It is one of the sects of Islam in China,
and a branch of Khufiyya Menhuan (saintly lineage).
This sect was founded after 1734. There used
to be a fight between Huasi Menhuan and Jahariyah. Therefore sometimes the
former is also called Old Sect. In 1803 a Qubbah (a domed building) was built at
the tomb of Ma Laichi, founder of the sect, in Huasi of Linxia, Gansu Province,
hence the name Huasi Menhuan.
Huasi Menhuan is one of the earliest Menhuan
group. Its religious characteristics are sitting still in meditation to
cultivate oneself while not breaking away from mortal world, and advocating
obeying scriptures and special requirements on reciting Zikr. During the reign
of the second hierarch, it had a fierce conflict with one branch of Jahariyah
Menhuan. As a result, the leaders of both sects were expelled from the
region.
At the beginning of 19th century, when Ma
Guiyuan was the sixth leader of the sect, Huasi Menhuan reached its peak in
terms of influence. Later, the sect split, which led to several uprisings
against the government. Its influence mainly remains in Linxia of Gansu Province
and Xunhua of Qinghai Province.