It was Jumuah for Muslims on Friday when Islamic worshipers visited mosques in their localities right after noon and observed communal prayer rituals led by imams or Akhunds.

Here are a few basic facts and figures regarding Islam development across China:

Islam was introduced into China in the seventh century. Today, there are ten ethnic minorities in China, including the Hui and Uygur, with a total population of 18 million, whose faith is Islam.

Across China, there are about 30,000 mosques, which are served by 40,000 Imams and Akhunds, according to a document posted on the Web site of the State Administration for Religious Affairs.

(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2009)