The Arabic of Wang Zerui167

Introduction

Wang Zerui was a Chinese Muslim scholar and traveler who lived in the 14th century. He is best known for his travels to the Middle East and his book, Yuandayi yilishi (A Complete History of the Yuan Dynasty), which contains valuable information about the history and culture of the Arab world during that period. Wang's writings provide a unique perspective on the interactions between China and the Islamic world during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368).

Early Life and Education

Wang Zerui was born into a Muslim family in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China, in 1311. His father was a merchant who had traveled extensively in the Middle East. Wang received a traditional Chinese education and also studied Arabic and Persian. He was particularly interested in Islamic law and theology.

Travels to the Middle East

In 1342, Wang Zerui embarked on a journey to the Middle East. He traveled overland through Central Asia, visiting Bukhara, Samarkand, and Baghdad. He then traveled by sea to Mecca, where he performed the hajj. During his travels, Wang met with scholars and officials from various countries and learned about the different cultures and traditions of the Islamic world.

Return to China and Later Life

Wang Zerui returned to China in 1349. He presented his findings to the Yuan court and was appointed to a position in the government. He continued to write and translate works on Islamic subjects. Wang Zerui died in 1388 at the age of 77.

Wang's Arabic

Wang Zerui was a fluent Arabic speaker and writer. He translated several Arabic works into Chinese, including the Tafsir al-Jalalayn, a commentary on the Qur'an. Wang's Arabic was influenced by both Chinese and Persian. He used some Chinese characters to represent Arabic sounds that did not exist in Chinese. He also borrowed some Persian words and phrases. Wang's Arabic is a valuable resource for studying the history of the Chinese Muslim community and the interactions between China and the Islamic world during the Yuan dynasty.

Legacy

Wang Zerui was a pioneering Chinese scholar and traveler who played an important role in the transmission of knowledge between China and the Islamic world. His writings provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the Arab world during the Yuan dynasty. Wang Zerui is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Chinese Islam.

2025-01-27

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