Several thousand Muslims, led by their Imam, kneel down on the red Persian rug to say their prayers in Arabic, facing Mecca in the West, and beseeching the omnipotent Allah to bless Mohammed in Heaven.

The worshipers are celebrating the birthday of the Prophet. In the main hall of the mosque, with its brilliant orange chandelier hanging down from the roof, there is no representation of Mohammed, or indeed of any other living thing, since such icons are strictly forbidden in Islam. Only the name of Allah written in Arabic can be distinguished, emblazoned on around plaque. After the religious service, the men wearing whitecaps, and the women wearing scarves, have a communal meal.

Before they can enter the place of worship, the Muslims must bathe to wash away their sins and show respect to Allah. All Muslims are required to attend mosque every Friday, and pray at least five times a day, as well as join in celebrations such as the birthday of Mohammed.

"Praying is one of the characteristics of Islam. It not only has religious significance, but is also a way of self-fulfilment," said Imam Ting Chung-ming of the Taipei Mosque, who is also chairman of the Arabic Language Department at the National Chengchi University in Taiwan. Requirements for the timing, length and conduct of Muslim prayers are strict. The Friday devotions promote the feeling of brotherhood among believers.

Although it is overshadowed by high-rise buildings, the Taipei Mosque looks elegant, solemn and peaceful with its traditional Muslim architectural style. The crescent-shaped emblem on the dome is a symbol of peace and fraternity. The minarets which flank the main building are for the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer, although their voices cannot be heard by all the 50,000 Muslims now estimated to live in Taiwan.

The Taipei Mosque is the largest among the five in Taiwan. There is another one in Taipei, and the rest are Chungli, Taichung and Kaohsiung. Covering an area of 1,000 ping, it is also the headquarters of the Chinese Muslim Association, and needless to say, an essential place to go to for all Muslim visitors to Taiwan.

Tradition his it that Islam was introduced to China during the reign of Tai Tsung (627-649 A.D.), the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty. Large numbers of Muslims came to China after 651 as Arab traders settled in some of the southern seaports, notably Canton. After the Sung Dynasty, when the Mongols conquered China, the Muslims became more numerous and influential. Certain Muslim arts and sciences flourished and Muslim medicine, astronomy, mathematics and military science became popular. With the decline of the Ming Dynasty, the Muslims lost most of their standing, and were persecuted during the Manchu period until the Republic of China was inaugurated in 1912. Islam was introduced to Taiwan by Cheng Cheng-kung, (Koxinga) after the fall of the Ming Dynasty. The Muslim population of the island was further increased by the arrival of people from the Mainland in 1945, and again after the government of the Republic of China moved in 1949.

Every Muslim is obliged to make the Haj, or holy pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in his life time. The Chinese Muslim Association organizes pilgrimages every year, and all Muslims make an effort to fulfil their obligation as soon as their financial situation allows them to do so. Artist Chin Che-fu, a pious Muslim who took part in the Haj last year, is profoundly aware of its significance, particularly the feeling of equality it instills. "Pilgrims going to Mecca, irrespective of their rank, race, social position, and wealth must wear the same simple and rough apparel. Everyone is equal. There is no discrimination, only care for one another," Chin said.

Since Muslims refuse to eat pork on the grounds that it is unclean, special restaurants have been established for them in Taipei and other centers in Taiwan. Currently, there are many Muslim restaurants in Taipei, serving delicious Chinese-style dishes which do not include pork. The meals are also never accompanied by any alcoholic beverages, since alcohol is regarded as a source of evil among Muslims.

So they can fully appreciate the pain suffered by starving people, Muslims are not allowed to eat during daylight hours in the holy month of Ramadan (the ninth month on the Muslim calendar). Not surprisingly therefore, Muslims often take part in charity work which helps to alleviate hunger and poverty. Recently, the Chinese Muslim Association donated US$500,000 to help Afghan refugees. Muslims who are capable must donate 2.5 percent of their annual income for poverty relief. They are also active in helping orphanages in Taiwan.

[Picture Caption]

Left: The Taipei Mosque, the largest in Taiwan. Below: The inside of the Taipei Mosque. Right: Allah in Arabic on a round plaque.

Far left: A Muslim reading the Holy Koran. Left: Imam Ting Chung-min of the Taipei Mosque preaching. Above: Girls attending a religious service with their mother.

From top: Muslims facing the west to worship; worshipers listening to the Imam preaching. Right: Requirements for the conduct of worship are strict.

The inside of the Taipei Mosque.

Allah in Arabic on a round plaque.

A Muslim reading the Holy Koran.

Imam Ting Chung-min of the Taipei Mosque preaching.

Girls attending a religious service with their mother.

Muslims facing the west to worship.

worshipers listening to the Imam preaching.

worshipers listening to the Imam preaching.

Requirements for the conduct of worship are strict.