ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how Ayoob introduced me to a leader of Tabligh Jamaat in Xining, and even though he studies with Tablighis about once every week or two, he still maintains a critical stance toward the movement. It also discusses some Salafi critiques of the movement, but Ayoob offers some insightful criticism of movement from standpoint of a Yihewani college graduate, professional English teacher, reaffirmed Muslim, and self-educated student of Islam and other faiths. Ayoob perceives need for revival in China and admires dedication of many jamaat is, but especially from his standpoint as an educator, he denounces the Tablighis non-interactive style of speaking, wholesale rejection of worldly concerns, and neglect of modern problems in favor of constantly repeating stories of the sahaba and emulating some superficial elements of their lifestyle. To isolated Muslim minorities, marginalized Muslims, and disillusioned or restless youth, the Tabligh Jamaat not only offers an artificial kinship network, it also opens up a world of possibilities.
