Life of Muslims in Lanzhou, China, during Ramadan

Lanzhou – Every day during Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims worldwide, Yang Delu (68) and his wife Ma Yanyun (64), an ethnic Hui couple who practise Islam and live in Lanzhou in northwestern China, wake early to prepare a simple suhur meal.

At 05.30 local time, the suhur spread is ready on the table. “During Ramadan, our suhur meals are usually simpler and plainer, such as noodles with warm broth. We avoid foods containing excessive oil or salt,” said Yang.

Ma Jianbin, a staff member of the mosque management committee, noted that according to local historical accounts, Nan’guan Mosque in Lanzhou has stood since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and today approximately 300 Muslim households live in the vicinity of the mosque.

Ma Jinlong (33) has served as imam at the mosque since graduating from a madrasah in Lanzhou about five years ago. “Every day during Ramadan, I and hundreds of Muslim worshippers perform prayers here,” said Imam Ma.

Nan’guan Mosque becomes bustling during iftar time, around 19.15 local time (18.15 WIB). As lamplight illuminates a plaque inscribed with “May Good Fortune and Happiness Come During Ramadan” at the mosque entrance, local Muslims flock to the mosque.

At the entrance of Nan’guan Mosque, there is a stand with a sign reading “Nie Tie” or “Charity” in Indonesian. “We typically use these charitable donations to prepare iftar meals and meet other daily needs at the mosque,” explained Ma Jianbin.

From Ma Jianbin’s perspective, the gathering of Muslims also provides an opportunity for friends and neighbours to chat about their lives and for those facing difficulties to receive support.

After performing Isha prayers, Yang returns home and passes through a bustling night market in Lanzhou. “You can see fried beef, sliced chicken, Lanzhou’s signature noodles, and various local specialities here; the selections are far greater than in the past,” said Yang.

For Yang Delu and Ma Yanyun, as Eid al-Fitr approaches, their busyness increases because, as usual, they must prepare various foods for their family reunion and gifts for relatives and friends.

“Relatives and friends will return home during the Kaizhai Festival (the Mandarin term for Eid al-Fitr in China), and this is our moment to gather and experience the warmth of family. We look forward to it and are busy with preparations,” said Yang with a smile.