In a rare event, this year, the Chinese New Year coincides with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan . The second day of the Chinese New Year, according to the lunar calendar, 18 February, falls on the first day of Ramadan in several Arab and Islamic countries.
The two occasions will be celebrated together for the first time in decades. This is taking place in a country that includes many ethnic groups. Most notable are the Han ethnic group, which comprises the majority of China's population, and the Hui ethnic group, considered the largest Muslim minority in terms of numbers and the most widely spread in the country.
How, then, should members of the two prominent ethnic groups, the Han and the Hui, exchange greetings and good wishes? What are the most prominent similarities in the festive atmosphere and in the customs and traditions observed? What does this intersection mean specifically for the Chinese Muslim ethnic minorities? How do they look forward to the new lunar year with optimism and welcome its blessed beginning?
Hajj Ishaq Zhong, imam of a mosque in the city of Shenzhen in southern China, told The New Arab , " Ramadan is considered a sacred month for Chinese Muslims. Over the course of 30 days, they draw closer to God, experience hunger, grow in compassion, and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of life."
"Fasting indeed is one of the five pillars of Islam, but it holds a special status because of its connection to religious rituals that highlight Muslims' identity and customs during these blessed days. It is an act of worship through which Muslims seek to refine themselves. Therefore, Ramadan is regarded as the most exalted and most blessed month of the year, for what it brings to the soul in terms of tranquillity and reassurance," Zhong added.
He explained that Ramadan was previously known in China as the "Month of Asceticism" and "Feng Jai", meaning the completion of fasting. Muslims from various Turkic-speaking ethnic groups in the Xinjiang region in the northwest of the country call it "Ro Zi".
He added that each year, the month is welcomed with joy and happiness. It brings delight to the hearts of Muslims from all ethnic groups, who encourage one another and strive to perform this religious duty to the fullest extent. He noted that Taraweeh prayers and the recitation of the Holy Quran are among the essential rituals during this month.
" Ramadan is not limited to abstaining from food and drink but symbolises the fasting of behaviour and spirit and the fasting of the senses, mind and body. Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations, and avoiding false speech, bad thoughts, and committing sins from dawn until sunset, also symbolises overcoming selfish desires and refining the self through purification of the mind, contemplation, and control of conduct. This awakens in the soul fear of God and gratitude to Him, as well as mercy and compassion toward others," Hajj Ishaq said. He stressed that giving alms is an important part of Ramadan for Chinese Muslims . Muslims not only visit one another and exchange food but also ensure assistance for the poor and needy.
They also care for widows, orphans, the elderly, the sick and people with special needs. For this reason, the month is also known as "the Month of Relief for the Poor and the Distressed". Ten muslim ethnic groups out of 56 Hajj Ishaq described this year as exceptional because Ramadan intersects with the Chinese Lunar New Year. This enhances harmony between the two important occasions for the two most prominent ethnic groups in the country.
Chinese people welcome their new year with similar festive atmospheres. These include decorating streets and the doors and balconies of houses with coloured lanterns.
They also exchange visits among relatives and gather family members around one table. They refrain from any behaviour that could cause harm to others and increase acts of kindness at the beginning of the new year.
"All of these are traditions that Muslims are keen to revive and honour during Ramadan. Therefore, this intersection is considered a source of goodness and glad tidings in a new year that begins with religious manifestations and blessed days," he added.
Hajj Ishaq explained that China adheres to a policy of freedom of religious belief, granting citizens the right to embrace any religion. At the same time, while exercising this right, citizens adhere to the constitution and the law.
"In light of this, the majority of Muslims enjoy freedom to practise their rituals, and the laws protect their usual religious practices. Fasting, as an important religious ritual for the majority of Muslims, is not only protected by law but also plays an important role in promoting social harmony and achieving public welfare," he said.
For this reason, the holy month of Ramadan receives attention and care from governments at various levels. Each year, religious affairs departments work to ensure security during Ramadan, aiming to create a safe and stable environment for Muslims.
During the holy month, local municipalities remind Chinese citizens residing in areas with a Muslim-majority population of the need to respect Islamic Ramadan customs and adhere to the regulations governing the month.
For example, non-Muslims are advised to avoid eating, drinking and smoking in places close to Islamic gatherings.
They are also advised not to offer any food or drink to Muslims during fasting hours. They are further advised to refrain from drinking alcohol or offering alcoholic beverages to Muslims in restaurants out of respect for their feelings.
Thanks to this care, all ethnic groups continue to pass down noble traditions. They also demonstrate religious dedication by elevating practices such as fasting, abstaining from food, and experiencing hunger into social practices translated into self-restraint, doing good, and helping people experiencing poverty.
It is noted that China has 56 ethnic groups, among them 10 Muslim groups . The largest are the Hui and Uyghur, along with the Kazakh, Dongxiang, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Salar, Tajik, Bonan, and Tatar.
The Xinjiang region in the northwest of the country is considered home to the Uyghur ethnic group, whose population is estimated at 10 million.
The other Muslim ethnic groups are distributed across several Chinese regions and cities, including Ningxia, a region in the country's northwest, home to the Hui ethnic group. They are also present in significant numbers in the capital, Beijing, and in the southern Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou.