The Role of Hui Scholars and Intellectuals in Assimilation, Integration and Sinicization of Muslims in China

Abstract

National integration and unity is one of the major challenges in the modern era of nation states. In
the age of globalization and greater communication, local cultures and ethnic groups are emerged
as key factors in national integration process. China consists of more than fifty ethnic groups where
Hui Muslims remained one of the major ethnic groups having a long history of cultural assimilation
and political and economic integration. This process of assimilation and integration is mainly
driven by the Hui elites and intellectuals who tried to bridge the Islamic and Confucius teaching.
The Hui intellectuals and scholars produced a huge literature known as Han Kitab which had a
great impact on the process of national integration and assimilation. This literature helped the Hui
Muslim ethnic group to adopt local cultural values which resulted in greater assimilation. Scholars
of nationalism viewed that social and economic factors play an important role in national
integration. The common values and culture provides a sense of belonging and cohesion which is
vital for national unity and integration.