Day 16: The Hui People

Who are the Hui?
There is perhaps no ethnic minority group in China as influential or as widespread as the Hui. In the 7 th century, Arab and Persian artists, tradesmen, scholars, and religious leaders came to China along the famed Silk Road. Many married Han Chinese women and settled down in the northwest of China. The 13 th century found the Mongol people trying to conquer Central Asia. As they swept southward, they mobilized everyone in their path, expecting them to settle in various locations around China and maintain "combat readiness". These were the ancestors of today's Hui, who can now be found in 2,310 of the 2,369 municipalities and counties in China. 

Unlike most other Muslim minorities in China, the Hui have assimilated themselves into Han culture by adopting their language, style of dress, and surnames. This has facilitated their development as an industrious and educated people. Hui merchants, scholars, scientists, artists, and politicians have all positively impacted China and her relationship with other countries. Perhaps it is for this reason that the Hui identity, culture, and religion is not just tolerated by the Chinese government, but respected. Indeed, the hatred and violence that is a trademark of the relationships between the Han and other Muslim minority groups does not seem to exist between the Han and the Hui. 

The more than 10 million Hui found in China have traditionally been resistant to the gospel. Although they are one of the least radical Muslim groups in the world, they still face persecution after professing faith in Christ. To be Hui is to be Muslim, and many Hui feel they will lose their entire cultural identity and their entire way of life if they convert to Christianity.

Points of Prayer:
1. For Hui who find themselves away from home in order to attend university or do business. Muslims are often much more receptive to Christianity when they are away from the influence of their communities. Pray that they will hear of Christ while they are away.

2. That the Lord will call people to commit to pray for and work among the Hui in order to bring them to salvation.

3. For the softening of Hui Muslim hearts towards the gospel. Ask God to fill them with a desire to know Him above all things.