The Muslims of Cambodia

by Rouquiyah Yoeu

Cambodia is a little country whose history and people have been in turmoil both through foreign domination and internal strife. When people think of Cambodia, they probably imagine the genocidal holocaust which killed millions of Cambodians under the communist rule of Pol Pot and the Khmar Rouge. When pictures are presented of Cambodia, many people see Buddhist temples, idols, ancient buildings or monks. What people do not realize is that between 2.5% to 5% of the people were devoted Muslims. These Muslims include primarily a group known as Chams and also some Khmar (indigenous Cambodians) of the south. The Chams are descended from Malay or Indonesian traders. Before the Cambodian holocaust the approximate number of Muslims was between 120,000 and 350,000 and there were 300 mosques. It is very difficult to get any precise numbers but the Cambodian Muslims estimate that at least one half of the Muslims in Cambodia were either killed or became refugees.

Each Muslim village contained one surow, which is similar to a foundation. This large, one room house was mainly used for Islamic studies such as Qur’anic recitings, hadith, Shar’iah and Arabic studies. However, larger mosques were built for Muslim gatherings and festivals. These larger mosques usually made from bricks were almost always provided with a dome. Through volunteers, young and old, big mosques were established. After working all day, people gathered to help with the construction of the new masjid. Some mixed sand, rocks and water for cement. Others laid bricks while still others helped raise the dome. Wherever there was work needed, Muslims were ready and willing to help. Through hard work by the Muslim community, a masjid was soon provided for all. Along with the invasion of the Khmar Rouge came destruction of many beautiful masjids. Because the Khmar Rouge discouraged religion, they therefore tried to destroy all buildings of worship.

For each devoted Muslim family, life included daily prayers, Qur’anic recitation and Islamic study. Many Khmer Muslims were fishermen or farmers. Many Chams were cattle traders, silk weavers and butchers. For all Muslim youth, Islamic studies were held during their three months of vacation away from regular school. These studies were mainly taught by an Imam in the surow. One Imam might have 30-40 students, free of charge. Because of the importance placed on Qur’anic recitation, classes were held for at least six hours a day.

As soon as the Khmar Rouge seized power many Cambodians, Muslims and non-Muslims, all felt their destructive power. Education was prohibited, and those who were educated were executed, Imams were in danger. Some were killed while others hid for fear of their life. Islamic prayers and Qur’anic studies were prohibited. Anybody caught praying would be killed. Many Qur’ans were burned. During the Khmar Rouge era, Islam seemed lost as people fled for their lives. But today, Cambodian Muslims are slowly, progressively rebuilding this small Islamic nation. Even though the Khmar Rouge are still a threat and are attempting to regain control of the country from the Vietnamese, the Muslim Cambodians seek refuge with Allah (SWT).

Originally published in The American Muslim print edition Fall 1990