Khufiyya

One of the most prominent Sufi traditions that played an important role in establishing and preserving Islam in China is Naqsbandiyya. Naqshbandiyya Sufism existed in the form of Jahriyya and Khuffiya orders. One of the unique characteristics of Naqshbandiyya Sufism was its practice of silent dhikr (Allah's remembrance). This practice of seeking spiritual awakening through passive means allowed Chinese Muslims to accommodate within the Chinese traditions but also maintain their unique Islamic tradition.

Khufiyya is a branch of the Naqshbandiyya order and one of the most influential Sufi orders in China. One of the most influential shaykhs (Sufi master) of the Khufiyya group is Ma Laichi. Khufiyya order always made an effort to accommodate itself within the Chinese policies. Whether it was the Qing period or under the Peoples Republic of China, Khuffiya inclined its pathway to allow Muslims to fit within the Chinese socio-political infrastructure.

Furthermore, Khufiyya order has been influential in giving rise to a number of prominent military leaders such as Ma Zhao’ao, Ma Anliang, Ma Tingran, and Ma Tingxian. Due to its accommodating nature within the Chinese infrastructure, Khufiyya was referred to as laojio or the Old Teachings. This was in comparison to Jahariyya order which was not so accommodating to the Chinese policies and was referred to as xinjao or New Teaching. (Dillon, 1999: 111) The Khuffiya order is spread all across China and is branched in to various smaller orders. These groups follow the common Khuffiya order; however they do not have any link but a more independent authority. Khuffiya is distinct order in Sufism due to its distinct style of remembrance or dhikr. Khufiyya promotes dhikr in a low voice rather than loud spiritual chanting in some other Sufi orders.

An example of the practice of silent dhikr:



The Khuffiya order has twenty one menhuan or hereditary orders (silslia in Arabic). One of the most prominent one is the Huasi menhuan also known as the Multi-colored mosque menhuan. The name refers to the multicolored decorations and paintings in the mosque. However, it has the name has a historical significance to it. Ma Laichi was the most influential shaykhs of the Khuffiya order. His grave was built in a multicolored style however it was torn down due to an uprising to build a Confucian temple. The name of the menhuan took its name from the design of the original mosque and called itself the Multicolored menhuan.

Ma Laichi's Musoleum with multicolored decoration and paintings