The Confucian Interpretation Of Islam In The Writing Of Tian-Fang Zi-Mu Jie-Yi

Tian-Fang Zi-Mu Jie-Yi is a book written by Liu Zhi. This book mainly introduces Arabic language by means of "Confucian interpretation of Islam" and was completed during the1710s. The whole work, which is regarded as a part of Liu Zhi’s Han Kitab thinking system, was created on the ground of his own understanding of Arabic language. This dissertation explains, deliberates and criticizes Liu’s book first from a linguistic perspective, on the base of researches conducted by Alfred Forke and Jin Yijiu, in terms of the origin of Arabic letters, and the explanation of the letters and the understanding of the concepts "Allah","Muhammad" and "Ahmed". Although Liu Zhi’s work lacks scientificalness in terms of linguistics no matter from the perspective of historical linguistics, or of modern linguistics, it is subjective and parochial to make a judgment of the book as it failed to deliver any of scientific value and was regarded nothing but a result of over-illusion. It is a must to understand, analyze and study the work and Liu’s theory on the background of the academic trend "Confucian interpretation of Islam", which was created by these Han Katibs during Ming and Qing Dynasties. For those Han Katibs like Liu Zhi who have made great contribution to cultural exchange, it is a trial to interpret Islam by Confucianism aiming at preserving Islam in China via integration into the mainstream Chinese culture. It is neither a simple translation of pure intact Islamic thoughts, nor a comprehensive display of authentic traditional Chinese culture, but an integrative thought featured with both Chinese and Islamic characteristics, which have succeeded in several ways during certain historical period. However, it is obvious that Han Kitab style has its own limitation since the interpretation lacks necessary scientificalness when encounters the explanation of natural existence, as is revealed in Tian-Fang Zi-Mu Jie-Yi. To summarize, Liu Zhi’s work Tian-Fang Zi-Mu Jie-Yi was completed by certain scientific methodology after a series of systematic academic training, the work is a reflection of Islamic mysticism as well as a brave trial of ancient Chinese Muslim scholars hoping that their belief will achieve further understanding and acceptance by mainstream Chinese culture.