Built in 1960, Taipei Grand Mosque is a cultural and religious icon in Taiwan. (Staff photo/Chen Mei-ling)
 

Muslims in Taiwan may be a religious minority, but they enjoy full societal participation free from discrimination in education, employment and political participation thanks to the efforts of public and private organizations dedicated to creating a welcoming environment. Today, men donning skullcaps and women wearing headscarves can move freely in public without attracting undue attention.

For devout Muslim Ali Chang, Taiwan is a safe haven for religious expression. “It is a wonderful place for Islamic followers given the equality, freedom and openness of society,” he said. Chang’s father was among the roughly 20,000 Muslims who arrived from China in 1949, most of whom married local women and passed the religion’s traditions down to their children.
 

Followers of Islam from home and abroad pray alongside one another during a service at Taipei Grand Mosque. (Staff photo/Chen Mei-ling)
 

According to Taipei City-based Chinese Muslim Association, Taiwan is home to between 50,000 and 60,000 permanent Muslim residents, or less than 0.3 percent of the total population of 23 million. While the number tracing their heritage back to the 20th century arrivals has steadily declined, there has been a marked increase in immigration from Muslim-majority countries, with an estimated 250,000 workers from Indonesia alone.

The diversity and vibrancy of Taiwan’s Muslim community is on full display at the nation’s seven major mosques, among which Taipei Grand Mosque is the largest and oldest. Built in 1960 and designated a historic site by the city government in 1999, the place of worship is testimony to the inclusiveness of Taiwan society.

To enhance the experience of Muslim residents and visitors, numerous initiatives have been launched by authorities to help followers preserve their cultural traditions and way of life. These include setting up prayer rooms at public facilities and scenic spots nationwide, as well as organizing events celebrating Eid al-Fitr—the most important religious festival in the Islamic calendar.
 

Halal-certified food products are now a common sight in Taiwan as businesses look to tap into the growing Muslim customer base. (Staff photo/Chen Mei-ling)
 

CMA is frequently entrusted to assist the central and local governments in developing products, services and facilities for Islamic followers. These include establishing halal food standards; providing Muslim-friendly tour guide training programs; and organizing Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Efforts to attract international visitors from Islamic countries are bearing fruit as well, with Taiwan ranking as the third most Muslim-friendly destination among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries and territories, according to the 2019 Global Muslim Travel Index published by U.S.-based financial services provider MasterCard and Singapore-headquartered CrescentRating, a global authority on halal travel.
 

Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital in eastern Taiwan is a certified Muslim-friendly facility after installing an Islamic prayer room and restroom in August. (Courtesy of HTCH)
 

Taiwan’s reputation for religious freedom has also enhanced the country’s cultural pluralism, according to Tsai Yuan-lin, an associate professor in religious studies at Taipei-based National Chengchi University. This is demonstrated by Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital in eastern Taiwan—established by the country’s largest Buddhist charity, Tzu Chi Foundation—recently commissioning CMA to set up a prayer room for Muslim caregivers.

Through dialogue and mutual understanding, Taiwan has achieved harmony between individual religions and across society as a whole, Tsai said. “Conflicts among different faiths have not been an issue despite the country’s growing diversity. We are a prime example of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.” (By Kelly Her) (E)

(This article is adapted from Fostering Inclusivity in the September/October 2020 issue of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)