Zheng He (Sinbad) and his visit to Ormuz

In his eary days, before he became the famous Chinese Muslim Admiral,
named Zheng He, was promoted to the post of chief steward of eunuchs,
also known as 'Sanbao' (Three Protectors). His voyages were frequently
referred to as 'Eunuch Sanbao to the Western Ocean' or 'Zheng He to
the Western Ocean'.

Modern researchers believe that Sinbad the Sailor made famous through
the text 'The Thousand and One Nights' which referenced many
historical figures, may in fact be Sanbao, and God knows best.

It was in the 10th year of the Emperor Yongle in China (1412 AD), that
the son of the late King of Sumatra, grew up, killed the fisherman who
killed his father and forced his mother to marry him. In September
that year, after taking the crown he sent an envoy to China seeking help.

Zheng He was put in command of this mission. After the civil war in
Sumatra, he sent a fleet to explore the coast of East Africa. He led
the bulk of that fleet himself towards Silan, via Cochin and Calicut,
sailing for 25 days through wind and rain. They crossed the Arabian
sea and entered the Persian gulf. Finally they arrived in Ormuz (now
Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran).

Ormuz was a large country in the 'western ocean' with a pleasant
climate, abundant produce, and no poverty. The people were strong and
well dressed. When Zheng He's fleet arrived, the people there spread
the news. The king subsequently held a grand ceremony to present his
welcome. The hosts and guests exchanged gifts and pleasantries.

Ormuz was the first 'western country' in the true sense of the term
that Zheng He's fleet visited. People there from king to commoners,
all believed in Islam, so mosques were all around the country. The
streets were bustling with activities and the markets were
flourishing. Zheng He directed his crew to obtain herbs, amber,
corals, opals, longans, pearls, and other precious stones, by trading
silk and porcelain from China.

When Zheng He's fleet was leaving, the king of Ormuz held a farewell
banquet and sent an envoy, Jijiding, with the king's signed letter to
visit China with Zheng He. They carried on board with them lions,
ostriches, antelopes, zebras, and a great many precious stones. From
then on, envoys from both countries exchanged communications with each
other.

[Zheng He's Voyages to Xiyang, pp 153 -160, abridged]

It seems that the heritage of Muslims as well as that of the Chinese
(Muslim or otherwise) has not been mentioned in as much depth in our
history books. The history of the world can show us how, that through
trade, people have sustained and managed prosperous relationships.

The diverse multi-faith communities in which we all live today are a
result of acceptance of differences from an early period. As the flow of
information improves, we are more privelaged in being able to build upon
the successes of those who came before us.

May Allah Almighty have mercy and help us learn from the past successes so
that we can continue good relations with those around us, be they our
neighbours, or those on the other side of the world, ameen.

----------------------------------------------------------------
This e-mail has been sent via JARING webmail at http://www.jaring.my