Hui Muslims in China

Pray for the Hui people of China to hear the good news of Jesus.

The Hui people are a group of over 10.5 million Muslims living primarily in northwest China. It is deemed an honor and an expression of trust for a non-Hui to be invited as a guest to a Hui family.

A Hui host will serve you a covered bowl of tea in Hui style. In addition to tea leaves, sometimes up to eight items will be added, including dry fruits or flowers such as red dates, rock sugar, chrysanthemums or roses. This tea is called the “eight precious tea”.

If the Hui invites his guests to dine in his home, the host usually does not sit among the guests but stands aside to humbly serve them. Lamb is considered the best meat choice, with beef next and chicken if that is the best the family can afford. The Hui people never waste food. Even the crumbs on the table are swept into their hands and put into their mouth.

One time, I was invited to a banquet in a Hui friend’s home. I was regarded as “the most honorable guest” and sat in the middle of the table. After many courses of delicious dishes, the last dish of a large plate of a fatty chicken was placed on the table in front of me. Everyone looked at me and said: “As the most honorable guest, you must eat the chicken’s bottom, otherwise, we can’t leave this house.” What an unexpected experience for a foreigner!

Ideas for Prayer:

• Hui culture is defined by honour and shame. Hui will borrow money to treat their guests to avoid dishonor. Pray that they will find freedom from the fear of shame and the pursuit of honour.
• Hui people are hospitable. Pray for Christian workers to establish good relations with them and share the gospel in love.
• Pray for the 9 precious fruits of the Spirit to be evident among the Hui as seen in Galatians 5:22.

Main image courtesy of IMB.org | Video by pray4hui.com