China has a rich civilizational history. Today, this ancient nation is ruled by communists who are known to be atheists and suppressor of religions especially Islam.
However, China once had an emperor who openly sung praises of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was the first Ming Emperor of China and he ruled from 1368 to 1398 CE.
He was a great patron of Islam. So much that he once wrote an euology in the praise of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
The eulogy which praises and glorifies the virtues of Prophet became famous as “bǎizìzàn” in Chinese language.
Today, the copies of that eulogy are on display in several mosques in Nanjing, China.
Islam flourished in China during his reign. As a large number of people accepted Islam, Emperor Zhu ordered the construction of several magnificent mosques and Islamic charitable institutions in various provinces of the Empire including Yunnan, Fujian, and Guangdong.
These mosques decorated the skylines of Chinese cities like Xijing and Nanjing (the capital cities of the Ming Empire). They contained inscriptions praising Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Given below is the English Translation of the Hundred word Eulogy by the Emperor of China in praise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The universe began with the heavenly tablet recording his name.
The religion-delivering great sage, born in the western realm.
Conferring and receiving heavenly scripture in thirty parts, universally transforming all created beings.
Master of the trillion rulers, leader of the ten thousand sages.
Assisted by destiny, protector of the community.
In each of the five prayers, he silently supplicates for their total well-being.
And intends that Allah should remember the needy.
Deliver them from tribulations to safety, Knower of the unseen.
Exalted above every soul and spirit, free from any blameworthy deeds.
A mercy to all of the worlds, whose path is preeminent for all time.
Renounce spiritual ignorance and return to The One – that is the religion called Islam.
Muhammad is the most noble sage
It is said that Emperor Zhu came from a family of impoverished tenant farmers in Zhongli Village in the Huai River plains of China.
Perhaps his own sufferings and struggles inclined him towards Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) lifelong struggle for justice, equality, and fair treatment.
Credits
- Wikipedia
- Saba Niaz Siddique
