When a 14th-Century Chinese Emperor Wrote a Eulogy for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The following 100-Word Eulogy was written in the 14th century by the emperor of the Chinese Míng dynasty, Zhu Yuánzhāng — in praise of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. It is one of the earliest known texts to introduce Islām in China.

Whether he became a Muslim or not cannot be determined with certainty* — yet the emperor had a profound admiration for Islām and its followers, especially the character and teachings of Rasūlullāh ﷺ and there are elements of Sufi teachings in this eulogy.*

He commissioned the construction of mosques in several places such as Nánjīng, Yúnnán, Guǎngdōng, and Fújiàn, and ordered copies of his poem to be displayed in the nearby mosques. His reign (1368–1398) is regarded as the golden age of Islam in China.

In English, the poem translates as:—
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‘The universe began with the heavenly tablet recording his name.
The religion-delivering great sage, born in the western realm.

Conferring and receiving heavenly scripture in thirty parts, universally transforming all created beings.
Master of the trillion rulers, leader of the ten thousand sages.

Assisted by destiny, protector of the community.
In each of the five prayers, he silently supplicates for their total well-being.

His intention is that Allah should remember the needy.
Deliver them from tribulations to safety, Knower of the unseen.

Exalted above every soul and spirit, free from any blameworthy deeds.
A mercy to all of the worlds, whose path is preeminent for all time.

Renounce spiritual ignorance; return to The One – that is the religion called Islam.

Muhammad is the most noble sage.’ [ﷺ]

[Translation: Brendan Newlon]