Xinjiang imam enjoys modern life

Yang Jie, 48-year-old imam of a Xinjiang mosque, was the first to use a mobile phone, the first to buy a car and the first to invest in the stock market in his village

"Traditional Muslims can also enjoy a modern life," said the ethnic Hui in Sangonghu village in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Whenever new things appear, they stir a lot of discussion among his villagers. They ask questions like "Can imams use mobile phones?" or "Can Muslims buy shares?"

"Nowadays, you cannot do without a mobile phone. You cannot even contact me without it." Yang often tempers his answer with humor. Recently, he began to use WeChat, an instant messenger, to contact followers and help them in their day-to-day lives.

A villager in their WeChat group found it difficult to sell his tractor. Yang spread the word via WeChat and helped find a buyer the next day.

Yang is one of the richer farmers in the village, growing and selling vegetables. He bought a mobile phone in 1998 and later a car. He likes to teach his congregation in simply language. During Ramadan, he works in the early morning and then goes to the mosque for prayer with dozens of followers.

Islam upholds science and is against wrongdoing, superstition, ignorance and violence, he said, adding that a basic requirement of the fasting and prayers during Ramadan is self-reflection.

Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, falls on Saturday.

"With improved living conditions, people prepare better food and wear smart clothes for the event. The atmosphere is increasingly festive," said Yang. Endi