Eighth Congress of Chinese Muslims opens

[sonz]

The Eighth Congress of Chinese Muslims opened in Beijing on Monday, Xinhua reported.

The four-day meeting brought together more than 360 delegates from 10 ethnic groups representing China’s 20 million Muslims.

They are expected to elect a new committee and leaders for the Islamic Association of China (IAC).

The congress has been welcomed by top officials including vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Ismail Amat, vice-premier Hui Liangyu, and vice-chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Liu Yandong and Bai Lichen.

“Chinese Muslims have played an important role in promoting China's economic growth, national unity and social stability," said Liu Yandong, adding that Muslims would continue their contributions to building a better society.

Meanwhile, Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs, said that Chinese Muslims' nationalism spirit could contribute to building a harmonious and prosperous country.

It is believed that Arab traders brought Islam to China during the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). But the Islamic religion was officially introduced in the Asian country in 29 AH (650 C.E.) during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, the third caliph.