Overview
The Islamic Association of China is a national religious organization for Muslims of all ethnic groups. In July 1952, Muslim figures Burhan Shahidi, Liu Ge-ping, Saifuddin Azizi, Yang Jingren, Pu-sheng, Ma Jian, Pang Shiqian and Ma Yuhuai met in Beijing to discuss founding a Chinese Islamic association. The Islamic Association of China was established on May 11, 1953 as the first unified national Islamic organization, designed to build bridges between all Chinese Muslims. Since its founding, there have been eight national conferences.
Past presidents are:
- Hans Bauer
- Shahidi
- Muhammad Ali
- Zhang Jie
- Elias
- Shen Hsia-hee
- Saliha Shi-wei
The incumbent President is Xilalunding Chen Guangyuan, and the vice-president is Juma Taier.
The Association's primary tasks are:
- To observe Islamic principles in the context of service
- To educate Muslims in religious issues for social development
- To train Islamic teachers
- To identify and organize the historic and cultural heritage of Islam, and to conduct Islamic academic and cultural research, compiling and publishing books by the membership
- To establish and improve the management of Islam within Chinese law
- To guide academic work and exchange experiences
- To promote of Islamic associations and mosques around the country in community service, charity and self-improvement
- To organize people of all nationalities to visit the Muslim holy city to Mecca to fulfill their Hajj
- To carry out friendly exchanges with Muslims and Islamic organizations to foster international cooperation
Departments within the Association are:
- Academic Department
- International Department
- Office of Hajj
- Research Department
- Editorial Department
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