THE FASTING MONTH OF RAMADAN OF CHAM ETHNIC GROUP IN VIETNAM (Case study: Cham Islam and Cham Awal)

Abstract

Although both under the influence of Islam, Cham Islam community in the South of Vietnam is totally different from Cham Awal community in the Middle of Vietnam in the individual culture. This is because each community is affected by history and geo-culture belonging to their own region. This paper generalizes the process of these two communities and presents some similarities and differences between them. The comparison helps to identify the particular cultural values of each Cham ethnic group in Vietnam. Finally, the paper gives some solutions to conserve and develop sustainable national cultural identity, through applying cultural ethnic values to local tourism products.