The articles on this website may

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Salamun Alaikum (Peace be upon you)

NIUJIE (OX STREET) MOSQUE, BEIJING, CHINA

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EXCERPTS FROM MY TRAVEL BLOG

I took a metro to Changchunjie where I alighted and took a taxi to the Ox Street Mosque. What a beautiful mosque this was! Dating back to the late 10th century, Beijing's oldest and largest mosque was located in a district which was abundant with Chinese Muslims.

When a mosque is usually mentioned, one conjures images of domes and minarets, quintessentially of a particular style. Yet here was an exquisite mosque constructed in classic Chinese style in keeping with the local community and culture. From the facade one could have easily mistaken it for a Buddhist temple.

It was very peaceful inside the mosque. The architecture was once again fused with Chinese and Arab designs. I had never seen anything quite like this. I had seen many conversions on a grand scale such as the Hagia Sophia in Turkey (Orthodox Basilica into a mosque), but this was not a conversion to my knowledge.

The sides of the mosque were lined with desks and chairs for those elderly / disabled who would not be able to action the postures of the prayer. I prayed my Dhuhr prayers with the Chinese Muslim congregation and could not help but notice the beauty in the Chinese accent when the Chinese Muslim imam said 'Allah Ho Akbar' (God is great).

It was an opportune moment to ponder how God's messages spread throughout the world. Our responsibility was simply to pass it on as witnesses to mankind.

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And strive for God with the endeavour which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He has named you Muslims of old time and in this (Scripture), that the messenger may be a witness against you, and that ye may be witnesses against mankind. So establish worship, pay the poor-due, and hold fast to God. He is your protecting friend. A blessed patron and a blessed helper!

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Joseph Islam