Urumqi: Muslims community in China, particularly those living in Xinjiang Autonomous Region are overwhelmed by the support being extended to them by the Chinese Central Government, enjoying their religious freedom as per their belief.
Representatives of religious institutions in Xinjiang termed the recently issued White-Paper on religious freedom as true reflection of the religious freedom available to them over the years. Xinjiang has 112 religious organizations, which receive help from the government to perform their religious rites as well as playing active role in the country’s socio-economic development.
Highlighting the government’s support, the white paper says, over 1.76 million copies of Quran, were got printed and distributed in Xinjiang Autonomous region in the recent year. The selections of the Holy Book were from Al-Sahih Muhammad Ibn-Ismail al-Bukhari, says the white paper, that was released by the State Council Information Office.
Each year, students at religious institutes win special prizes in competitions for reciting the Quran, and the government fully encouraged them to undertake such activities.
Steady improvements have been made in the training system to cultivate clerics for enhancing their overall qualities, and raising religious organizations’ capacity of self-management.
Since 2001, the Xinjiang’s autonomous government sent more than 70 clerics and students to study at institutions of higher learning in Pakistan, and other countries, and has set up scholarships to award those who achieve outstanding performance.
Moreover, the local government has implemented a policy for planning and organizing pilgrimages to Mecca, and has strengthened services to ensure to have best possible facilities for performing Haj.
Meanwhile, China made a great headway successfully combating religious extremism in Xinjiang autonomous region.
“Extremist forces distort Islamic theology, bewitching the public, and force their extremist ideas onto others.” Life and property are respected and protected in the Region, the white paper added.