Salafism in China and Chinese Salafis in Contemporary China and Malaysia

Abstract

This dissertation examines the manifestation and development of Salafism in China, a topic that has remained relatively understudied in academic circles. Despite the prominence of Salafism in the global Islamic context, the specific influence and adaptation of this movement within China has not been studied extensively. This research focuses on defining Chinese Salafists, their beliefs, and their place within both the global Salafist network and the unique socio-political environment of China. Central to this research is the question of how Chinese Salafists can be integrated within the broader trends of global Salafism and how they relate to the specific Islamic context of China. Both historical and contemporary perspectives are offered, with an emphasis on the interactions between Chinese Salafists and the global Salafist movement, and the influence of local and transnational factors. The thesis explores the historical roots of Salafism in China, beginning in the late 19th century, and traces its development to contemporary Salafism, which is characterized by a diversity of practices and beliefs. This diversity within Chinese Salafism is analyzed against the background of both the general tenets of Salafism and the specific Chinese cultural and political contexts. Methodologically, this study combines field research in China and Malaysia with extensive literature studies. This provides a thorough insight into the dynamics of Salafism in China and the diasporic contexts and the different ways in which Chinese Salafists experience and practice their faith. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the complexity and diversity of Salafism in China and offer new perspectives on the interaction between global religious movements and local practices. This fills an important gap in the current academic literature on Salafism and Sinophone Islam.