Prayer Convention Method
Change
Time Zone Preference:
Shawwal 1445 - Dhul Qidah 1445
A small, humble Muslim community bows down in worship at prayer times in Ningbo. Ningbo is a major port city in Zhejiang Province, China. It is the southern economic center of the region. The city has undergone significant modern development, with a focus on economic growth, industry, and infrastructure, with it being the economic center of the province. Like many cities in China, it has a relatively small Muslim population. The Muslim community is a minority, and the presence of Muslims in Ningbo is primarily due to trade and historical interactions. There is only one mosque in the city. Let's learn about it below:
Also known as Ningbo Mosque, Yuehu mosque was initially built in 1003 during the Northern Song period by Muslim traders who had migrated from Arab lands to settle in China. The existing site was rebuilt in 1699 during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. It was first built in the Xianping Period (998-1003) and the North Song Dynasty(960-1127) and was rebuilt and removed many times.
The existing site was removed in the 18th year of Kangxi, Qing Dynasty(1644-1911). In July 2011, the mosque was listed as a historical monument of Zhejiang Province. Yuehu Mosque is the only mosque in eastern Zhejiang and has been relocated three times. It is located in Xihouying Lane on the shore of Yuehu and also houses the Ningbo Islamic Association. The building of the mosque follows a similar symmetrical pattern to other mosques in China, with the building facing back to the holy city of Mecca.
The layout of the building is simple; the main prayer hall is curved, and the interior is decorated with ornamental Quranic scriptures and calligraphy. It is surrounded by gardens and other smaller buildings. The layout reflects the characteristics of traditional gardens, fragrant with flowers, plants, and flourishing trees. On Fridays, the mosque sees an influx of worshippers and regularly holds Jummah congregational prayers. It is open for visiting at other times as well. However, it is not confirmed whether daily obligatory prayers are observed in a congregation or not.
Ningbo, being a port city, attracts diverse tourism. There are many halal restaurants and dining places, mainly in and around Haishu District, which is also home to the city's only mosque. Here are some of the most popular halal dining restaurants in Ningbo:
Lebanese Restaurant: Middle-eastern Arabic-style cuisine
Dong Yi Shun Restaurant: North-western Chinese style Muslim dishes and snacks
Adaxi Xinjiang-style Restaurant: Xinjiang-style traditional cuisine
Even as a minority, Muslims in Ningbo celebrate humbly their Islamic festivals and events. Ramadhan and Eid-ul-Fitr are celebrated with congregational prayers and food. However, in recent years, with stricter regulations by the Chinese government, these celebrations are being observed less and less.
Muslims in Ningbo can refer to the Ningbo Islamic Association for support. No official website is available. However, their office can be visited at 18 Houying Ln, in Haishu District, Ningbo.
Congregational prayers hold tremendous importance in Islam. It is made compulsory for those able to pray with the congregation when they hear the Azan (call to prayer). Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "If anyone hears him who makes the call to prayer and is not prevented from joining the congregation by any excuse -he was asked what an excuse consisted of and replied that it was fear or illness- the prayer he offers will not be accepted from him." (Sunan Abi Dawud 551)
There are immense benefits to praying with the congregation. Even trying to and striving to pray with the congregation can get a Muslim forgiven of all his sins. It was narrated that 'Uthman bin 'Affan said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: 'Whoever does wudu' properly, then walks to (attend) the prescribed prayer, and prays with the people or with the congregation or in the Masjid, Allah will forgive him his sins." Sunan an-Nasa'i 856
As Muslims, we must try our best to pray with the congregation. Mosques are designated places for us to organize congregational prayers. We hope this article helps you catch your obligatory prayers with the congregation at prayer times in Ningbo.
| Fajr | Duhur | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:27 | 11:50 | 15:27 | 18:43 | 20:08 |