Islam

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:26:32 AM Edit

It is widely recognized that Tibet is a holy land where nearly all the people believe in Tibetan Buddhism. However, there can also be seen followers of other religions, such as Bon, Islam and Catholicism, which coexist harmoniously with each other. Islam has a history of over 1300 years, and also influences part of Tibetans' life in some degree.

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:27:08 AM Edit

The appearance of Islam in Tibet mainly contributes to the Muslim merchants. Early in the 7^th or 8^th century of Tubo Kingdom (7^th Century - 877), some Muslim merchants of Arabia were in business with Tibet. In the 11^th century when Islam was prospering in Kashmir to the west of Tibet, more Muslim merchants came to Lhasa. Until 14^th century these merchants began to settle down and formed a separate ethnicity. Due to the widespread Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet especially in Lhasa, Islam was not able to be developed. However, abiding by Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetans had slight intention to do businesses, not to mention killings. This gave a chance for Islam to spread among Muslim merchants and butchers.

Last Update : 1/13/2008 9:38:27 PM Edit

The Hui ethnic people (believers of Islam) in Tibet now were immigrated from Gansu, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and other provinces from around early Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911).There are now about 4,000 Muslims in Tibet, the majority of whom are concentrated in Lhasa. They used to be engaged in business and handicraft industry, but now can be found in various fields. The Tibetan Muslims, except for their own religious beliefs and customs, have had native characteristics of Tibetans. For example, they wear the Tibetan costumes, but with white cap or veil on the head. In the church, they would first recite in Arabic and then in Tibetan language. And they also have almost the same dining habits and lodging styles with Tibetans. 

Last Update : 12/17/2007 3:29:55 AM Edit

There are now four mosques in Tibet, two located in Lhasa City, one in Shigatse City and the other in Chengguan Town of Chamdo County. The earliest and the most famous one is the Lhasa Great Mosque, which was initially built in 1716 of Qing Dynasty. It is a must-visit spot for all the Muslims to Lhasa from home and abroad.