Society

Islamic panel pushes for unity

By Zhao Yinan (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-04-22 16:44

China has moved to teach the “true spirit” of Islamic classic works in a bid to strengthen unity, a top imam has said.

Adilijan Ajikrim, vice president of Chinese Islamic Association, told China Daily his association is trying to promote ethnic unity by teaching Chinese muslims the concept of “Wa’z” with the “true spirit” of the classics.

Wa’z, an Arabian word means “persuasion”, is to convince people to show mercy to others and keep away from misconduct, Adilijan said.

Adilijan made the remarks in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China Islamic Affairs Steering Committee, a panel of accomplished Islamic experts and respected scholars who “give interpretation to the Koran” and compose “Wa’z with Chinese characteristics”.

Chen Guangyuan, president of China Islamic Association and the panel director said the committee aims to provide interpretation of classic works, answering both realistic and religious problems encountered by Chinese Muslims.

“Wa’z, composed under the theme of loving both the country and the religion, gives specific and pragmatic instruction to Islamic followers on issues such as fidelity, tolerance, living in amity with non-Muslim believers and others,” he said.

Over the past 10 years, the committee has composed more than 46 pieces of “Wa’z” with various themes totaling about 260,000 words.