TARIKH TUESDAY
Islam spread rapidly in the 600s and 700s from India in the East all the way to the borders of France.
It also began to spread to China around the same time.
Muslims played an integral role in the history of China.
The Tang government in the 700s invited Muslims to serve in the army.
Groups of warriors travelled in the 750s and began to take roles in the military and even in government.
Roles in these 2 departments were filled by many Muslims.
These Muslims were encouraged to intermarry with the local women and settle permanently in Chinese cities.
Did you know
The fourth Caliph Uthman (RA) sent an envoy to the Tang Dynasty in China in the year 650!
The companion of the Prophet, Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqas (RA) was sent in this delegation as the ambassador.
Who was also the maternal uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself.
The Tang emperor who received the envoy then ordered the construction of the Memorial mosque in Canton, the first mosque in the country, in memory of the Prophet.
Further information and sources
Lost Islamic History, by Firas Alkhateeb
Lipman 1997, p. 25
