Reposted from the web

Summary: China Mosque Travel Guide: Hui Muslim Plaques, Couplets and Islamic Calligraphy (101-150) is presented here as a firsthand travel account in clear English, beginning with this scene: Tian Rui was a Hui Muslim from Taiyuan, Shanxi. He was the son of Tian Yongtong, a military jinshi scholar from the 28th year of the Qianlong reign. The account keeps its focus on Forbidden City, Islamic Art, Persian Culture while preserving the names, places, food, and historical details from the Chinese source.

101. 'Think No Evil' (siwuxie) plaque at Hexia Mosque in Huai'an.

An auspicious day in the first month of autumn, the 10th year of the Daoguang reign.

Inscribed by Tian Rui, Prefect of Huai'an.

Tian Rui was a Hui Muslim from Taiyuan, Shanxi. He was the son of Tian Yongtong, a military jinshi scholar from the 28th year of the Qianlong reign. He served as Prefect of Huai'an and Yangzhou and wrote a poetry collection called 'Yigai Pavilion Poetry Drafts' (Yigaiting Shichao).



102. Plaque in Arabic, Persian, and Xiao'erjing script at Yancheng Mosque.

Completed on an auspicious day in the eighth lunar month, the 17th year of the Republic of China.

Respectfully erected by Abdullah Yang Lüji.



103. 'Mosque' (Qingzhensi) plaque at Gaoyou Mosque.

Respectfully inscribed by Jingxiu, Magistrate of the Zhili Department of Gaoyou.

Rebuilt in the middle of winter, the 2nd year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty.



104. 'Utmost Sincerity Never Ceases' (zhichengwuxi) plaque at Xianhe Mosque in Yangzhou.

An auspicious day in the middle of summer, the Wuyin year, the 4th year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Respectfully erected by Zhu Huaisen, a nominated provincial commander-in-chief and regional commander of the Huai-Yang garrison, who held the title of Shangyong Baturu.



105. 'The Holy Religion is Entirely True' (shengjiaoquanzhen) plaque at Xianhe Mosque in Yangzhou.

An auspicious day in the spring month, the Dingchou year, the 3rd year of the Guangxu reign.

Inscribed by Zhu Huaijun, a guerrilla commander of the Qianshan Battalion in Anhui, who held the rank of provincial commander-in-chief and was in charge of the New Army of the Liangjiang Governor-General.



106. Xianhe Mosque in Yangzhou: 'Obey the decree of heaven and follow the holy word'

Early summer, the year of Xinhai in the Qianlong reign

Respectfully erected by the Sanwei Hall of the Muslim community



107. Xianhe Mosque in Yangzhou: 'Heaven is close at hand'

The tenth month of the Dingyou year (the 42nd year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty)

Calligraphy by Yang Enpei



108. Jingjue Mosque in Nanjing: 'Only pure, only one'

An auspicious day in the first month of summer, the Gengyin year, the 16th year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty

Commander of the Jiujiang Garrison in Jiangxi



109. Jingjue Mosque in Nanjing: 'Rectify the heart and be sincere'

June, the 11th year of the Republic of China

Respectfully erected by the president and members of the Nanjing Islamic Association



110. Nanmen Mosque in Liuhe, Nanjing

Cherish purity and walk in cleanliness as if in the afterlife

Return to the truth and simplicity just like this

An auspicious day in the tenth lunar month, the 10th year of the Republic of China

Wang Jianli of Gengdu Hall



111. Mosque (qingzhensi) at Zhuzhen Mosque in Nanjing

Erected in the seventh lunar month of the Xinchou year of the Guangxu reign

Built by Zhu Dun



112. "Pivot of My Way" at the tomb of Liu Zhi in Nanjing

Mid-summer of the Xinchou year (27th year of the Guangxu reign)

Written by Jin Pengshou of Jiangning



113. "A Model for Posterity" at the tomb of Liu Zhi in Nanjing

Reprinted by the public in the Dingwei year (33rd year of the Guangxu reign)

Respectfully written by Liu Dekun of Jingjue Mosque



114. Arabic plaque at the ancient mosque in Songjiang, Shanghai

Restored by Zhang Yunsheng in the Xinwei year

Rebuilt Qingshen Mosque

An auspicious day in the fifth lunar month of the Yiwei year of the Jiajing reign of the Great Ming Dynasty

The stele was erected in the Yiwei year of the Ming Jiajing reign (1535). The restoration by Zhang Yunsheng took place in a Xinwei year. It is confirmed that there is no 'Xinwei' year in the Jiajing era. Therefore, the renovation of the mosque likely took place in the sixth year of the Zhengde era (1511).

The inscription refers to the mosque as 'Qingshen Mosque,' which is a unique occurrence.



115. Ancient Mosque in Songjiang, Shanghai

Purity brings clarity, focus on pure cultivation to show a pure heart, and directly explore the origin of pure majesty.

Truth is without falsehood, nurture a true nature and cultivate true learning, only by returning to the root can one find true sincerity.

An auspicious day in the eighth lunar month of the Jia-Chen year, the 24th year of the Daoguang era.

Renovated in the ninth lunar month of the Ding-Mao year, the sixth year of the Tongzhi era, by Li Lügan, a follower of the faith from Jinchang, and his son Yaokui.

Inscribed by Ma Fujing, a presented scholar (jinshi), imperial guard, acting commander of the left battalion of the Jiangnan military, and garrison commander of the Ninghou battalion.





116. 'Ancient Faith from the Beginning' at the Ancient Mosque in Songjiang, Shanghai

Ding-Mao year.

Calligraphy by Ma Songting.

Ma Songting (1895–1992) is known alongside Wang Jingzhai, Ha Decheng, and Da Pusheng as one of the four great modern imams of China.



117. Mosque in Lishui, Zhejiang

Sincere and respectful, the Way is rooted in the middle, encompassing all things.

Silent and scentless, the ritual originates from the two energies that permeate the three realms.

An auspicious day in the autumn of the Bingxu year, the 12th year of the Guangxu reign.

Erected by Ma Huanzhang, the imam (zhangjiao) from Western Sichuan.



118. The Yongzheng Imperial Edict at the Lishui Mosque in Zhejiang.

An auspicious day in the middle of the second month of autumn in the Bingxu year, the 12th year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing.

Respectfully supervised and erected by the mosque's imam, Ma Huanzhang.



119. Donation plaque at the Lishui Mosque in Zhejiang.

Auspiciously erected in the seventh month of the Xinhai year, the third year of the Xuantong reign.



120. The 'Ten Thousand Differences, One Origin' plaque at the Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou.

The first month of the Wuyin year, the 23rd year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing dynasty.

The Land Forces Command of Fujian Province.

Respectfully erected by Ma Jianji, the Zhangzhou Garrison Commander.

Ma Jianji was a Hui Muslim from Sichuan. While serving in Fujian during the Jiaqing reign, he renovated the Qingjing Mosque and the Lingshan Sacred Tomb, and carved an inscription on the Wind-Moving Rock at Lingshan.



121. The 'Recognize the Oneness of Allah' plaque at the Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou.

Respectfully presented in the eighth month of the 11th year of the Republic of China.

Written by Tang Kesan, Superintendent of the Xiamen Customs, after ritual washing.



122. The 'Three Fears and Four Admonitions' plaque at the Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou.

An auspicious day in the latter part of the sixth month of the thirteenth year of the Republic of China.

Second-class Golden Grain Medal recipient, Intendant of the Jinan Circuit in Shandong, and former Superintendent of the Xiamen Customs, Tang Kesan respectfully wrote this.

The original plaque was destroyed between the 1960s and 1970s; this is a replica.



123. Fuzhou Mosque, 'Promoting the Holy Teachings'.

An auspicious day in the tenth month of the tenth year of the Republic of China.

Respectfully erected by Tang Kesan, Superintendent of Xiamen Customs.

After Tang Kesan became the Superintendent of Xiamen Customs in 1919, he worked hard to revive the faith in Fujian. He donated significant funds to the Fuzhou Mosque, Xiamen Mosque, and Quanzhou Qingjing Mosque. He also encouraged the descendants of local Fujian scripture readers to return to the faith and serve in the mosques.



124. Zhaoqing West Mosque, 'Always Remember the Lord's Grace'.

An auspicious day in mid-summer of the Wuxu year of the Daoguang reign.

Respectfully carved by Li Xianyang, acting Lieutenant Colonel of the Guangdong and Guangxi Governor's Front Battalion.



125. Zhaoqing West Mosque.

Why look for visible signs when in the five daily prayers, one feels as if Allah is truly present?

Do not say the traditions are distant, for within the thirty volumes of the Quran, the true teachings are found.

An auspicious day in the lucky month of the Jiaxu year of the Jiaqing reign.

Respectfully written by Vice Commander Liu Hu after washing his hands.



126. Zhaoqing East Mosque, 'The Only One'.

An auspicious day in the first month of autumn in the Yiwei year of the Qianlong reign.



127. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: 'The Emperor's Grace Lasts Forever'.

An auspicious day in the second month of the Wuyin year of the Kangxi reign.

Respectfully written by Gai Rixin, an imperial guard appointed by the Emperor, who was granted the status of Jinshi and promoted by one rank.



128. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: 'Rectify the Heart and Be Sincere'.

An auspicious day in the second month of the Wuyin year of the Kangxi reign.

Respectfully written by Tie Fanjin, a Jinshi degree holder and bachelor of the Hanlin Academy.



129. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: 'Great Mercy for the Whole World'.

An auspicious day in the second month of spring in the Wuyin year of the Kangxi reign.

Erected by Yang Guolin, a director of the Guangdong Department of the Ministry of Revenue, who was promoted by three ranks.



130. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: 'Utmost Sincerity Never Ceases'.

An auspicious day in the first month of autumn in the Xinchou year, the 60th year of the Kangxi reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Respectfully erected by Yan Guangwu, a deputy commander in charge of the Guangdong Chunjiang, Kaiping, Nafu, and Enping regions, who was awarded one merit record.



131. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: 'Follow the Past and Inspire the Future'.

Erected on an auspicious day in the first month of summer in the Jiaxu year, the 19th year of the Qianlong reign.

Respectfully inscribed by Li Xianxiang, an imperial guard and commander-in-chief of the Guizhou military, who served as the acting deputy commander of the Pingyuan garrison.



132. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: "Sharing in Allah's Blessings"

An auspicious day in the first month of winter, 26th year of the Daoguang reign.

Erected by the committee members together.



133. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: "Abundant Blessings from the Lord"

An auspicious day in the second month of spring, 6th year of the Tongzhi reign, year of Dingmao.

Erected by Bao Yingxiong, acting Guangzhou Brigade Commander, holding the rank of Assistant Brigade Commander and awarded the peacock feather.



134. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: "Grace Shines Upon All"

An auspicious day in the second month of winter, 26th year of the Guangxu reign, year of Gengzi.

Erected by Yang Shu, acting Guangdong Circuit Intendant for Gaozhou and Lianzhou, holding a second-rank button and awarded the peacock feather, and Yang Xun, a defense officer of the Plain Red Banner Han Army, holding a fourth-rank button and awarded the peacock feather.



135. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: "Merciful Clouds and Nourishing Rain"

An auspicious day in the middle of the first month of summer, 31st year of the Guangxu reign, year of Yisi.

Respectfully dedicated to celebrate the joy of Imam Ma.

Offered by the officials, gentry, elders, and committee members of the Lighthouse Mosque (Guangta Si).

Calligraphy by Yang Zeng.



136. Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou: "Carrying Forward the Past and Opening Up the Future"

National Day, 35th year of the Republic of China.

Erected respectfully by the first committee members and all the followers of the faith.



137. The 'Holy Path to the South' plaque at Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou.

Erected on an auspicious day in the winter of the 20th year of the Republic of China.

The venerable Sahaba Waqqas followed the Prophet's command to spread the faith in China. He left his mark in Guangzhou and built a tower that has stood for over a thousand years. All of us Muslims follow the ancient traditions and uphold the great principles of the Quran. We truly carry this path in the south and will never forget it for as long as we live.

Respectfully inscribed by Yang Mengling of Panyu, along with his sons Youfang, Guifang, Qunfang, Shifang, Yinfang, Lianfang, Qifang, and his grandsons Bingyi, Bingchang, Bingren, Bingshu, Bingquan, Bingtao, and Bingjun.



138. The 'Boundless Grace Bestowed' plaque at Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou.

An auspicious day in the first month of winter in the Dingwei year of the Guangxu reign.

Respectfully erected by follower Yuan Hongmo, his younger brother Hongquan, and his son Changzhen.



139. Arabic plaque at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

The second month of autumn in the first year of the Xuantong reign.

The members of the Tongxie Hall at Huaisheng Mosque.



140. Arabic plaque at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

An auspicious day in the first month of winter in the Gengxu year of the second year of the Xuantong reign.

Erected together by the members of the Guangta Heyi Hall.



141. 'Guard Our Pure Truth' plaque at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

An auspicious day in June, the fourth year of the Republic of China.

Since our ancestors from the West (Wanheshi) arrived in the East over a thousand years ago, we have followed our religious rules and never dared to break them. Recently, some young people have misunderstood the idea of freedom of belief, and their marriages and diets have started to ignore our religious rules. I fear that people's hearts are worsening and our holy faith is fading away. I have carefully chosen these four characters to write on the plaque as a reminder to our community. I hope everyone carefully follows the teachings of the scriptures and respects the examples set by our ancestors. If we do this, we will not be sinners against our people, and our faith will be fortunate.

Respectfully inscribed by Cai Chunheng from Wanbei, Major General of the Army, Director of the Guangdong Water Police Department, and recipient of the Third Class Order of the Golden Grain.



142. The plaque 'Zhengjue Xizong' at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

An auspicious day in the first month of summer, the tenth year of the Jiaqing reign (Yichou year).

Erected by Xu Wenmo, a hereditary brave official with the title of Admiral, Jiyong Baturu, and Commander of the land and water forces in the Gao, Lian, and Luo regions of Guangdong, who has received military honors twenty-two times.



143. The plaque 'Chanyang Shilai' at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

An auspicious day in March, the second year of the Republic of China.

Respectfully erected by Ma Bonian and others.

Respectfully written by Ma Yongkuan.



144. The plaque 'Kaitian Gujiao' at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

The first ten days of the second month of spring, the Jiazi year of the Republic of China.

Respectfully erected by the humble members of the faith.



145. The Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou, with the inscription 'The Law Extends to the Origin of Wonders' (Fa Chui Yuan Miao).

The sixth lunar month of the Xinsi year in the Guangxu reign.

Respectfully erected by Sha Jing of Qingyu Hall.



146. The Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

He was the first to spread the scriptures, a sign of returning to the truth, encompassing the profound meanings of the 140 ancient volumes.

He personally received the teachings to transform and educate, with great achievements and noble virtues, following in the footsteps of the 124,000 past saints.

Respectfully inscribed by Zhang Cheng, the Imperial-appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Youjiang Town in Guangxi, after ritual purification.

An auspicious day in the second month of spring in the Jisi year of the Jiaqing reign.





148. The Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou, with the inscription 'Looking Up to High Virtue' (Gao Feng Yang Zhi).

Respectfully erected on the Winter Solstice of the first year of the Yongzheng reign.



148. The Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

He spread the holy teachings in the southern lands, passed down through generations, strictly following the 30 volumes of sacred instructions.

He established a virtuous reputation in eastern Guangdong, standing tall and independent, admired by all for thousands of years as a model.

Built in the summer of the Jiawu year of the Guangxu reign.

Respectfully inscribed by Cai Jinzhang, the Imperial-granted Commander-in-Chief of the Guangdong Land Forces, titled Kengsenge Batulu.

149. The Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou, with the inscription 'Looking Afar to the Long Journey' (Chang Zhan Yuan Xing).

An auspicious day in the first month of autumn, in the Yiwei year of the Guangxu reign.

Respectfully erected by Xu Yingzhong, head of the Huaisheng Mosque, together with Ma Shikui of the Diegan Hall and others.



150. Ancient Tombs of the Worthies in Guangzhou.

Receiving the holy teachings in the West, the spiritual lineage has been passed down for fifty generations.

Upholding the heavenly scriptures in the East, the tradition remains for thousands of years.

An auspicious day in the second month of spring, in the Bingyin year, the eleventh year of the Jiaqing reign.

Respectfully written and composed by Hu Changqing from Guilin, a presented scholar (jinshi) by imperial decree, former bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, and official of the first rank.



Appreciating plaques and couplets from the faith (1-50 pieces).

Appreciating mosque plaques and couplets (51-100 pieces) view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: China Mosque Travel Guide: Hui Muslim Plaques, Couplets and Islamic Calligraphy (51-100) is presented here as a firsthand travel account in clear English, beginning with this scene: Tian Yongtong was a Hui Muslim general from Taiyuan, Shanxi. He became a military Jinshi scholar in the 28th year of the Qianlong reign and rose to the rank of Commander-in-Chief of Jiangnan. The account keeps its focus on Mosque Travel, Islamic Heritage, Muslim Travel while preserving the names, places, food, and historical details from the Chinese source.

51. The plaque 'Principles Rooted in Confucianism' (Li Guan Ru Zong) at Taiyuan Mosque.

Erected on a lucky day in the tenth month of the Yichou year, the tenth year of the Jiaqing reign.

Respectfully written by Tian Yongtong, a palace guard who earned the title of Jinshi scholar and served as the Brigade General of Nanyang, Henan.

Renovated by his great-great-grandson Zhenjing in the 31st year of the Republic of China.

Tian Yongtong was a Hui Muslim general from Taiyuan, Shanxi. He became a military Jinshi scholar in the 28th year of the Qianlong reign and rose to the rank of Commander-in-Chief of Jiangnan.



52. The plaque 'Extremely Brilliant' (Ji Gao Ming) at Taiyuan Mosque.

Respectfully presented by Zhang Jinglie from Yunnan, a palace guard and assistant regional commander in charge of the eastern route of Shanxi and the southern defense of Taiyuan city.

A lucky day in the ninth month of the Xinmao year, the 36th year of the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.



53. The plaque 'The Way is Known in Greatness' (Dao Jian Zhi Hong) at Taiyuan Mosque.

Reprinted by Chongde Lu in the eighth month of the seventh year of the Tongzhi reign.

Shao Yong.

Shao Yong was a philosopher and expert on the I Ching during the Northern Song Dynasty.



54. The plaque 'Only Virtue is Supported' (Wei De Shi Fu) at Taiyuan Mosque.

Respectfully erected by Duo Ding, a Juren scholar from the Dingmao year of the Qianlong reign and an instructor in Wanquan County.

Renovated by his clansman Chi in the eleventh month of the Dingwei year of the Daoguang reign.



55. The plaque 'The Teaching Exalts the True One' (Jiao Long Zhen Yi) at Taiyuan Mosque.

Respectfully inscribed by Ha Panfeng, Imperial Guard, Commander-in-Chief of Datong, Shanxi, appointed by imperial decree, with three recorded merits.

An auspicious day in the sixth lunar month of the 46th year of the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing Dynasty (1781).

Ha Panfeng was from Suning County, Hebei, and became a military jinshi scholar in the 16th year of the Qianlong reign.



56. Taiyuan Mosque: "Heaven's Mirror is Here"

Erected by Tian Qiao, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Wanshou Guisi year.

An auspicious day in the early tenth lunar month of the Jihai year of the Kangxi reign.



57. Taiyuan Mosque: "The Most Holy, Past and Present"

An auspicious day in the fifth lunar month of the Renchen year of the Daoguang reign.

Erected by Tian Shifa, a candidate for the position of Zhili Prefecture assistant magistrate.



58. Taiyuan Mosque: "Return to the Truth"

Erected by Tian Zongzhou, a jinshi scholar, serving as a captain in the Right Battalion of the Henan-Hebei Garrison and acting commander of the Left Battalion.

An auspicious day in the third month of autumn in the Xinyou year, the 6th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Great Qing Dynasty (1801).

59. Taiyuan Mosque: "Tranquility"

Li Guifang, Imperial Guard and Commander-in-Chief of Gaozhou, Guangdong, with a rank increase of three levels.

His son, a successful candidate in the Xinwei year imperial examinations and a lieutenant at Shahe Camp.

His grandson, Panlin, a military graduate of the Renzi year and a lieutenant at Lengquan Pass, waiting for promotion to major.

Imperial-bestowed Zhaowu General, hereditary Cloud Cavalry Lieutenant, and additional Grace Cavalry Lieutenant Pan Long.

Wuwu-year military graduate, commander of Zhuhu Fort, and expectant garrison commander Pan Feng.

A lucky day in the ninth lunar month of the Bingwu year of the Daoguang reign.

Respectfully erected by his great-grandson, a local government student (yixiangsheng) named He Ming.



60. Taiyuan Mosque: 'All things return to the truth'.

Erected in the eighth lunar month of the second year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Respectfully erected by the imperial-titled Zhenwu General Tian Shixing, along with his son Weirong and grandsons Shaoshu, Shaoyi, and Shaoli.



61. Taiyuan Mosque: 'The body is in the same place as others'.

Seal of Huang Daozhou.

Huang Daozhou was a famous scholar, calligrapher, and painter at the end of the Ming Dynasty.



62. Taiyuan Mosque: 'Universal now, unique later'.

Respectfully erected by Li Hechun, a successful candidate in the Shuntian Bingzi provincial examination and magistrate of Tianzhen County, Datong Prefecture.

A lucky day in the eleventh lunar month of the Jihai year, the nineteenth year of the Daoguang reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.



63. Taiyuan Mosque: 'The great potter of all things'.

Erected by Tian Li, a presented scholar (jinshi) who was specially appointed as a military official (dusi) at the Yulin City garrison in the Shaanxi Yanjing region, with a two-grade promotion and two recorded merits.

Erected on a lucky day in the autumn, the ninth lunar month of the Yichou year, the tenth year of the Qianlong reign.



64. Taiyuan Mosque's "Ancient Religion from the Beginning of Heaven"

Jin Guozheng, Regional Commander and Assistant Commissioner-in-Chief in charge of Taiyuan, Shanxi and other areas

An auspicious day in the second month of autumn, the Yiwei year of the Kangxi reign

Jin Guozheng was from Tongxin, Ningxia. He was a famous Hui Muslim general during the Qing Dynasty. During the Kangxi reign, he served as the Regional Commander of Datong, Shanxi, the Regional Commander of Taiyuan Prefecture, and the Provincial Commander of Guyuan.



65. Taiyuan Mosque's "The Sound of Chanting Cannot Reach the Depth of Feeling"

Erected by Li Ximo in the tenth year of the Xianfeng reign

Calligraphy by Fang Xiaoru

Fang Xiaoru was a famous scholar, writer, and thinker of the Ming Dynasty.



66. Datong Mosque's "Ten Thousand Transformations Bow to the Truth"

An auspicious day in the eighth month, the Guihai year of the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing



67. Duolun Middle Mosque, Inner Mongolia

Do not be greedy for this life, only for the afterlife; let the way of heaven and the way of man return to the true religion

Strictly keep to the righteous path, avoid what is improper, let the heart be happy and the body be at peace, and recognize the One

Respectfully presented in the eighth month of the twenty-fourth year of the Jiaqing reign



68. Duolun Middle Mosque, Inner Mongolia's "Blessings Protect the One Truth"

An auspicious day in the fifth month of the ninth year of the Xianfeng reign of the Great Qing

Respectfully inscribed by Zheng Kuishi, Imperial Commissioner overseeing Ningguo military affairs, Commander-in-Chief of Zhejiang Province, supervisor of all land and naval garrisons, and holder of the title Jianwei General, Shalama Gai Batulu.

Zheng Kuishi was a famous general in the late Qing Dynasty and a Hui Muslim from Wanquan, Zhangjiakou, Hebei. He fought the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the Nian Army for many years. He was the first to break through Luzhou and was wounded over twenty times in Huaiyuan, nearly losing his life, which earned him great praise from the imperial court. When Zheng Kuishi inscribed the plaque for Duolun in the ninth year of the Xianfeng reign, he was serving as the Zhejiang Commander-in-Chief and overseeing Ningguo military affairs, which was the highest rank of his career. In a memorial to the throne, Li Hongzhang highly praised Zheng Kuishi, saying he was "hardworking, resolute, and peerlessly brave... he was the first to face the enemy's sharp edge, braving death, and was severely wounded eight or nine times. His body was covered in scars, and among all the famous generals north and south of the Yangtze River at the time, everyone considered Kuishi the best."



69. "Ancient Islamic Teachings" (Qingzhen Gujiao) at the Middle Mosque (Zhongsi) in Duolun, Inner Mongolia.

Respectfully presented by Song Rui, specially appointed Commander of the Duolun Garrison and recipient of the imperial peacock feather.

An auspicious day in the sixth lunar month of the Yi-Hai year, the first year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.



70. "Benevolent Wind Spreads Everywhere" (Renfeng Pubei) at the Middle Mosque (Zhongsi) in Duolun, Inner Mongolia.

Presented by Lord Zhu Dezheng, holder of the fourth-rank title and peacock feather, acting administrator of the Duolun Nuo'er Civil Administration Office.

Respectfully presented by Hui Muslim community leaders Shan Yunxing, village elder Ma Wanxing, and others in the first month of summer, the thirty-first year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.



71. "Universal Mercy for the Present World" (Puci Jinshi) at the Middle Mosque (Zhongsi) in Duolun, Inner Mongolia.

An auspicious day in the seventh lunar month of the eighth year of the Republic of China.

Managed by the public.



72. "Unique Mercy for the Future World" (Duci Houshi) at the Middle Mosque (Zhongsi) in Duolun, Inner Mongolia.

An auspicious day in the seventh lunar month of the eighth year of the Republic of China.

Managed by the public.



73. Inner Mongolia Chasuqi Mosque (Chasuqi Si)

An auspicious day in the 47th year of the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing Dynasty



74. Baotou Great Mosque (Baotou Dasi) plaque "Guqiu"

An auspicious day in the third lunar month of the Jiawu year of the Daoguang reign of the Great Qing Dynasty

Inscribed by community leaders Wang Daxing and Bai Kede



75. Baotou Great Mosque plaque "Xianyang Zhengjiao"

An auspicious day in the eighth month of the second year of the Republic of China

Respectfully inscribed by Ma Fuxiang, Altay Garrison Commander, Army Lieutenant General, and Commander of the Gansu Zhaowu Patrol and Ningxia forces



76. Kaifeng Zhuxian Town North Mosque plaque "Zhenyi Huanzhen"

Inscribed by Yulu, First Rank official, Minister of War, Censor-in-Chief of the Left, and Viceroy of Huguang

Erected by Wu Dengshun and Yu Qinghe on an auspicious day in the first month of winter in the Wuzi year of the Guangxu reign



77. Kaifeng Zhuxian Town North Mosque plaque "Zhijiao Zhenyuan"

Inscribed by Zhu Yulu, Imperial Scholar and Governor of Henan

Erected on an auspicious day in the Dinghai year of the 30th year of the Qianlong reign



78. Kaifeng Zhuxian Town North Mosque plaque "Keshou Qingzhen"

Erected on an auspicious day in the first ten days of spring in the first year of the Xianfeng reign by the Zhu Town community.

Respectfully inscribed by Sha Lütai, a candidate for county magistrate in Henan.



79. The 'Knowing Before the Rain' plaque at the North Mosque in Zhuxian Town, Kaifeng.

Bestowed by imperial decree in the summer of the 50th year of the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Inscribed by Ji Yun, Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy.

Re-inscribed by Niu Guangfu, Honorary Dean of the Kaifeng Calligraphy and Painting Academy.

Re-erected in the ninth lunar month of 1988.

The original plaque was destroyed after 1966. Legend has it that in the summer of the 50th year of the Qianlong reign (1785), Emperor Qianlong toured the south with Ji Xiaolan. On their return, they stayed at the North Mosque in Zhuxian Town. It was a hot, sunny day in the seventh lunar month. When Emperor Qianlong left, the mosque's Imam Sai gave Ji Xiaolan a bamboo hat, a fox-fur coat, and rain gear. Ji Xiaolan did not understand why, but Imam Sai said they would surely be useful. As Emperor Qianlong’s party traveled north by boat along the grain transport canal, they had gone only about 20 li when a fierce storm broke out with thunder and rain. The temperature dropped suddenly, and Ji Xiaolan quickly draped the fox-fur coat the Imam had given him over the Emperor. Ji Xiaolan made a special trip back to the North Mosque in Zhuxian Town to ask Imam Sai how he had predicted the storm. The Imam said, 'Last night there was a lunar halo, and today the base of the stone pillar behind the mosque gate was damp. A lunar halo means wind, and damp stone bases mean rain. With both, there was bound to be heavy rain and hail.' After hearing this, Ji Xiaolan wrote the four large characters 'Knowing Before the Rain' (weiyu xianzhi), which were later made into a plaque and hung on the mosque gate.



80. The 'Shanyitang Mosque' in Kaifeng.

The second month of spring in the ninth year of the Guangxu reign.



81. Zhengzhou North Mosque: 'Blessings for All People'.

The virtuous governance of Imam (ahong) Mu of Yatang.

Inscribed by Ye Xiangmei.

An auspicious day in the eighth lunar month of the twenty-third year of the Republic of China.

The local community set up this plaque for Imam Mu Wenxiu. Legend says Imam Mu was invited to Yangqiaotan Township near the Yellow River in the northern suburbs of Zhengzhou to offer dua for rain and end a drought. After his dua, a soaking rain fell, providing enough water to end the drought. Imam Mu and others walked there under the hot sun and returned in the rain. The people were very grateful and presented this plaque to show their appreciation.



82. Zhengzhou North Mosque: 'The True Faith Flourishes'.

Presented by Yang Qizhen, Imperial Commissioner for Taiwan Military Affairs, First Rank Official, Minister-ranked Fujian Naval Admiral, and Hereditary Cloud-riding Lieutenant (yunqiwei) Peiling Abatur.

Presented by Hami Prince Hedile, Imperial Guard, permitted to ride a horse in the Forbidden City, recipient of the Imperial Yellow Jacket and the three-eyed peacock feather.

Presented by Yang Lianzhen, Commander of the Ten Fujian Battalions, expectant Brigade General (canjiang), recipient of the peacock feather, and three-time record holder for merit.

An auspicious day on the first day of the first lunar month in the twenty-first year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Yang Qizhen was a Hui Muslim from Huainan, Anhui, and a patriotic general in the late Qing Dynasty. In 1885, he led his troops to fight against French warships. He became the Admiral of the Fujian Navy in 1892 and built a mosque in Xiamen. In 1895, he passed through Zhengzhou and wrote a plaque for the North Mosque (Beidasi).



83. The 'His Majesty Has No Equal' plaque at the Zhengzhou North Mosque.

Inscribed by Ma Fuxiang, specially appointed Army General, General Xiangwu, and Military Governor of Suiyuan.

A lucky day in the middle of the seventh lunar month, the 13th year of the Republic of China.



84. Arabic plaque at the Zhengzhou North Mosque.

A lucky day in the sixth lunar month, the 14th year of the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Erected by Ai Zhijing, a follower of the Islamic faith.



85. The 'Truth Discusses the Three Worlds' plaque at the Zhengzhou North Mosque.

The 13th year of the Guangxu reign.

The World of Truth (the unseen world), the World of Form (the material world, the present life), and the World of Reality (the afterlife) are unified and inseparable. The World of Truth explores the origin of creation, the World of Form is the material reality we see, and the afterlife explores our future destination.



86. The 'Mosque' plaque at the Taicheng Mosque in Tai'an.

Erected on a day in the first lunar month of the Jiwei year, the Wanli reign of the Great Ming Dynasty.



87. Arabic plaque at the Zhenjiao Mosque in Qingzhou.

In the 12th year of the Yongzheng reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Rebuilt in the Jiayin year during the month of Qin.



88. Jinan North Mosque: 'Recognize the Oneness of Allah'.

Respectfully erected in the eighth month of the eleventh year of the Republic of China.

Written by Tang Kesan, Superintendent of the Xiamen Customs, after ritual washing.



89. Jinan North Mosque: 'Three Fears and Four Admonitions'.

An auspicious day in the latter part of the sixth month of the thirteenth year of the Republic of China.

Respectfully written by Tang Kesan, holder of the Second Class Order of the Golden Grain, former Daoyin of the Jinan Circuit in Shandong, and former Superintendent of the Xiamen Customs.

Tang Kesan was a Hui Muslim from Zoucheng, Shandong. He was a famous social activist during the Republic of China era. He served as the Shandong negotiator for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, director of the Shandong Epidemic Prevention Office, Superintendent of the Xiamen Customs, director of the Shandong Provincial Road Administration, and Daoyin of the Jinan West Circuit. He served as principal of Chengda Normal School, founded the 'Yuehua' magazine, helped establish the Chinese Islamic Progress Association, and organized and led the Hui Muslim movement to resist Japan and save the nation. He made great contributions to the faith.



90. Jinan Nanguan Mosque: 'Mosque'.

Built and renovated in the eighth year of the Xianfeng reign.



91. Linqing North Mosque: 'Sincere Intentions and Upright Heart'.

Erected by Li Ying, a nominated and appointed brave Baturu (a title of honor) of the Dengzhou General Military Office.

An auspicious day in the middle winter month of the Yiyou year, the eleventh year of the Guangxu reign.



92. Linqing North Mosque: 'The Proper Order of Human Relationships'.

An auspicious day in the first month of autumn in the Dingji year, the second year of the Qianlong reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Yang Jing, the Vice Regional Commander of Linqing and surrounding areas.



93. Linqing North Mosque, the "Pure and True Mosque" (Qingzhen Libaisi).

The first month of spring in the Jiajing year of Jiazi.



94. Linqing East Mosque, the "Mosque" (Libaisi).

Built in the second month of spring in the Yiyou year, the first year of the Chenghua reign.

Renovated on an auspicious day in the last month of summer in the Wanli year of Guiwei.

Renovated on an auspicious day in the second month of summer in the Shunzhi year of Jiwei.



95. Liaocheng East Mosque, "Benefits Shared Equally" (Lize Junzhan).

An auspicious day in the second month of spring in the Gengwu year of the Jiaqing reign of the Great Qing.

Disciples from Shanxi and Hebei.



96. Wuhu Mosque, "Ancient Faith That Opened the Heavens" (Kaitian Gujiao).

An auspicious day in the twenty-third year of the Republic of China.

Respectfully presented by fellow Muslims.



97. Xi'an Huajue Lane Great Mosque, "Encompassing the Universe" (Baoluo Yuzhou).

Respectfully erected by Sha Diankui, the imperial-appointed Blue Feather-wearing Major of the Shaanxi Governor's Left Battalion.

Written by Shi Zhongyu of Pinyang during the middle ten days of the sixth month of summer in the Daoguang year of Gengzi.



98. The Imperial Mosque (Chici Libaisi) at Huajue Lane in Xi'an.

Calligraphy by Dong Qichang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

Erected on an auspicious day in the first month of summer in the Tianqi era.

Dong Qichang was a calligrapher and painter during the Ming Dynasty.



99. The plaque 'Lineage from the Holy Land' (Pai Yan Tian Fang) at the Huajue Lane Mosque in Xi'an.

The Imperial Seal of Empress Dowager Cixi.

Legend says that when the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded in 1900, Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu fled to Xi'an. On the day they returned to the capital the following year, she wrote the inscription for this famous mosque. Tang Mianzhu, the former provincial judge, handled the delivery. The streets were packed with people watching the plaque being delivered, making it a very lively event.



100. The Huajue Lane Mosque in Xi'an.

The spider web remained intact, and the pigeons called out.

The message reached the warhorse, and the deer was released again.

Mid-Autumn Festival, the year of Guimao in the Guangxu reign.

Calligraphy by Wenti, a former compiler at the Hanlin Academy and Prefect of Kaifeng, Henan.

The Prophet was pursued by the Quraish tribe and hid in the Cave of Thawr with Abu Bakr.

The enemies reached the cave entrance and saw the spider web was unbroken.

They thought no one was inside and left.

The pursuers were still suspicious and threw stones to test the cave, causing two turtledoves (hu ge) to fly out.

The enemy saw the birds were not startled, so they were sure no one was there and the threat of war disappeared.

Companions of the Prophet, warhorses delivering messages, battles, and treaties.

A non-believer caught a live deer and said to the Prophet, If you can make this deer speak, I will convert. The Prophet guaranteed the deer would be released to nurse its young and promised it would return. The deer returned on time.

The non-believer was amazed and converted to the faith.

Wenti was from the Manchu Plain Yellow Banner, of the Guwalgiya clan, and a calligrapher in the late Qing Dynasty.





Appreciating plaques and couplets from the faith (1-50 pieces). view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This article shares 106 different visual styles for writing the Tasmiya, the phrase used by Muslims before beginning an act in the name of Allah. The English version preserves the source order, labels, and images while keeping the text simple and direct.

Happy Eid al-Fitr. I am sharing 106 styles of the Basmala that I have photographed before.

Jiangsu

Plaque at Jingjue Mosque in Nanjing



Plaque at Shanxiang Mosque in Zhenjiang



Brick carving at Shanxiang Mosque in Zhenjiang



Stele head at Gurun Mosque in Zhenjiang (formerly located at Siyaowo outside the South Gate of Zhenjiang)



Henan

Brick carving at the women's school of Dongda Mosque in Kaifeng



Plaque at Dongda Mosque in Kaifeng



Plaque at Beida Mosque in Zhengzhou, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Beida Mosque in Zhengzhou, Henan



Plaque at Xiguan Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Wood carving at Xiguan Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Beida Mosque in Qinyang, Henan



Stele head at Beida Mosque in Qinyang, Henan



Plaque at Erxianmiao Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Erxianmiao Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Wood carving at the West Mosque in Daxinzhuang, Bo'ai, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Dongda Mosque in Daxinzhuang, Bo'ai, Henan



Shandong

Brick carving at Dangdong Mosque in Jinan, Shandong



Minbar wood carving at Dangdong Mosque in Jinan, Shandong



Niche (yaowo) at the West Mosque in Liaocheng, Shandong



Calligraphy at the East Mosque in Linqing, Shandong.



Wood carvings at the North Mosque in Linqing, Shandong.



Brick carvings at the North Mosque in Linqing, Shandong.



Stele head at the South Great Mosque in Jinan, Shandong.



Stele head at the South Great Mosque in Jinan, Shandong.







Calligraphy at the South Great Mosque in Jinan, Shandong.



Brick carvings at the Taicheng Mosque in Tai'an, Shandong.



Kiln pit (yaowo) at the Taicheng Mosque in Tai'an, Shandong.



Beijing.

Plaque at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing.



Glazed tiles (liuli) at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Dongsi Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Shahe Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Xiguanshi Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Dewai Fayuan Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Funei Zhengyuan Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Xihui Mosque in Beijing.



Tianjin.

Plaque at the Yangcun North Great Mosque in Wuqing, Tianjin.



Plaque at the East Great Mosque in Tianjin.



Plaque at the North Mosque (Beidasi) in Tianmu, Tianjin



Hebei.

Plaque at the Zhuozhou Mosque in Hebei.



Plaque at the Zhuozhou Mosque in Hebei.



Sichuan

Plaque at the mosque in Langzhong, Sichuan



Stele head at the Shanghe Street Mosque in Guangyuan, Sichuan



Stele head at the Shanghe Street Mosque in Guangyuan, Sichuan



Kiln site at the Ma Family Mosque in Yankou, Wusheng, Sichuan



Kiln site at the West Mosque in Xichang, Sichuan



Shaanxi

Plaque at the Shuhe Mosque in Shaanxi



Stele head at the Shuhe Mosque in Shaanxi



Stele head at the Shuhe Mosque in Shaanxi



Calligraphy at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the North Mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Calligraphy plaque by Imam Ma Qianyi at the Great Mosque on Huajue Lane in Xi'an, Shaanxi



Kiln site at the Nancheng Mosque in Xi'an, Shaanxi



Stele head at the Xiaopiyuan Mosque in Xi'an



Plaque at the Great Mosque on Huajue Lane in Xi'an



Liaoning

Plaque at the mosque in Lingyuan, Liaoning



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Kaiyuan, Liaoning



Plaque at the mosque in Beizhen, Jinzhou, Liaoning



Plaque at the mosque in Dalian, Liaoning



Calligraphy at Fengcheng Mosque in Dandong, Liaoning



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Xinmin Mosque in Shenyang, Liaoning



Plaque at Xinmin Mosque in Shenyang, Liaoning



Jilin

Plaque at Changtong Road Mosque in Changchun, Jilin



Heilongjiang

Brick carving at Bukui Mosque in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang





Restaurant entrance in Harbin, Heilongjiang



Plaque at Acheng Mosque in Harbin, Heilongjiang



Macau

Wood carving at the mosque in Macau



Guangdong

Stele head at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou



Stele head at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou



Stele head at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou



Plaque at Haopan Mosque in Guangzhou



Stone pillar at Chengxi Mosque in Zhaoqing, Guangdong



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Chengdong Mosque in Zhaoqing, Guangdong



Yunnan

Kiln niche (yaowo) at Shang Mosque in Yangbi, Dali, Yunnan



Calligraphy in the main hall of the Ma Ruqi courtyard in Donglianhua Village, Weishan, Dali, Yunnan



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Donglianhua Mosque in Weishan, Dali, Yunnan



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Fengyi Mosque in Dali, Yunnan



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Binchuan Mosque in Dali, Yunnan



Inner Mongolia

Stele head at the North Mosque (Beidasi) in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia



Singapore

Calligraphy by Chen Jinhui in the collection of the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore



Zhejiang

Mosque kiln niche (yaowo) in Lishui, Zhejiang





Fujian

Main gate of the Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou



Stone carvings at the Ding Family Ancestral Hall in Chendai, Quanzhou



Wood carving of an auspicious bird from the Ding family of Chendai, held at the Quanzhou Maritime Museum



Tombstone of the 'Master Huang and the Hundred Clans' from Quanzhou, held at the Fujian Museum; the person buried died in 1315



Song and Yuan dynasty tomb roof stone at the Lingshan Holy Tomb in Quanzhou



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the collection of the Quanzhou Maritime Museum



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the Quanzhou Maritime Museum for Shams al-Din ibn Nur al-Din ibn Ishaq al-Shahristani, who died in 1325 and came from Shahristan, Iran



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the Quanzhou Maritime Museum for Fatima bint Naina, who died in 1306



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the Quanzhou Maritime Museum for Mansur ibn Haji Qasim Jajermi, who died in 1277 and came from Jajarm in the North Khorasan province of Iran



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the collection of the Quanzhou Maritime Museum



Song and Yuan dynasty tomb roof stone in the collection of the Quanzhou Maritime Museum





Quanzhou Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the collection of the Xiamen University Anthropology Museum



Quanzhou Song and Yuan dynasty tomb roof stone in the collection of the Xiamen University Anthropology Museum



Gansu

Mosque kiln niche (yaowo) in Qinan, Gansu



Xinjiang

Wood carvings on the door panels of the Shaanxi Grand Mosque in Urumqi



Thailand

Yao Wo at the Jingzhen Mosque in Chiang Mai, Thailand



Wanyang Restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: This article shares 106 different visual styles for writing the Tasmiya, the phrase used by Muslims before beginning an act in the name of Allah. The English version preserves the source order, labels, and images while keeping the text simple and direct.

Happy Eid al-Fitr. I am sharing 106 styles of the Basmala that I have photographed before.

Jiangsu

Plaque at Jingjue Mosque in Nanjing



Plaque at Shanxiang Mosque in Zhenjiang



Brick carving at Shanxiang Mosque in Zhenjiang



Stele head at Gurun Mosque in Zhenjiang (formerly located at Siyaowo outside the South Gate of Zhenjiang)



Henan

Brick carving at the women's school of Dongda Mosque in Kaifeng



Plaque at Dongda Mosque in Kaifeng



Plaque at Beida Mosque in Zhengzhou, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Beida Mosque in Zhengzhou, Henan



Plaque at Xiguan Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Wood carving at Xiguan Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Beida Mosque in Qinyang, Henan



Stele head at Beida Mosque in Qinyang, Henan



Plaque at Erxianmiao Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Erxianmiao Mosque in Bo'ai, Henan



Wood carving at the West Mosque in Daxinzhuang, Bo'ai, Henan



Niche (yaowo) at Dongda Mosque in Daxinzhuang, Bo'ai, Henan



Shandong

Brick carving at Dangdong Mosque in Jinan, Shandong



Minbar wood carving at Dangdong Mosque in Jinan, Shandong



Niche (yaowo) at the West Mosque in Liaocheng, Shandong



Calligraphy at the East Mosque in Linqing, Shandong.



Wood carvings at the North Mosque in Linqing, Shandong.



Brick carvings at the North Mosque in Linqing, Shandong.



Stele head at the South Great Mosque in Jinan, Shandong.



Stele head at the South Great Mosque in Jinan, Shandong.







Calligraphy at the South Great Mosque in Jinan, Shandong.



Brick carvings at the Taicheng Mosque in Tai'an, Shandong.



Kiln pit (yaowo) at the Taicheng Mosque in Tai'an, Shandong.



Beijing.

Plaque at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing.



Glazed tiles (liuli) at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Dongsi Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Shahe Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Xiguanshi Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Dewai Fayuan Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Funei Zhengyuan Mosque in Beijing.



Plaque at the Xihui Mosque in Beijing.



Tianjin.

Plaque at the Yangcun North Great Mosque in Wuqing, Tianjin.



Plaque at the East Great Mosque in Tianjin.



Plaque at the North Mosque (Beidasi) in Tianmu, Tianjin



Hebei.

Plaque at the Zhuozhou Mosque in Hebei.



Plaque at the Zhuozhou Mosque in Hebei.



Sichuan

Plaque at the mosque in Langzhong, Sichuan



Stele head at the Shanghe Street Mosque in Guangyuan, Sichuan



Stele head at the Shanghe Street Mosque in Guangyuan, Sichuan



Kiln site at the Ma Family Mosque in Yankou, Wusheng, Sichuan



Kiln site at the West Mosque in Xichang, Sichuan



Shaanxi

Plaque at the Shuhe Mosque in Shaanxi



Stele head at the Shuhe Mosque in Shaanxi



Stele head at the Shuhe Mosque in Shaanxi



Calligraphy at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Stele head at the North Mosque in Ankang, Shaanxi



Calligraphy plaque by Imam Ma Qianyi at the Great Mosque on Huajue Lane in Xi'an, Shaanxi



Kiln site at the Nancheng Mosque in Xi'an, Shaanxi



Stele head at the Xiaopiyuan Mosque in Xi'an



Plaque at the Great Mosque on Huajue Lane in Xi'an



Liaoning

Plaque at the mosque in Lingyuan, Liaoning



Stele head at the ancient mosque in Kaiyuan, Liaoning



Plaque at the mosque in Beizhen, Jinzhou, Liaoning



Plaque at the mosque in Dalian, Liaoning



Calligraphy at Fengcheng Mosque in Dandong, Liaoning



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Xinmin Mosque in Shenyang, Liaoning



Plaque at Xinmin Mosque in Shenyang, Liaoning



Jilin

Plaque at Changtong Road Mosque in Changchun, Jilin



Heilongjiang

Brick carving at Bukui Mosque in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang





Restaurant entrance in Harbin, Heilongjiang



Plaque at Acheng Mosque in Harbin, Heilongjiang



Macau

Wood carving at the mosque in Macau



Guangdong

Stele head at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou



Stele head at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou



Stele head at the Ancient Tomb of the Worthies in Guangzhou



Plaque at Haopan Mosque in Guangzhou



Stone pillar at Chengxi Mosque in Zhaoqing, Guangdong



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Chengdong Mosque in Zhaoqing, Guangdong



Yunnan

Kiln niche (yaowo) at Shang Mosque in Yangbi, Dali, Yunnan



Calligraphy in the main hall of the Ma Ruqi courtyard in Donglianhua Village, Weishan, Dali, Yunnan



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Donglianhua Mosque in Weishan, Dali, Yunnan



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Fengyi Mosque in Dali, Yunnan



Kiln niche (yaowo) at Binchuan Mosque in Dali, Yunnan



Inner Mongolia

Stele head at the North Mosque (Beidasi) in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia



Singapore

Calligraphy by Chen Jinhui in the collection of the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore



Zhejiang

Mosque kiln niche (yaowo) in Lishui, Zhejiang





Fujian

Main gate of the Qingjing Mosque in Quanzhou



Stone carvings at the Ding Family Ancestral Hall in Chendai, Quanzhou



Wood carving of an auspicious bird from the Ding family of Chendai, held at the Quanzhou Maritime Museum



Tombstone of the 'Master Huang and the Hundred Clans' from Quanzhou, held at the Fujian Museum; the person buried died in 1315



Song and Yuan dynasty tomb roof stone at the Lingshan Holy Tomb in Quanzhou



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the collection of the Quanzhou Maritime Museum



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the Quanzhou Maritime Museum for Shams al-Din ibn Nur al-Din ibn Ishaq al-Shahristani, who died in 1325 and came from Shahristan, Iran



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the Quanzhou Maritime Museum for Fatima bint Naina, who died in 1306



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the Quanzhou Maritime Museum for Mansur ibn Haji Qasim Jajermi, who died in 1277 and came from Jajarm in the North Khorasan province of Iran



Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the collection of the Quanzhou Maritime Museum



Song and Yuan dynasty tomb roof stone in the collection of the Quanzhou Maritime Museum





Quanzhou Song and Yuan dynasty tombstone in the collection of the Xiamen University Anthropology Museum



Quanzhou Song and Yuan dynasty tomb roof stone in the collection of the Xiamen University Anthropology Museum



Gansu

Mosque kiln niche (yaowo) in Qinan, Gansu



Xinjiang

Wood carvings on the door panels of the Shaanxi Grand Mosque in Urumqi



Thailand

Yao Wo at the Jingzhen Mosque in Chiang Mai, Thailand



Wanyang Restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand view all

Reposted from the web

Summary: Mosque Plaques and Couplets - 50 Pieces of Muslim Calligraphy is presented as a clear English travel account for readers interested in Muslim life, halal food, mosques, and local history. The article keeps the original names, food details, photographs, and cultural context while focusing on Mosque Plaques, Islamic Calligraphy, Muslim Heritage.

1. The 'Innate Wonderful Truth' (Xiantian Miaoli) plaque at Acheng Mosque in Harbin.

Commissioner of the Prefectural Audit Office, awarded the fourth-rank blue feather, candidate for the position of sub-prefect.

An auspicious day in the ninth lunar month of the Guihai year, the second year of the Tongzhi reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

This plaque was found in 2006 while repairing the floor of the main hall at Acheng Mosque. Unfortunately, the top and bottom parts of the plaque are missing, so the name of the person who donated it is gone. During the Tongzhi reign, a Manchu Bordered White Banner official named De Kejing'a served as the official for the Alechuka region. It is guessed that he may have donated this plaque.



2. The 'Western Regions Sect Style' (Xiyu Zongfeng) plaque at Acheng Mosque in Harbin.

Deying, imperial appointee, former acting Jilin General, former Alechuka garrison commander, Heilongjiang General, appointed Jilin Deputy Lieutenant-General, awarded the peacock feather for military merit, promoted by one rank, and recorded once for merit.

An auspicious day in the sixth lunar month of the Gengwu year, the ninth year of the Tongzhi reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Deying was a member of the Mongol Bordered White Banner in Jilin. He became the deputy lieutenant-general of Acheng (Alechuka) in 1864. Later, he served as the military governor of Jilin and then Heilongjiang. He was highly respected by the people, who called him 'Justice De'.



3. The 'Jiaolong Yuzhou' plaque at the Acheng Mosque in Harbin.

Haguang Hejing, a hereditary cavalry captain and commander of the Jisheng Battalion, who held the rank of brigade general and was in charge of Jilin military affairs.

Erected in the second month of the fourth year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty.



4. The 'Wangu Qingzhen' plaque at the Acheng Mosque in Harbin.

Gadai, a decorated deputy lieutenant-general appointed by the Emperor to guard Acheng (Alechuka) and Lalin.

Erected in the fourth month of the Wuxu year of the Guangxu reign.

Gadai was a member of the Manchu Plain White Banner. He became the deputy lieutenant-general of Acheng (Alechuka) in 1897. He served for one year, presented a plaque to the Acheng Mosque before leaving, and was then transferred to Jinzhou.



5. Acheng Mosque in Harbin: "Great Insight to be Gained"

Respectfully presented by Wang Hongnian, who held the rank of Jianren, served as the Quartermaster for the Deputy Commander of the Northeast Frontier Defense Force stationed in Jilin, and was the Deputy Director of the Jilin Army Clothing Factory, recipient of the Fourth Class Order of the Tiger.

An auspicious day in the sixth lunar month of the 18th year of the Republic of China.

Wang Hongnian was a Hui Muslim army general who served under Zhang Xueliang in the Northeast Frontier Defense Force in 1929. People say the day the plaque was delivered was a grand and lively event. An honor guard from the Jilin Third Normal School escorted it with loud music and drums, and Acheng County Magistrate Bai Hongkui also took part in the ceremony.



6. Acheng Mosque in Harbin:

Craftsmanship like the master builder Gongshu brings joy to this place, with the holy path kept in the heart for three years.

A name recorded in history books praises the halal faith, and after a hundred years, those who walk this ground remember the person.

This was donated by Sun Yulin, a carpenter from Wula Street in Jilin who helped build the mosque, when the Acheng Mosque was rebuilt and finished in 1900.



7. Shenyang South Mosque: "Ancient Teachings of Islam" (Guxun Qingzhen)

The sixth lunar month of the 15th year of the Qianlong reign.

Respectfully erected by Prince Heshuo Zhuang, Mianke.



8. Shenyang Xinmin Mosque: "Correct Yourself to Correct Others" (Zhengji Zhengren)

Respectfully erected on an auspicious day in the seventh lunar month of the 9th year of the Guangxu reign.

Liu Dianyuan, holding the rank of Blue Feather Guard and the position of First Captain.



9. Shenyang Xinmin Mosque: "The One and Only for All Eternity" (Wangu Duyi)

Zhang Delu, Wuxian General, decorated with peacock feathers, waiting for a post as a prefect in Zhili.

Ha Zhongguang, holding the rank of assistant general, decorated with peacock feathers, hereditary Enqiwei (a minor noble title), waiting for a post as a department magistrate in Zhili.

Ma Shaochun, holding the fifth-rank title, decorated with blue feathers, waiting for a post as a district magistrate.

The twelfth year of the Tongzhi reign, the year of Guiyou, in the autumn.



10. The plaque reading "Only Pure, Only One" at Xinmin Mosque in Shenyang.

Respectfully erected on an auspicious day in the seventh lunar month of the 9th year of the Guangxu reign.

Ding Chunxi, holding the rank of assistant general, serving as a guerrilla general, and honored with the title Zhangyong Baturu.



11. The plaque reading "Sincere Intentions and Respectful Heart" at Xinmin Mosque in Shenyang.

Zuo Baogui, Commander of the Fengtian Military Wing, leader of the central, front, and right battalions of infantry and cavalry, and nominated Admiral with the title Menkengse Baturu.

Respectfully erected by hand in the first ten days of the seventh lunar month in the ninth year of the Guangxu reign.

Zuo Baogui was a famous general and anti-Japanese hero in the late Qing Dynasty. He led troops stationed in Fengtian in 1875 (the first year of the Guangxu reign) and began commanding the Fengtian Army in 1880 (the fifth year of the Guangxu reign). Zuo Baogui was stationed in Fengtian for twenty years. During this time, he was devoted to his faith, valued public welfare and education, donated to build many mosques, established several charity schools and porridge kitchens, and wrote plaques for many mosques.



12. Kaiyuan Old City Mosque: 'Allah is One' (Zhenzhu Duyi).

Because the inscriptions are unclear, we welcome friends (dost) to leave comments with their interpretations.







13. Dalian Fuzhou Mosque: 'Return to Simplicity and Truth' (Huanpu Guizhen).

An auspicious day in the first month of winter in the Dingyou year of the Guangxu reign.

Respectfully erected by Wang Tingxiang, who holds the third-rank title, is permitted to wear the peacock feather, serves as the Censor of the Jiangnan Circuit, inspects the Ministry of Revenue, formerly served as the Provincial Education Commissioner of Shanxi, and is a compiler in the Hanlin Academy with a three-grade promotion.



14. Xinlitun Mosque in Jinzhou

Transforming people and things, he is the source of all transformation.

Giving life to heaven and earth, he is the source of all life.



15. Xinlitun Mosque in Jinzhou.

The light that gives life to heaven, earth, people, and all creatures; there is no other master for all living things.

From saints and sages to emperors and kings, all acknowledge the one supreme creator.



16. The Way of Heaven's Mandate at Beizhen Mosque in Jinzhou.

General Zuo Baogui of Wuwei from Fei County, Shandong, dedicated this to the Guangning County mosque.

Respectfully written by hand on a lucky day in the last month of the first year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty.

This was a gift from the famous anti-Japanese general Zuo Baogui when he passed through Beizhen on his way to fight in the war in Korea.



17. The Ancient Islamic Teaching (Qingzhen Gujiao) plaque at Beizhen Mosque in Jinzhou.

A lucky day in the seventh month of the Renyin year during the Qianlong reign.

Respectfully erected by followers Yang Yuxi and Yang Yuzhen.



18. The Everlasting Golden Daylily (Jinxuan Yongmao) plaque at Beizhen Mosque in Jinzhou.

Erected by Xu Guangzhang, an official of Guangning County, Jinzhou Prefecture, who held a rank increased by ten levels and had twenty recorded merits.

Honorably bestowed upon Bai Yongfu, a low-ranking officer (waiwei) in the Guangning County anti-bandit patrol.

An auspicious day in the first ten days of the fourth lunar month (qinghe yue) in the Yi-Si year of the Daoguang reign.



19. "Sincere and Righteous Deed" at Beizhen Mosque in Jinzhou.

The ancient mosque was renovated in the first month of autumn in the 45th year of the Wanli reign.

Respectfully presented by the Northeast Islamic Association.



20. "Great Grace Worthy of Gratitude" at Beizhen Mosque in Jinzhou.

An auspicious day in the first ten days of the fourth lunar month (qinghe yue) in the Yi-Si year of the Daoguang reign.

Respectfully erected by Jin Qiyuan, a newly appointed low-ranking officer (waiwei) and lieutenant (bazong) of the Guangning County patrol camp.



21. Beizhen Mosque in Jinzhou, 'Universal Mercy for All Things'.

An auspicious day in the first ten days of the month, in the 60th year of the Qianlong reign (1795).

Respectfully erected by humble follower Yang Yuzhen and his son Jianming.



22. Beizhen Mosque in Jinzhou, 'Righteousness Harmonizes All People'.

Mr. Zhang, named Shengcai, courtesy name Juxing. A native of Beizhen. He was generous, righteous, and passionate about public service. Whenever there was something within our faith that needed to be supported or reformed, he was always the first to advocate for it and do his best to help. In recent years, our community affairs have not reached perfection, but they have moved toward a more civilized and brighter path. When we drink water, we think of the source, and Mr. Zhang truly deserves much of the credit for this. Unexpectedly, heaven did not spare him from tragedy, and on a certain day in a certain month of a certain year, he was killed in the line of duty for the sake of the nation. Beyond our deep grief, we feared his life's work would be forgotten, so we gathered together to erect a stone tablet to honor his name. We still feel a sense of regret, knowing this may not fully reflect his contributions. We are now carving a plaque to ensure his memory lasts, as a small way to show our gratitude.

Erected by all the members of the Beizhen County Mosque.

An auspicious day in the middle of the twelfth lunar month, in the ninth year of the Republic of China.



23. Longshengzhuang Mosque in Ulanqab, 'Respect the Great and Noble'

Please leave a comment to help us complete this:

Early May, the fourth year of the Republic of China

Koubei Mongolian Salt Bureau...

From the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, all salt produced in the salt lakes of the Inner Mongolian Plateau was called Mongolian salt (mengyan). In 1913, the Beiyang government used salt taxes as collateral to sign a 25 million pound sterling reorganization loan with a banking consortium from Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan. The agreement required China to hire foreigners to help reorganize the salt tax. China then began salt administration reforms and established the Koubei Mongolian Salt Bureau. The main office was in Duolunnor, and a branch was also set up in Longshengzhuang, Fengzhen.





24. Longshengzhuang Mosque in Ulanqab, 'The Way Connects Heaven and Earth'

Please leave a comment to help us complete this:

Specially appointed candidate for the Fengzhen Magistrate's Office, holding a military merit rank.

The first ten days of the autumn month in the Xinyou year, the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.





25. "Uphold Truth and Maintain Sincerity" (Shouzhen Cuncheng) at Longshengzhuang Mosque in Ulanqab.

Erected in the 734th year of the Genghis Khan era.

Prince De.

The 734th year of the Genghis Khan era is 1940. Prince Demchugdongrub was a Mongolian noble and the Prince of the Sunid Right Banner. He started the "Inner Mongolia High Autonomy Movement" at Bailingmiao in 1933. In 1939, he became the chairman of the puppet "Mongolian United Autonomous Government." This plaque was inscribed when Prince De took office as chairman.



26. Arabic script plaque at Longshengzhuang Mosque in Ulanqab.

Dedicated in the first ten days of the ninth lunar month, in the year of Jiyou, the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Great Qing Dynasty, by Gu Dan.

Respectfully presented by Hui Muslims Deng Risheng and Ma Jiansheng from Datong.

The Ma family of Hui Muslims in Datong originally came from Youwei, Shanxi. During the Ming Dynasty, they were a prominent military family. In the mid-Wanli period, the Ma Family Army, led by Ma Gui and his brothers and nephews, was famous for its combat skills. They earned great merit for defending Youwei for six months against Altan Khan. Since the Ming Dynasty, the Ma family has been a major Hui Muslim clan in Datong. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, they often helped renovate the Datong Mosque and served as imams. After the Qing Dynasty, when military garrisons became counties, the Ma family of Datong transitioned from military life to civilian life. They found success in business and government, and for a time, they were the actual managers of the Datong Mosque.



27. Arabic script plaque at Longshengzhuang Mosque in Ulanqab.

We welcome everyone to leave comments and add more information.

An auspicious day in the first month of summer, the 15th year of the Republic of China.

The third elder Zhang Zhenhai led the construction of the main hall, and this plaque was carved to commemorate its completion.





28. Longshengzhuang Mosque in Ulanqab, inscribed with "Its Honor Has No Equal."

An auspicious day in the first month of summer, the 15th year of the Republic of China.

Inscribed by Ma Fuxiang, Army General, Xiangwu General, holder of the Second Class Order, and Military Governor of Suiyuan.



29. Longshengzhuang Mosque in Ulanqab, inscribed with "Ancient Faith That Opened the Heavens."

An auspicious day in the first month of summer, the 15th year of the Republic of China.

Inscribed by Ma Fuxiang, Army General, Xiangwu General, holder of the Second Class Order, and Military Governor of Suiyuan.



30. Hohhot Great Mosque (Qingzhen Dasi)

An auspicious day in the sixth month of the 16th year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty



31. Hohhot Great Mosque, 'Acknowledging the Oneness of Allah' (Renzhu Duyi)

13th year of the Republic of China

Inscribed by Ma Fuxiang of Longyou



32. Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Mosque, 'Transcending Through the Ages' (Chaoguan Wangu)

Imperial brush of Emperor Wuzong

12th year of the Zhengde reign of the Great Ming Dynasty



33. The "Light of Islam" (Qingzhen Guangming) plaque at Botou Mosque in Cangzhou.

Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent and hereditary Duke Yansheng.

The fifth lunar month of the third year of the Tongzhi reign.

After 1966, Botou Mosque stopped its religious activities. The main prayer hall was used as a workshop by an embroidery factory, an oilcloth factory, a straw hat factory, and a sack thread factory. The ablution room (shuifang) was used by an agricultural production team as a machine processing workshop. The side gates on both sides of the main entrance, the charity school, the side halls, and the south lecture hall all collapsed. The spire of the Moon-Watching Tower (Wangyuelou) was smashed, its first-floor walls fell down, and the base walls of the main prayer hall also collapsed. Eighteen original plaques inscribed by figures like Ji Xiaolan and Zhang Zhidong were lost. Eventually, only the damaged "Light of Islam" (Qingzhen Guangming) plaque, inscribed in 1864 (the third year of the Tongzhi reign) by the 75th-generation Duke Yansheng, Kong Xiangke, was found. In 1982, a calligrapher repaired the damaged parts by imitating the original writing.



34. The "Heaven is Close at Hand" (Tiantang Zhichi) plaque at Shucun Mosque in Beijing.

The full moon of the mid-autumn season in the Guiyou year of the Tongzhi reign.

Fourth-rank imperial bodyguard with a sword, Li Peng.



35. Beijing Dewai Fayuan Mosque, 'All Things Return to the Truth'.

Ramadan in the Year of the Dragon.

Army General and Second-Class Medal recipient, Suiyuan Military Governor Ma Fuxiang.

Inscribed by Army General Ma Fuxiang in 1928. In the late 1920s, Ma Fuxiang was living in Beijing without an official post. He spent his time studying Islamic texts and donated money to help build schools for the Muslim community. In 1928, he helped organize the Beiping Muslim Middle School, which was later renamed Northwest Public School. He also donated over a dozen school buildings he had purchased behind the Dongsi Mosque to the Chengda Teachers' College.



36. Beijing Niujie Mosque, 'Imperial Edict'.

Imperial edict from the sixth month of the 33rd year of the Kangxi reign.

I have reviewed the great records of Han and Hui Muslims throughout history. From the beginning, the great path has been clear. There are seventy-two sects that claim to lead people to immortality or Buddhahood, but they actually lead people toward evil and heresy. I will not punish the past, but anyone who violates this again will be beheaded. Han officials hold positions, receive my salary, and attend court daily. Hui Muslims pray to Allah and honor the Prophet five times a day without receiving any salary from me, yet they know how to show gratitude. In this, the Han are not as good as the Hui. Let all provinces know: if officials or commoners use minor grievances to falsely report that Hui Muslims are plotting a rebellion, the responsible official shall be executed first and reported later. Hui Muslims everywhere must follow the pure faith (qingzhen) and not disobey this order or fail my grace. This shows my love for the path. Respect this and follow it.

Legend has it that in the third month of the 33rd year of the Kangxi reign, during Ramadan, Kangxi received a secret report from Li, the patrol censor of the southern city of Beijing, claiming that Hui Muslims in Niujie were gathering at night to plot a rebellion. Kangxi asked the Grand Councilors Niu Xi and Wang Xi, who lived near Niujie, but neither had heard of such a thing. Kangxi then took the two officials on an undercover visit. At night, they saw many people performing Tarawih prayers inside the brightly lit Niujie mosque, with no other activities, so he issued the imperial edict.

Additionally, the Niujie local gazetteer "Gangzhi," copied by Shen Fengyi during the Daoguang reign (presumably written during the Yongzheng reign), records that in 1694, the teacher at the Niujie mosque, Sayyid Ma Tengyun, was involved in a case of communicating with the enemy. It says that Galdan of the Dzungar Khanate sent two Hami Muslims to Beijing as spies, and Ma Tengyun of the Niujie mosque often hosted them for meals. Later, one of them was caught by the Lifanyuan (the Qing dynasty agency for border affairs) patrol, and he gave up Ma Tengyun. The Lifanyuan immediately arrested Ma Tengyun and Yin Liangxiang from the Jiaozihutong mosque, while the Bingmasi (the city guard) sent troops to seal off Niujie. The Lifanyuan submitted a report to the emperor asking to slaughter all Hui Muslims in the capital, but Kangxi rejected it. Kangxi ordered, "The Hui Muslims in the capital are also my children... just strictly arrest the spies, do not implicate the innocent." In the end, Ma Tengyun and Yin Liangxiang were released, and mosques across Beijing held scripture readings to give thanks. This event matches the timing and content of the imperial decree stele, and it is very likely the reason the decree was issued.



37. Beijing Xihuisi mosque "Qingzhen Wuer" (The only true faith).

The first day of the fourth lunar month in the first year of the Daoguang reign.

Respectfully presented by Cao Zhenyong, Grand Secretary of the Hall of Benevolence (Tiren Ge) from ancient Shexian.

Cao Zhenyong was a key official during the Jiaqing and Daoguang eras of the Qing Dynasty. In the 18th year of the Jiaqing reign, he was promoted to Grand Secretary of the Hall of Benevolence, managed the Ministry of Works, and was given the honorary title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent. Between the 19th and 25th years of the Jiaqing reign, the Jiaqing Emperor visited the imperial tombs six times and went on the Mulan autumn hunt five times. As Prime Minister, Cao Zhenyong stayed behind to guard the capital.

In the first year of the Daoguang reign, Cao Zhenyong was promoted to Junior Tutor of the Heir Apparent and Grand Secretary of the Hall of Martial Valor (Wuying Dian). The Daoguang Emperor praised him, saying, "At the start of my personal rule, he was the first upright man to advance." "He is a trusted official in the most secret of places." "His learning is profound, and his advice is pure and precise." "He is diligent and cautious, and he is the first to handle imperial edicts."



38. The 'Wuta Guiyi' plaque at Hexiwu Mosque in Tianjin.

Erected on a lucky day in the fourth lunar month of the Jiyou year, the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty.

Respectfully erected by Jin Yuqi, a third-rank official with a blue feather, serving as the garrison commander of the river defense left battalion and acting guard of the Weiwu Pass.



39. The 'Yi Zai Qingzhen' plaque at the North Mosque in Yangcun, Tianjin.

Respectfully honoring.

The late Mr. Ma, whose given name was Jun, lived to the age of eighty. He died after being kicked by livestock belonging to a person named Bian, and his final wish to his family was to accept this fate. He asked them to strictly follow the halal way and not let the incident cause trouble for anyone else. However, in our view, no one could hold back their tears; this is the act of a kind person. Alas, the Bian family enjoys peace, and our village also admires them, for it shows the true path of Islam. The way the Ma family follows these practices is something I hope both Hui Muslims and Han people will remember forever, as it is truly beneficial. We write this plaque to honor and praise them.

Respectfully inscribed in the second month of the year of Jiwei, the eighth year of the Republic of China.





40. The North Mosque (Beidasi) in Yangcun, Tianjin: 'Most Merciful and Most Just'.

Respectfully erected by Mu Changrong, the imperial-appointed and expectant Assistant Brigade General of Zhili, titled Guyong Baturu.

An auspicious day in the seventh month of the first year of the Tongzhi reign.



41. The Great Northern Mosque (Beidasi) in Yangcun, Tianjin, features the plaque 'Great is the Creative Power of Heaven' (Dazai Qianyuan).

A lucky day in the fifth month of the 13th year of the Republic of China.

Respectfully inscribed by Mu Wenshan, a military aide-de-camp awarded the Fifth Class Order of the Wenhu and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Golden Grain.



42. The Jinjiayao Mosque in Tianjin features the plaque 'Reject Falsehood and Return to Truth' (Quwang Guizhen).

A lucky day in the first month of autumn in the ninth year of the Guangxu reign.

My late father Yiran followed the ancient teachings and strictly observed the halal way. Because some in our community were showing off and spreading strange ideas, he long wanted to clarify the true path for future generations. He passed away before he could fulfill this wish, so I have carefully recorded his instructions.

I wrote the holy practices on this plaque so that those who share our faith will see it and be reminded not to let any false thoughts enter their minds. If the ancient faith is not lost, this record can comfort the spirits of those who came before.

Respectfully written by Hei Yaozeng.

Republished by Hei Zhaorong and Hei Pengnian.



43. The Ancient Islamic Faith plaque at the North Mosque (Beidasi) in Tianmu, Tianjin.

An auspicious day in the autumn of the second year of the Xuantong reign (1910).

Respectfully presented by Xiao Liangtong, a military officer holding the rank of commander with the honor of wearing a blue feather, serving as the acting head of the Tianjin County garrison.

Calligraphy by Prince Su.



44. The Upholding the Past and Awaiting the Future plaque at the North Mosque (Beidasi) in Tianmu, Tianjin.

An auspicious day in the autumn of the ninth year of the Guangxu reign.

Respectfully erected by Hei Yaozeng, a selected county magistrate with the honorary rank of assistant regional commander.

Hei Zhaorong, a garrison commander (bazong) of the Ziya River patrol in Jinghai County, who holds the honorary fourth-rank title and the privilege of wearing a blue feather.

Reprinted by Hei Pengnian, a garrison commander (bazong) of the South Grand Canal battalion, who holds the honorary fifth-rank title and the privilege of wearing a blue feather.



45. The Ancient Islamic Teaching at the South Mosque (Nandasi) in Tianjin.

An auspicious day in the seventh month of the Gengyin year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing Dynasty.

Respectfully presented by Hei Zhaorong, a river battalion commander (qianzong) under the jurisdiction of the Tianjin Prefecture, who holds the honorary fourth-rank title and the privilege of wearing a blue feather.



46. The South Mosque (Nandasi) in Tianjin.

The many manifest the one, the hidden essence conceals the great grace, and the great transformation is completed.

Movement creates words, stillness returns to the truth, and the traveler on the path returns to the origin.

Written by Prince Li.



47. Tianjin South Mosque, 'Truth Without Falsehood'.

An auspicious day in the ninth month of the sixth year of the Guangxu reign.

Respectfully erected by Zuo Baogui, a nominated provincial commander-in-chief, leader of the Fengtian army's central-right cavalry and infantry battalions, and commander of the eight brigades of the Jiesheng cavalry, honored with the title Kengse Baturu.



48. Tianjin South Mosque, 'Transformation Originating from the Infinite'.

Respectfully written by Peng Yuwen, a court-appointed official with the rank of Zhongxian Dafu serving as the Tianjin Circuit Intendant of Zhili.

An auspicious day in the seventh lunar month of the bingwu year, the 26th year of the Daoguang reign.

Respectfully erected by Zhang Yunbiao and Zhang Guangrui from Tianjin, along with their sons Jindong and Jinbang.



49. Tianjin South Mosque (Nandasi).

The source of the most just, most great, and most high righteous path remains forever in the universe.

The mystery of the true mechanism, which has no scent, no sound, and no trace, silently operates throughout the world.

An auspicious day in the fifth lunar month of summer in the jisi year, the eighth year of the Tongzhi reign.

Respectfully presented by Li Jiqing, a member of the community from Zhangwu.



50. Tianjin South Mosque (Nandasi).

You come here to pray with a pure heart and few desires, attending the five daily namaz to find peace.

This path is not too deep or mysterious to understand; cast aside vanity, seek the truth, and a single moment of repentance is enough.

Mid-autumn, the Jia-chen year of the Guangxu reign.

Written by Wang Lantai of Huichuan. view all