21 - Khmer Islam (or Western Cham), in Cambodia

Get to know the Khmer Islam people in 4 parts - learn, see, act, pray!

1 - Learn

The Western Cham (also known as Khmer Islam or Cham-Malays) are a predominantly Muslim people group, who were once part of the Champa kingdom, an empire located in present-day southern Vietnam. In the 1400’s, the Champa empire was invaded by Vietnam, driving may of the Cham people into Cambodia. With their kingdom gone, the Cham were left divided with the Eastern Cham in Vietnam, and the Western Cham in Cambodia.

Whilst there has been very little national pride until recently, the Western Cham have preserved some of their traditions. For example, it is the maternal uncle who holds the position of authority. They have also continued the tradition of burying their dead not once, but twice. The first burial happens immediately after an individual passes away, burying them in a temporary grave for one year. After this, the bones are removed and buried in a permeant grave. 

Today, the Western Cham are mostly integrated into the Cambodian lifestyle, and enjoy many of the traditional Cambodian celebrations like Bonn Chaul Chhnam (Khmer New Year) and Bon Om Touk (Water Festival). Bon Om Touk celebrates the end of the rainy season, and the annual flow reversal between the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap. The Tonle Sap is a natural floodplain that increases from 1,000 to 4,000 m2 during the monsoon season. During the festival, intricately designed boats (representing their village colours) race across the water, with races going on across multiple days. Why not make an origami boat, come up with a fun design, and have some races yourself? 

2 - See

3 - Act
Make an Origami Boat

Craft

Go To Activity

4 - Pray
  • Ask God to open their hearts to the gospel and to guide them in understanding the deeper spiritual truths that can bring them peace and freedom.
  • Ask God to bless their communities with a strong sense of identity and unity in a rapidly changing world.
  • Pray for the Western Cham as they navigate life within Cambodian society, that they would experience prosperity and peace.

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