The city of Quanzhou is one of the most important coastal cities in Fujian Province, southeastern China. From an early time, it played a significant role in China's trade with foreign countries; many Arab and foreign merchants arrived there in earlier periods, and its markets were bustling with traders and goods. It became known as the "City of Ten Continents" due to the large number of foreigners in its markets, as well as the "Foreigners' Market."
Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta visited it during his journey to China and wrote about it, saying: "When we crossed the sea, the first city we reached was the city of olives, and this city has no olives, nor any in all of China and India, but it is a name given to it. It is a great and large city, and its harbor is one of the greatest in the world, if not the greatest."
Arab Communities
Quanzhou was historically home to a substantial number of Arab communities and many scholars and shaykhs who were well-respected by the Arab Muslims residing there. They lived and settled in this city, leaving behind many historical artifacts, the most significant of which are the graves, stone markers, and the Companions Mosque.
"Al-Ashaab" Mosque
The "Companions" Mosque features an Arabic inscription that carries the history of the mosque. This inscription remained neglected for a long time due to the obscurity of its writings, and its significance only became evident after a Spanish scholar distinguished its content in the early twentieth century. The meanings of the Arabic inscription can be summarized as follows: "This is the first mosque for the locals, known as the Old Blessed Mosque, also called the Mosque of the Companions. It was built in the year 400 AH (1009-1010 CE), and after 400 years from that date, it was renovated and expanded by Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Maqdisi. This grand portal and the tall, covered walkway were built for it, along with beautiful doors and windows, all seeking the pleasure of God Almighty."
Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman
"Al-Ashaab" Mosque or the Companions Mosque occupies an area estimated at one hectare and consists of three main buildings: the prayer hall, the invitation hall, and the gateway, representing the essence of the old mosque. A fourth part, which is a new prayer hall, was added and gifted to the mosque by Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, may God have mercy on him, in 2009, commemorating the Omani trader Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Maqdisi who renovated the mosque long ago.
The gateway stands 20 meters tall and is 6 meters wide, constructed of bluish-white granite. Its upper threshold is shaped like a pentagon, modeled after a similar one found in the Levant, particularly Damascus. The surface of the gateway is adorned with balconies shaped like butterflies, and it once had a minaret, which is no longer present. Additionally, the gateway features a quadrangular arched passage and three spacious areas, showcasing exquisite architecture, harmonious parts, and beautiful engravings that are unmatched in all the ancient mosques of China.
A Rare Architectural Masterpiece
As for the prayer hall, it was built from white granite and covers an area of 600 square meters. Its dome and the four walls were adorned with inscriptions of Quranic verses. The dome of the hall and its roof collapsed due to an earthquake that struck the city in 1607 AD, leaving only 12 stone columns and 9 marble columns, along with the qibla (direction of prayer), and the mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the qibla) is decorated with verses from the Holy Quran and Arabic inscriptions. The length of the southern wall of the mosque is 23 meters, and its height is 6 meters, containing 8 large windows in the middle.
In general, "Aṣḥāb" Mosque is considered a rare architectural masterpiece located in the city of Quanzhou specifically and in China generally, whether in terms of its historical construction, its design, or the materials used in its construction.
Life Journey
Safiya Zhang Lianzhou is one of those whose lives are connected to the "Aṣḥāb" Mosque. Her family has lived in the city of Quanzhou for hundreds of years, residing near the "Aṣḥāb" Mosque. She has worked as an employee at the mosque for over 30 years. When asked about her memories in the city and the mosque, she said: “Quanzhou is a famous historical and cultural city known throughout all of China. It is full of Chinese and Islamic historical relics, and Arabs and Muslims arrived here early on, and their traces remain until today.”
As for the "Aṣḥāb" Mosque, Lianzhou says: “I have worked at the mosque for more than 30 years, having started in 1994. At that time, the mosque had 6 employees. I worked for 10 years in the ticket sales office for non-Muslim visitors, and I stayed in that position until 2004. After that, I worked in finance until 2010. From then until 2022, I held various positions including human resources, statistics, archives, awareness, hospitality, etc.”
Since 2022 until now, Lianzhou has been working in tourism guidance for the city and the mosque, where she organizes tours for visitors coming to the city and the mosque.
She adds: "The mosque, to me, is home and life. Since I started working there, I have not been away from it for a day. When I welcome visitors and take them around the mosque, they see my enthusiasm as I explain its history, they often respond with words of greeting and praise. When I see the happiness in their eyes, my eyes overflow with tears."
-------------
Read the article in Arabic
