Prophet Muhammad and the Black Arabs - Dr. Wesley Muhammad

2. Muhammad: Chinese Islam’s Black Prophet
The Hui have a foundation myth that both recounts the origin of Islam in Zhong Guo,
‘the Middle Kingdom (i.e. China),’ and also seeks to provide meaning to Chinese Muslim
existence as both Chinese and Muslim - heirs to a dual legacy of civilizational greatness. This
popular myth, called Huihui yuanlai (‘Origins of the Hui’) circulated in several oral versions
among different Chinese Muslim communities before being committed to writing sometime
during the Ming. It was no doubt revised during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).
In the Third Year of Zen Guan [Tai Zong] of the Tang Dynasty (r. 629-649), in the
evening of the 18th of the third month, the Emperor in his sleep dreamed that a
turbaned man came running into the palace grounds, chasing after a demon. He woke
up and was puzzled by the dream, for he knew not what it foretold. On the following
day he assembled all the officials of the court to discuss the matter.
The Imperial Astronomer respectfully reported to the Emperor, saying: “In the night, as
I observed the appearance of the heaven, I saw a strange and evil appearance which
impinged on the Tzu wei star, and I feared this might portend trouble for the Empire; I
also saw in the West a felicitous light brightly manifested and encircling the Tzu wei star
as a wall of protection. I opine that in the west there must be a sage who can control the
threatened evil; would it not be well for your Majesty to send a messenger to enquire, in
obedience to the heavenly portents?”
The Emperor then said: “At midnight I dreamed of a turbaned man and a demon which
had a black face, red hair, large and prominent teeth, and was of very evil appearance
generally. The man in the turban, with his hands clasped and murmuring prayers,
pursued the demon closely. To look on, he (the turbaned man) indeed had a strange
countenance, totally unlike ordinary men; his face was the color of black gold, his ear
lobes reached his shoulders, his whiskers stood outward, his moustache and beard were
cut off, short and even; he had phoenix eyebrows, a high nose and black eyes. His
clothes were white and powdered, a jeweled girdle of jade encircled his loins, on his
head was a plain hat, and around it a cloth turban like a coiled dragon. His presence was
awe-inspiring and dreadful to behold, as might be that of a sage descending to the
palace. When he entered he knelt towards the West, reading the book he held in his
hand. When the demons saw him they were at once changed into their proper forms,
and in distressful voices pleaded for forgiveness. But the turbaned man read on for a
little, till the demons turned to blood and at last to dust, and at the sound of a voice the
turbaned man disappeared. Now,” the Emperor continued, “whether this be a good or
an ill omen I’m sure I don’t know.”
Thereupon the diviner of dreams reported: "The turbaned man is a Huihui (i.e. Muslim)
from the Western Region, out beyond the Jiayu Pass. The kingdom of Arabia is ruled by
a Muslim king of great knowledge and virtue. His land is rich and powerful. The demon
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