The forgotten Sufi movement that reshaped China’s Islams
Key information
- Date
- Time
-
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
- Venue
- Russell Square: College Buildings
- Room
- RB01
- Event type
- Seminar
About this event
Dr Rian Thum explores the presence of the Naqshbandiyya Mujaddidiyya order among Chinese Muslims in this seminar.
The Naqshbandiyya Mujaddidiyya order is among the world’s largest and most geographically widespread Sufi orders, but it has long been assumed to be absent among Chinese-speaking Muslims. This seminar presents evidence that the Mujaddidiyya order has not only been present at various times and places among Chinese Muslims, but has also played a role in the development of nearly all major strains of Islam in China proper, including those commonly known as the Gedimu, Jahriyya, Khāfiyya, Qādiriyya, and Ikhwān.
About the speaker
Rian Thum is a specialist in the history and anthropology of Muslims in China at the University of Manchester, where he is a Senior Lecturer. His book, The Sacred Routes of Uyghur History, argues for the central role of sacred sites and local Islamic manuscripts in the shaping of Uyghur national identity. His current book project, Islamic China, is a re-examination of Chinese Islams that takes full account of the numerous Persian and Arabic sources that Chinese-speaking Muslims have used and written.
Chair: Professor Rachel Harris, SOAS Department of Music
Registration
This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Please note that seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Organiser
Contact
- Email: sci@soas.ac.uk
Photo credit: Archcookie on Unsplash
