Why China Is Demolition Mosques? Is It A Crackdown On Religious Freedom In China?

Hello everyone, I want to bring your attention to a recent news story from China that has captured the world's attention. It involves the attempted demolition of a mosque in Yunnan province, which has sparked widespread protests from the Muslim community. The Chinese government claimed it was for renovation purposes, but people feared it was a pretext for demolishing the mosque.

Najiaying Mosque Protest

It is important to note that China has an anti-Muslim policy that originated in the northwestern region and has now spread to central China. The Muslim community in China constitutes a minority, accounting for approximately 2 percent of the total population, around 28 million people. Despite their smaller numbers, they have faced a relentless crackdown by the Chinese government over the past decade.

Before we proceed, let's engage in a quick quiz! Can you guess the location of the magnificent Great Wall of China and the historical reasons behind its construction? Share your answer in the comments below and let's test your knowledge!

We are already aware of the severe crackdown in Xinjiang province, where the Muslim community has been subjected to harsh treatment and abuse. Now, there are concerns that this oppression is spreading to other provinces, including the southern region of China. In the case of Yunnan province, known for its natural medicine practices and historical trade connections with India, the government has set its sights on the Najiaying mosque for demolition.

China Map showing Xinjiang

Now, you might wonder if the people of China can challenge the government's decision in court. Well, there is a twist. The court has issued an order to demolish the mosque, citing it as not conforming to Chinese architecture. This order has left the Muslim community with limited options to fight against the demolition. They have come together in protest, emphasizing that numerous mosques have already been closed, leaving them with no places to pray. The Najiaying mosque holds significant importance to the community, and they are determined to save it from destruction.

The underlying reason behind these actions lies in China's aversion to foreign architectural influence. The Chinese government is sensitive to foreign influences on its population, particularly under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. This sensitivity has led to the demolition or restructuring of several mosques across the country.

Nanguan Mosque of China

What is particularly concerning is the lack of international response to these events. None of the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have raised any significant concerns regarding these issues. It is worth noting that China was even invited as a special guest to the OIC Meeting in 2022, thanks to lobbying efforts by Pakistan. This disparity in response raises questions about the consistency of international actions in similar situations.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this matter in the comments section. If the same circumstances occurred in any other non-Muslim country, would the OIC and other relevant organizations remain silent as they are today? Let us know your perspective.


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