CAMBODIAN MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID AL-FITR IN A MULTICULTURAL SPIRIT

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, March 21 (Bernama) -- Cambodia marks Eid al-Fitr, the most celebrated festival in the Muslim society, on Saturday, the first day of Syawal.

The country’s Muslims, numbering about 850,000, joined more than two billion Muslims worldwide in celebrating the end of Ramadan after the crescent moon was sighted on Thursday night.

Despite being a minority group within the country, Cambodian Muslims observe this festival with deep devotion and vibrant traditions that enrich the nation’s cultural diversity. 

Prime Minister Hun Manet in his Facebook posting this morning extended his wishes to the Muslim community and lauded their contributions to maintaining peace and social harmony, and their continued support for nation building.

“… longstanding commitment of Cambodian Muslims in supporting the Royal Government across all circumstances, including efforts to safeguard territorial integrity and promote socio-economic development,” said Manet.

Although the Kingdom is facing multiple challenges of slowing economy, a border dispute with neighbouring Thailand, and rising fuel prices due to the conflict in West Asia, the community is welcoming Syawal in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“This year’s celebration is a tough test and yet the most meaningful time for Cambodian Muslims after 1979 (end of Khmer Rouge reign), given their ability to get through the one-month physical and spiritual self-discipline and other hardship such as the effect of the border conflict and economic stagnation,” Principal Deputy Director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia Farina So told Bernama.

Across the country, Cambodian Muslims, consisting of ethnic Cham, ethnic Chvea (Javanese descendants) and Muslims of other origins, provide charity, food packages, and zakat to the needy during the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrations, she said.

Activities are bustling in about 650 mosques across the country, in urban and rural provinces, as communities keep to their age-old traditions to usher in the spirit of Syawal.

Inter-ethnic and inter-group relations are strengthened through the iftar dinner events and showcasing Muslim culinary dishes and traditions during Eid al-Fitr celebration, said Farina.

For decades, Muslims have coexisted in harmony with the majority Buddhist population in Cambodia, home to about 17 million people. 

“Tarawih prayers at night-time strengthens a close-knit community and religious gathering indicates a peaceful coexistence in Cambodia.

“The concept of unity in diversity is always spelt out. Despite differences in religious beliefs, mutual respect and tolerance are key to peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in Cambodia,” she said. 

-- BERNAMA