Spread of Islam in China
 

Factors that helped in the spread of Islam in China:

Islam was introduced into northern China by the Turks in the era of Genghis Khan and his successors. Genghis Khan did not care much about religion; he was recruiting followers from all religions. There were many Turkish, Afghani, Pattani, and Persian soldiers, all Muslims, who joined his army. These Muslim soldiers spread Islam in China.

There are several factors that helped in facilitating and fostering the spread of Islam in China. Some of these factors are: the commercial relations between the Chinese and Muslim traders, the Islamic conquests of the adjacent areas to China, and the offspring of Chinese Muslims and their increased numbers. Moreover, Muslims in China mingled with the indigenous Chinese people. They also brought the children of Pagan Chinese families and taught them Islam.

These Chinese children grew to be good Muslims, holding on to their religion. Muslims of China married local Chinese girls with the intention of inviting them to embrace Islam.
Islam was welcomed cordially in China and Muslims received a warm welcome during the reign of the Tang Dynasty, which ended in (349 AH/690 AD). When the Song (Sung) Dynasty ruled China, trade flourished and greater influxes of Muslim immigrants came to China. Chinese trade with the rest of the Eastern countries and Europe was entirely controlled by the Muslim traders.

Europeans imported Chinese silk, crockery, ceramics, and antiques, and its distinguished precise products. Muslim merchants carried into China the products of Europe and western Asia. The Muslim communities in China grew and Islam penetrated into China more and more. Muslims were known for their goodness, honesty, and abidance by the Chinese laws. Therefore, the Chinese people respected them and Islam spread even more.