Short answer
Islam came to China through envoys, merchants and settlers, in the cities and ports of the Tang and Song dynasties. China's own court history, the Old Book of Tang, records envoys from the Arabs, whom it calls the Dashi, in the year 651. Muslim traders and settlers later lived in Guangzhou, Quanzhou and Chang'an, now Xi'an. The Hui are China's Chinese-speaking Muslims. Islam was never only for Arabs. The Qur'an says the Prophet (ﷺ) was sent to all people (7:158; 34:28). A person can be fully Chinese and fully Muslim. God (﷾) made people into nations and tribes to know one another, and counts their different languages among His signs (49:13; 30:22). The same verse that sends the Prophet (ﷺ) to all people invites every reader: "follow him that (so) ye may be guided" (7:158).
Full explanation
What China's own records say
The Old Book of Tang (Jiu Tangshu) is the official history of the Tang dynasty, which ruled from 618 to 907. Its chapter on the western peoples has an entry on the Dashi, the Chinese name for the Arabs. It records that in the second year of the Yonghui reign, which is 651, they first sent envoys to the Tang court. Like other old histories, the entry mixes the court's own records with hearsay about distant lands. This page uses it only for the date of the embassy.
The Old Book of Tang, the official history of the Tang dynasty, has an entry on the Dashi, the Chinese name for the Arabs. It records that in the second year of the Yonghui reign (651) they first sent envoys to the Tang court. The entry also repeats travellers' tales about the Arabs' land; only the embassy date is used here. The same entry says that the future emperor Daizong, as commander, used troops from the Dashi country to recover the two capitals (757). The same chapter's entry on Persia (Bosi) records that in 758 the Persians and the Dashi raided Guangzhou, plundered its storehouses, burned houses and left by sea.
Muslim merchants and settlers in the Tang and Song cities
Historians describe Arab and Persian Muslim merchants in China's great cities. Under the Tang, and especially under the Song, they kept homes or agents in Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Yangzhou and Chang'an. Chang'an was the Tang capital; today it is Xi'an. The Song ruled from 960 to 1279. Quanzhou was a great seaport of that age. UNESCO lists its sites, including the 11th-century Qingjing Mosque, one of the earliest Islamic buildings in China.
Describes the Hui as China's Chinese-speaking Muslims: mainly Chinese speakers, though a few small groups among them use other languages. Says that throughout the Tang, and especially in the Song (960-1279), Muslim merchant firms kept more or less permanent homes or agents in Chang'an, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Kaifeng, Yangzhou and Guangzhou. Says these merchants kept their own languages and must have learned Chinese for the markets.
Describes Quanzhou as a great seaport of the Song and Yuan periods (10th to 14th centuries). Lists among its sites the 11th-century Qingjing Mosque, one of the earliest Islamic buildings in China, and Islamic tombs. Inscribed in 2021.
- 651
Envoys of the Dashi
The Old Book of Tang records the first Arab envoys at the Tang court.
- Tang, 618-907
Merchants in the cities
Arab and Persian Muslim merchants keep homes or agents in Chang'an, now Xi'an, and the ports.
- Song, 960-1279
Above all under the Song
Muslim merchant firms in Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Hangzhou and Yangzhou.
- 1000s
Qingjing Mosque, Quanzhou
One of the earliest Islamic buildings in China.
- Over the centuries
The Hui
Families who came from abroad come to speak Chinese, and keep their faith.
The Hui
The Hui are Chinese Muslims, and most speak Chinese as their mother tongue. Many of their forebears came from abroad and spoke Arabic or Persian. Over time their families came to speak Chinese. Over the centuries their families became part of Chinese life while keeping their faith.
Describes the Hui as China's Chinese-speaking Muslims: mainly Chinese speakers, though a few small groups among them use other languages. Says that throughout the Tang, and especially in the Song (960-1279), Muslim merchant firms kept more or less permanent homes or agents in Chang'an, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Kaifeng, Yangzhou and Guangzhou. Says these merchants kept their own languages and must have learned Chinese for the markets.
What this history shows, and what it does not
This page makes one claim. Islam reached the Tang and Song cities and ports through envoys, merchants and settlers. It does not argue that a faith is true because it is old in a land. Buddhism came to China long before Islam, so age proves nothing either way. Islam's case rests on its message, and that message was never tied to one people.
The Old Book of Tang, the official history of the Tang dynasty, has an entry on the Dashi, the Chinese name for the Arabs. It records that in the second year of the Yonghui reign (651) they first sent envoys to the Tang court. The entry also repeats travellers' tales about the Arabs' land; only the embassy date is used here. The same entry says that the future emperor Daizong, as commander, used troops from the Dashi country to recover the two capitals (757). The same chapter's entry on Persia (Bosi) records that in 758 the Persians and the Dashi raided Guangzhou, plundered its storehouses, burned houses and left by sea.
Describes the Hui as China's Chinese-speaking Muslims: mainly Chinese speakers, though a few small groups among them use other languages. Says that throughout the Tang, and especially in the Song (960-1279), Muslim merchant firms kept more or less permanent homes or agents in Chang'an, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Kaifeng, Yangzhou and Guangzhou. Says these merchants kept their own languages and must have learned Chinese for the markets.
“We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.”
A message for all people
The Qur'an tells the Prophet (ﷺ) to say that he was sent to all people, and it says the same in another place. So the message was never for Arabs alone, or for one land. The Qur'an also says that God (﷾) made people into nations and tribes so that they may know one another. The most honoured in His sight is the most righteous. It counts the variety of languages among His signs. A person can be fully Chinese and fully Muslim.
“Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided."”
“We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.”
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”
“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.”
What Islam asks of the reader
History tells how Islam reached China. The Qur'an asks something more: do you believe what it says? It tells believers to enter Islam whole-heartedly. Islam is a complete way of life (deen), with belief, worship, law, family and character together. The Qur'an says God (﷾) has perfected this way of life and chosen Islam for those who believe (5:3). The page "What is Islam?" sets it out. The verse that says the Prophet (ﷺ) was sent to all people ends: "follow him that (so) ye may be guided". Read the Qur'an in a translation you trust, and ask whether it is a message from the Lord of the Worlds.
“O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.”
“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
“Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided."”
Point by point
Jiu Tangshu 198 — Dashi and Bosi entries
The Old Book of Tang, the official history of the Tang dynasty, has an entry on the Dashi, the Chinese name for the Arabs. It records that in the second year of the Yonghui reign (651) they first sent envoys to the Tang court. The entry also repeats travellers' tales about the Arabs' land; only the embassy date is used here. The same entry says that the future emperor Daizong, as commander, used troops from the Dashi country to recover the two capitals (757). The same chapter's entry on Persia (Bosi) records that in 758 the Persians and the Dashi raided Guangzhou, plundered its storehouses, burned houses and left by sea.
Cited for
Islam arrived with foreign envoys and traders, so it is a foreign religion.
The response
It did arrive with outsiders, as many faiths do. But the Hui are Chinese-speaking Muslims, and the Qur'an says the Prophet (ﷺ) was sent to all people (7:158; 34:28). Where a message first came from does not decide whom it is for.
Where it lands — The route a message took does not limit the people it is for. The Qur'an says it is for everyone.
Qur'an 17:23-24 — Surat al-Isra (The Night Journey), verses 23-24
“Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood."”
Cited for
Being Chinese means keeping the rites for our ancestors. If Islam forbids them, I cannot be fully Chinese and Muslim.
The response
Chinese Muslims keep their language, their families and their duty to their parents. The same verse that says to worship none but God (﷾) commands kindness and honour to parents (17:23-24). What changes is worship: prayer and offerings go to God (﷾) alone. The page "How should we honour our ancestors?" explains what this means for a family's ancestors.
Where it lands — Islam keeps the family and the duty to parents. It turns worship to God (﷾) alone.
Qur'an 34:28 — Surat Saba (Sheba), verse 28
“We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.”
Cited for
Buddhism and Christianity also came from abroad, and some came earlier. Being old in China proves nothing.
The response
Agreed. This page gives the history as a fact, not as a proof. The reason to consider Islam is its message, addressed to all people (34:28; 7:158). That claim can be tested, and the page on the Qur'an's challenge shows how.
Where it lands — Age is not the argument. The message is.
Qur'an 49:13 — Surat al-Hujurat (The Inner Apartments), verse 13
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”
Cited for
If Chinese Muslims speak Chinese and live as Chinese, then Islam has been blended with Chinese culture.
The response
Language is a custom, and the Qur'an counts the variety of languages among God's (﷾) signs (30:22). What makes a person Muslim is the same everywhere. It is belief in one God (﷾), of whom the Qur'an says "there is none like unto Him" (112:4), and in His last Prophet (ﷺ).
Where it lands — Customs differ from land to land. The faith does not.
Jiu Tangshu 198 — Dashi and Bosi entries
The Old Book of Tang, the official history of the Tang dynasty, has an entry on the Dashi, the Chinese name for the Arabs. It records that in the second year of the Yonghui reign (651) they first sent envoys to the Tang court. The entry also repeats travellers' tales about the Arabs' land; only the embassy date is used here. The same entry says that the future emperor Daizong, as commander, used troops from the Dashi country to recover the two capitals (757). The same chapter's entry on Persia (Bosi) records that in 758 the Persians and the Dashi raided Guangzhou, plundered its storehouses, burned houses and left by sea.
Cited for
Islam came to China by conquest, as it did in other lands.
The response
Not in the Tang and Song cities and ports. There Islam came with envoys and with merchants who settled. The Old Book of Tang does record troops from the Arabs' country in 757. The Tang court itself used them to win back its two capitals during a rebellion. It also records Persians and Arabs who raided Guangzhou in 758 and left by sea. Neither was a conquest, and neither set up Muslim rule. The communities historians describe in these cities grew from merchants who settled. Whatever one makes of these events, the argument for Islam rests on its message, not on what any Muslims did (7:158). How Islam spread in other lands is answered on the page "Was Islam spread by the sword?".
Where it lands — In the Tang and Song cities and ports, Islam came with envoys and took root with merchants who settled, not through conquest.
Perspectives
Islam is a foreign faith
Some people hold that a faith brought from abroad stays foreign, and belongs to the foreigners who brought it.
Islam first came to China with foreign envoys and traders, so it is a foreign faith.
Rebuttal
Grant that it first came with outsiders. Where a message was first carried does not decide whom it is for. The Qur'an says the Prophet (ﷺ) was sent to all people (7:158; 34:28).
What the records show
Chinese records note Arab envoys at the Tang court in 651. Historians and UNESCO describe Muslim merchants and settlers in the Tang and Song cities and ports.
The Old Book of Tang records when the Dashi first sent envoys to the Tang court. It was in the second year of Yonghui, which is 651.
Muslim merchants kept homes or agents in Chinese cities under the Tang, and especially the Song. Among them were Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Chang'an (now Xi'an) and other cities.
Quanzhou was a great seaport of the Song and Yuan periods. Its Qingjing Mosque, from the 11th century, is one of the earliest Islamic buildings in China.
The Hui are China's Chinese-speaking Muslims, though a few small groups among them use other languages.
The Islamic perspective
Islam is God's (﷾) message to all people. How it reached a land is history. Who it is for is already settled in the Qur'an.
The Qur'an teaches that the Prophet (ﷺ) was sent to all people, not to Arabs alone.
The Qur'an teaches that God (﷾) made people into nations and tribes so that they may know one another. It counts the variety of languages among His signs.
Islam asks for the whole of a person's life, not part of it: belief, worship, law, family and character together.