout Ramadan, they abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, as well as from marital relations. On the last day of Ramadan, they look for the new moon from the Watchtower; if sighted, the next day marks Eid al-Fitr. If not seen, the search 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 Prophet Ibrahim received a revelation from Allah to sacrifice his son as a test of faith. As he was about to comply, Allah commanded him to sacrifice a sheep instead—thus the origin of Eid al-Adha. There is also the Islamic New Year, known as Mawlid or the Prophet’s Birthday, observed on the 12th day of the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the birth and passing of the Prophet Muhammad. On that day, gatherings are held, the Quran is recited, and the life and achievements of the Prophet are recounted. This celebration often takes place in the prayer hall. Let’s head to the prayer hall to experience it ourselves!

　　 Ah, your impressions are quite consistent and genuine—you feel it’s rather empty, yes. Mosques do not have any idols; Muslims only believe in Allah. Animal figures are also not used for decoration; Arabic calligraphy and floral patterns are commonly used. Look, on both sides of the mihrab (prayer niche), there are Arabic inscriptions artistically written with the Islamic declaration: “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” In China, prayer orientation faces away from the west—meaning Muslims must pray with their backs toward Mecca. Before praying in the prayer hall, Muslims must perform major and minor ablutions and remove their shoes. So, what are the major and minor ablutions? How are they carried out? What are the requirements? Let’s go to the ablution area to find out!

　　 Everyone, look—this is a bucket with a small hole about 1 cm in radius at the bottom. When filled with water, the water drips through the hole, allowing one to wash from head to toe. This is the traditional method of performing the major ablution. The current method is much more modern, with a full set of shower facilities. However, there are still rules when bathing: you must wash from left to right and from top to bottom. Also, keep the teachings in mind: when washing your face, think about treating others with respect; when washing your hands, remember not to steal; when washing your feet, think about staying on the right path and avoiding wrongdoing. The minor ablution involves washing the face and hands, among other parts. Whether it’s a 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 place great emphasis on dietary cleanliness: they do not eat animals that have died naturally, blood, pork, nor the meat of donkeys, mules, or dogs, and they avoid anything with an unattractive appearance. They also do not drink alcohol. Cattle and sheep, for example, must be slaughtered while invoking the name of Allah before they can be eaten. These details are clearly stated on the signs outside—if you’re interested, you can take a look.

　　 Alright, after visiting the mosque, do you feel as though you’ve undergone a sacred cleansing? The Hui people’s food culture is another highlight—the Miancheng beef series dishes will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds!