Some cultural-social differences between two Cham communities in Vietnam: Bani and Islam.

Abstract

The Cham Bani and Cham Islam in Vietnam have quite different socio-cultural and religious beliefs and practices although they belong to the same ethnic group. The Cham Bani has modified Islam and integrated it into traditional religion and belief whereas Cham Islam adopted and strictly follow official Islamic rules and practices. This article demonstrates the differences between the two Cham communities in terms of religious beliefs and practices as well as marriage rituals; women’s roles, and the relationships with the world Islam outside Vietnam.