A recent seminar in Beijing highlighted China’s Sinicisation of Islam, emphasizing alignment with Chinese culture. This campaign now includes a political aspect, requiring religious groups to promote the Chinese Communist Party’s doctrine. The training program for imams and Islamic teachers in Beijing focused on Xi Jinping’s political thought, steering away from traditional Islamic teachings.
The seminar aimed to guide religious leaders in internalizing and promoting the CCP’s ideology. Participants were instructed to study Xi Jinping’s views on religion and socialism with Chinese characteristics. The emphasis was on aligning believers with the state and the Party’s narrative of national rejuvenation. The training prioritized political indoctrination over theological discussions.
The event gathered 45 imams and Islamic educators from various regions in China. Their training revolved around interpreting Islam in ways that align with the Party’s agenda. The focus was on governance according to state laws rather than Islamic jurisprudence. This trend reflects a broader initiative to transform religions into tools for promoting state-approved cultural identities.
The closing ceremony reiterated the message that Islamic clergy should contribute to China’s modernization and national unity. The training emphasized the role of religious leaders in guiding believers towards loyalty to the state. The report highlighted a broader effort to reshape all religions to align with a state-approved cultural identity.
