Aug 5, 2002: (Day 3)

As we stepped into the Halal Restaurant our first morning at Xiyuan International Hotel we realized why Br. Yusuf advised us to be 'ready' for breakfast. This was equivalent to an Emperor's Breakfast. We were treated with a 12 course 'breakfast'. With this super grand breakfast we were now ready for the day!  We were later told by Jason that the people in Beijing welcome friends not by Hi & Hello but by asking "did you eat"? In the earlier times, if the answer is 'no' they will almost force the person to have a meal with them! Their unique concept of hospitality was conclusively proved during our tour.

After the breakfast, we had a brief introduction of the tour participants. It was great to see the dynamic group with varied backgrounds. Our group demonstrated the concept of Ummah. With this, our first day of the tour began around mid day on Monday, the 5th of August 2002.

Beijing is the capital and one of the largest city in China. It is amazing to see the spotless streets in Beijing and everywhere else in China, a country of more than a billion people. All elements of urban life is at display here. The concept of San Zhuan (three wheels) philosophy is best demonstrated in Beijing. In the past marriages were based on the ownership of (1) Bike, (2) a Watch and (3) a Sewing machine. And today one can get married with the minimum ownership of (1) Car, (2) Rolex watch and (3) a Tractor. The wheels are at work but a little differently!

The first day of our tour in the City of Beijing took us to the following places. 

Beijing Zoo : This is relatively a small zoo but proudly homes the Panda, the national animal of China.  

Haidin Mosque : This 200 year old Mosque was built during the Chin Dynasty and stands within the city precincts of Beijing. We were very fortunate to meet the Imam of Haidin Mosque , Br. Nur Ding. We performed our Duhr & Asr prayers together and had a quick tour of the Masjid. We were told that about two hundred Muslims attend Friday prayers at this Mosque. The architectural beauty of this Mosque is uniquely Chinese Islamic. A place for Wudu and living quarters of the Imam next to the Mosque was well integrated into the Mosque campus. The central open courtyard of the Mosque offers socializing after the prayers.

The Government of China does not financially support religious institutions. But they do grant a piece of land for constructing the Mosque building. In the instance of Haidin Mosque, the building was constructed by the Muslim community support. The had built rental properties on one portion of this land and rented out to small businesses. The revenue generated from rentals support the Masjid operations. The concept of Waqf was well demonstrated here.

Summer Palace : A picturesque walk along the lake and then a ferry ride from one end to the other. 

One notable experience at Summer Palace was the fascination of many Chinese people looking in amazement at the Hijabi sisters of our group. In fact more than once they were requested for pictures. For few moments these young sisters truly enjoyed the celebrity status. They were called Muslim Princesses by the Chinese people. Later, we asked Jason what's the deal about their fascination. Apparently, many Chinese people living in rural villages visiting Beijing have not seen any one but their own kind. He joked by saying that anyone with a bigger nose is an alien for these innocent peasants. 

This experience prompted us to come up with the idea of a small introductory pamphlet about Islam in Chinese language that can be given out to people interested in learning more about Muslim people. China does offer many Dawa opportunities. 

InshaAllah, in our next tours, IslamiCity plans to prepare an introductory pamphlet about Islam in Chinese language. We invite  sponsors for this unique Dawa opportunity in China. Please write to travel@islamicity.com for further details. 

Pearl Factory : Chinese pearls are world famous. This government owned production factory of Chinese Pearls offers a glimpse to the wonders of nature. All participants shopped to their heart. The women participants of our tour were 'really' lost in this store.

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• A sumptuous lunch at Bawang Hua Muslim Halal Restaurant.
• Dinner at Mata'am al-Islami, world famous for it's Peking Duck and for hosting the Muslim dignitaries visiting China. We were given a quick pictorial tour of the Muslim dignitaries on its roster which included the Foreign Ministers of Malaysia, Iran, many Middle Eastern countries, etc.