Day 24 – Farmers
The majority of Chinese Muslims who live outside of larger urban centers are rural farmers but many Hui people are moving to cities to find other jobs that they know or care little about in order to provide for their family.
Day 23 – Young Women
Amina lives in two worlds. She is diligent and works long hours but spends her days with people who do not share her religious background.
Day 22 – Grandfathers
YeYe (“grandfather”) spends his retirement years sitting outside in the sun in his apartment complex and walking back and forth across the street to the Mosque five times a day. Like most elderly Chinese Muslims, he’s devoted to his faith because thoughts of the afterlife seem more pertinent at his age.
Day 21 – Nominal Muslims
The rules of Islam are enforced by the elder women in her community, so to avoid their rebuke, she follows the outward, visible rules. Inwardly, however, Ling just wants to feel loved and find purpose in life.
Day 20 – Business Owners
For the Hui, there is a lot of stress in owning and operating a small business. Many of the small businesses are a family operation that will include both husband and wife as well as older children. These small businesses are vital for the economic livelihood of the family.
Day 19 – Teenagers
Mahmed just turned 12 so he’ll soon start attending Friday prayers at the Mosque with his father. He knows being a good Muslim is important but now that he’s getting older he’ll be expected to fast during Ramadan as well.