What Makes Us Great Again? The Hajj of Syed Muhammad Shamsuddin Al-Bukhari 復興

🎟 Get your tickets here!
🗓 Date: 21 Mars | Time: 19:00
📍 Location: Creativity Theatre, Children's Creativity Museum
221 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Have you ever felt pressured to conform to certain cultural expectations, whether as an Asian-American, a faithful Muslim, or while visiting countries abroad? In today's world, from the US to China and beyond, numerous movements assert a resounding "Yes" to such pressures. This narrative explores how some believe the path to Make America Great Again—and to national rejuvenation—lies in nostalgically revisiting and enforcing a singular historical narrative.

But what does that history entail? Join us as we recount the legacy of the last ethnic Han dynasty's Treasure Fleets, comprising grand expeditions that traversed lands from Vietnam to Tanzania, led by the illustrious Sayyid Muhammad Shamsuddin (Zheng He). A descendant of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he spread both imperial authority and Islamic teachings across the Malay World, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Through these voyages, we uncover a tale of diversity that fueled imperial splendor. Witness the complexities faced by the people involved—be it intervening in a Sri Lankan civil conflict or following ancestral footsteps to the revered cities of Mecca and Medina.

Be part of this enriching experience exploring past narratives that shape our identities today!