Islamization of the Term (Qing Zhen): Its Analysis for Purity and Authenticity for Muslim in China

Abstract

This paper aims at examining the meaning of the two Chinese characters (Qing) and (Zhen) once used singly as well as combined together in the Chinese classical literature showing why and how the Chinese Muslim scholars have Islamized them by applying the Confucian ways and Taoist methods at the civilization and culture dialogue level. Thus, the paper demonstrates evolution of the term “Qing Zhen” which has eventually become special for Muslims in China. Meanwhile, the paper discusses the related critical issues, such as the epistemology of the Ḥalāl Food and its current status of legislation in China, etc. Lastly, the author comes with some humble suggestions which tie with the results of the study by wishing for Muslims, in China or anywhere else, to reexamine their conducts and to reconsider how to inherit Islamic civilization as well as how to hand it down to the next generation.