In Hunan, Hui imams should pass a test: but the main subject matters of the exam are the Secretary General’s speeches and the new regulations on religions.
by Ma Wenyan
Shaoyang, a prefecture-level city in Hunan province, has a sizeable minority of some 40,000 Hui Muslims. The Shaoyang Islamic Association, which is part of the government-controlled China Islamic Association, has launched in December 2024 a program to test the quality of “theoretical knowledge” of the imams and other personnel overseeing the 24 local mosques.
All imams have been requested to pass a test. Although some simple questions concerned a basic knowledge of Islam, the main subject matter of the exam included speeches and statements by Xi Jinping on religious work, the national Regulations on Religious Affairs, the Regulations on Religious Affairs of Hunan Province, and the Measures for the Financial Management of Religious Activity Venues.
The test, according to a press release advertising the event, was “designed to help the Islamic community in Shaoyang continuously improve its political stance and strengthen its awareness of the rule of law. It aims to inspire individuals to actively study and promote policies, laws, and regulations on religion. Additionally, the initiative seeks to enhance self-education, self-management, and self-discipline, ensuring comprehensive and strict management of religious practices.”
“Strict management of religious practices” is not a generic expression. It designates the new policy of direct involvement of United Front bureaucrats, who no longer trust the executives of the government-controlled religious associations to guarantee a full political control, in the management of religious communities.
