Essential skills

The prayer hall at the institute also serves as a classroom where the students learn essential skills, such as interpreting the Quran and leading prayer gatherings.

On April 8, Xie Shunchao addressed the Jumah as part of a practical lesson for final year students. "We have a responsibility to keep the traditions while adapting to social developments," said the 24-year-old student, clad in a white ceremonial robe that failed to hide his Converse-brand canvas shoes.

He said life at the institute is never boring, and even though they are studying religion, the students are a lively group, and they enjoy playing computer games, watching NBA games and shopping online. The institute is just like any other college, except these are no women, he said, with a laugh.

Like many of the students, Xu Fuyao studied at a mosque in his hometown for a year before taking the 2012 entrance exam for the institute, where about one in five candidates is offered a place.

The 24-year-old Hebei province native often visits other colleges and universities to attend lectures on Middle Eastern history and Islamic cultures around the world, something he would not have been able to do if he had continued studying at his local mosque.

"My friends now often use social media apps to seek my help if they have problems understanding the Quran," said Xu, who plans to continue his studies overseas after graduation, before returning to China and training as an imam.

He said people sometimes ask for his views on religious extremism, which the authorities say has been behind a series of deadly attacks in China and elsewhere in recent years. "If one day I became an imam, I will tell my followers that violence is always wrong, no matter what you believe. When Muslims start to kill, they are not Muslims anymore, just devils," he said.

Xu said he wants to help his coreligionists to gain more confidence, "which is badly needed".

Unlike Ma, some graduates may be appointed to mosques where older imams are still working, meaning they have to learn to handle a delicate relationship.

"Young and old imams at the same mosque can learn from one another and together. Just like any great team, it takes time and patience for them to adjust to each other's values and perspectives," said Cui Wei, a 24-year-old student from Northwest China's Gansu province.

Walking along the carpet that runs down the middle of the prayer hall at Doudian Mosque, Ma said it is the path he takes to lead the Jumah.

"It always reminds me to lead China's Muslims on the right path. It is a great responsibility," he said.