During my visit to Xi’an, I was fortunate to have met Haji Imam Ma Yi Ping. A beautiful soul whose spiritual work connected with me so deeply and profoundly. Prior to my journey, a friend of mine recommended I visit him after returning from a trip to Xi’an herself. I was ecstatic beyond explanation to immerse myself in what I knew would be a memorable experience and a perfect way to end my journey living in China.
Xi’an is more than a city to me, but is a spiritual and sacred place where I find and have found connections to my identity and greater love for Islam. They say that some places have a way of bringing you inner peace without you having to search for it – that is Xi’an for me.
Meeting Haji Imam Yi Ping, and learning about his journey as a calligrapher reminded me of how powerful and life-changing it has been to witness the long-preserved history of Islam in China. And for this reason, I have fallen in love with the people, culture, and history of this place I call my second home.
Haji Imam Ma Yi Ping is one of the numerous gems in China, and I pray you find power, light, and healing through his story, just as much as I do.
About Haji Imam Ma Yi Ping
Haji Imam Ma Yi Ping, also known as Yihaya Salih, was born in Xi’an, China in 1963. He started the recitation of parts of the Quran at the age of 4 and started learning the Arabic language at the age of 10. He eventually fell in love with the calligraphy of Arabic and insisted on copying the manuscript of the Quran on a daily basis.
His experience led him to attend the 2nd Chinese Workshop of Islamic Theology in 1990 where he was fortunate to be trained by a nationwide Arabic calligrapher, Yang Jinhui. That same year, he began his studies at the Medina Islamic University in Saudi Arabia, where he became a member of the calligraphy association and was trained by a calligrapher by the name of Moas. In 1996, he was additionally trained in Arabic calligraphy by a calligrapher by the name of Abbas, during his studies at Al-Azhar University in Egypt.
Over the course of 40+ years, Yi Ping became known for his calligraphic work worldwide, and to this day continues to engage in the spiritual work that paved paths for him. He is also one of many active Imams at the Grand Mosque of Xi’an.
A collection of Yi Ping’s work
Shop Location: No. 197 Huajue Lane, Xi’an Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, China, 710003
I visited Ma Ya Ping’s shop, located near the Great Mosque of Xi’an in one of the alleyways of the Muslim Quarter, and was amazed by the decades of work that filled the room.
We managed to communicate with a mixture of Chinese, English, and Arabic, and everything at that moment felt so soul-stirring. It felt so surreal. My entire experience living in China, me leaving China in less than a month, being in Xi’an, and now meeting a Chinese Muslim calligrapher.
I’ve reflected on countless occasions how the “random” people I’ve come across during my travels, have never been so “random”, but pure destiny. It was my Creator reminding and assuring me that the path I was journeying to was meant to be, and I allowed myself to accept that.
Meeting Ma Ya Ping was one of many assurances I knew was destiny. He shared something that brought me joy to the core, and tears. And most importantly, purpose. Seeing how he created with so much purpose, gave me purpose and healing.
Love and light to all those who make it their purpose to spread God’s work, because they truly shine within.
To learn more about Haji Imam Ma Yi Ping and his journey, you can watch Al-Jazeera’s documentary on the Road to Hajj China and an interview with Imam Yi Ping.
If travel has taught me anything, it is that – there is so much hidden light and beauty in the places we otherwise wouldn’t look twice at. This is mine and your reminder to always look deeper and to have the intention to find goodness regardless of where we are. Light sees light, so be that light, and be it boundlessly.
And as always, may we travel with love, faith, and gratitude.
