A Study on Religious Strands of Malay Muslim Cham in Cambodia

Abstract

Research on Malay Muslim Cham is very interesting to be known as there are limited number of studies, books, journals, and articles related to them. In addition, the study will contribute to the Muslim minorities and as a bridge to unite the diverse Malay groups. This article aims to explore the religious strands of the Malay Cham, consisting of two main groups in Cambodia, the Sunni and Jahed, where both were Cham ethnic originating in Vietnam. Therefore, this study will explore their history by focusing on their background, the premises of religious life, relationships, and differences. Mixed methods were used to obtain the data and information; first, in the form of documents such as books, articles, and journals. Secondly, interviews and surveys have been also conducted to support the arguments. Upon the findings, both of these were from the same lineage originating as Cham Balamon in Vietnam. They later differ from one to other due to several factors. For instance, the Cham Jahed, originally Sunni, has been influenced to an amalgamated version of religion by incorporating other elements of teaching into their worshiping, and was seen strongly adhering to the religion of their forefathers. While Cham Sunni is seen as completely abides to the teachings of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah. It is hoped that this research will make the Islāmic countries, including the Malay world, to be more aware of the existence of a Malay community in Cambodia and this study to become an added reference for the students, future researchers and the Muslim scholars to utilise the information provided in relation to the Malay Muslim Cham of Cambodia.