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Islam in Cambodia Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Muslim Cham Community of Cambodia: History and Demographics

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The Muslim Cham Community of Cambodia: History and Demographics Study Guide

Cham Origins and Historical Settlement in Cambodia

The Cham people in Cambodia originated from the ancient Kingdom of Champa.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical origins of the Cham people in Cambodia are traced back to the ancient Kingdom of Champa.

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Cambodia became a refuge for Cham Muslims fleeing persecution from the Khmer Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cham Muslims sought refuge in Cambodia primarily to escape the Vietnamese conquest and invasion of Champa, not persecution from the Khmer Empire.

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Historical accounts suggest the Cham first encountered Islam around 617-618 AD via sea traders from India.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical accounts suggest the Cham's initial encounter with Islam occurred around 617-618 AD through Sahabas arriving by sea from Abyssinia, rather than via Indian traders.

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King Ramathipadi I, who ruled in 1642, was the only Muslim ruler of Cambodia.

Answer: True

Explanation: King Ramathipadi I, who ascended the throne in 1642, is documented as the sole Muslim ruler in Cambodia's history.

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From which ancient kingdom did the Cham people in Cambodia originate?

Answer: The Kingdom of Champa

Explanation: The Cham people trace their origins to the ancient Kingdom of Champa.

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Why did Cambodia become a refuge for Cham Muslims?

Answer: They were escaping the Vietnamese conquest and invasion of Champa.

Explanation: Cambodia provided refuge to Cham Muslims who were fleeing the Vietnamese conquest and invasion of their homeland, Champa.

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Who was the only Muslim ruler of Cambodia, and when did he reign?

Answer: King Ramathipadi I (1642-1658)

Explanation: King Ramathipadi I, who reigned from 1642 to 1658, is recognized as the sole Muslim monarch in Cambodian history.

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What historical claim is made about the earliest contact between Cham people and Islam?

Answer: Contact occurred around 617-618 AD when Sahabas arrived by sea from Abyssinia.

Explanation: Historical accounts suggest that the Cham people's earliest encounter with Islam occurred around 617-618 AD, facilitated by Sahabas arriving by sea from Abyssinia.

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What happened to King Ramathipadi I in 1658?

Answer: He was deposed by the Nguyen lords due to popular discontent.

Explanation: In 1658, King Ramathipadi I was deposed by the Nguyen lords, largely due to popular discontent among the majority Buddhist populace.

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Demographic Landscape of Muslims in Cambodia

According to activist Po Dharma, the number of Muslims in Cambodia around 1975 was estimated to be between 150,000 and 200,000.

Answer: True

Explanation: Activist Po Dharma's estimation places the number of Muslims in Cambodia between 150,000 and 200,000 around 1975, although this figure may have been an exaggeration.

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By 2009, the Pew Research Center estimated that Muslims constituted approximately 1.6% of Cambodia's population.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pew Research Center's 2009 estimate indicated that Muslims comprised approximately 1.6% of Cambodia's population.

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In 2021, the State Department estimated the Islamic population in Cambodia to be over 5% of the total population.

Answer: False

Explanation: The State Department's 2021 estimate placed the Islamic population in Cambodia at less than 1% of the total population, not over 5%.

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The 2019 general population census recorded approximately 311,045 Muslims in Cambodia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2019 general population census data for Cambodia indicates a Muslim population of approximately 311,045 individuals.

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Tboung Khmum province had the highest percentage of Muslims according to 2019 data.

Answer: True

Explanation: Based on 2019 data, Tboung Khmum province exhibited the highest proportion of Muslims among Cambodian provinces, with 11.8% of its population identifying as Muslim.

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The 'Update needed' notice suggests the article's figures on the Muslim population are outdated, possibly showing it as 2%.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Update needed' notice indicates that the article's demographic figures require revision, specifically mentioning that recent census data suggests a Muslim population of 2%, which contrasts with earlier figures.

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According to activist Po Dharma, what was the estimated number of Muslims in Cambodia around 1975?

Answer: Between 150,000 and 200,000

Explanation: Activist Po Dharma estimated the Muslim population in Cambodia to be between 150,000 and 200,000 around 1975, though this figure might represent an overestimation.

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What percentage of Cambodia's population was estimated to be Muslim by the Pew Research Center in 2009?

Answer: 1.6%

Explanation: In 2009, the Pew Research Center estimated that Muslims constituted approximately 1.6% of Cambodia's total population.

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How many Muslims were recorded in Cambodia according to the 2019 general population census?

Answer: Approximately 311,045

Explanation: The 2019 general population census of Cambodia recorded approximately 311,045 individuals identifying as Muslim.

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Which Cambodian province had the highest percentage of Muslims according to 2019 data?

Answer: Tboung Khmum

Explanation: According to 2019 data, Tboung Khmum province registered the highest percentage of Muslims among Cambodian provinces, at 11.8%.

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What is the estimated percentage of Muslims in Cambodia according to the State Department in 2021?

Answer: Less than 1%

Explanation: The State Department's 2021 estimate indicated that the Muslim population in Cambodia constituted less than 1% of the total population.

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Islamic Doctrine and Practice within the Cham Community

The majority of Muslims in Cambodia follow the Sunni denomination and adhere to the Maturidi doctrine.

Answer: True

Explanation: The predominant Islamic affiliation among Muslims in Cambodia is Sunni Islam, specifically adhering to the Shafi'i denomination and the Maturidi doctrine.

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Po Dharma categorizes the Muslim Cham population into orthodox and liberal branches.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the source, Po Dharma categorizes the Muslim Cham population into traditionalist and orthodox branches, not orthodox and liberal.

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In the late 19th century, Cham Muslim communities were structured with a single religious leader, the mufti.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the late 19th century, Cham Muslim communities were governed by a council of four religious dignitaries, including a mufti, rather than a single leader.

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Within a Cambodian Muslim community, the hakem leads prayers, the imam leads the community, and the bilal calls to prayer.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Cambodian Muslim communities, the hakem leads the community and the mosque, while the imam leads the prayers, and the bilal issues the call to prayer.

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By the late 1950s, about 7% of the Cham had completed the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Answer: True

Explanation: Figures from the late 1950s indicate that approximately 7% of the Cham population had undertaken the pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Traditionalist Cham Muslims often dress in blue and prioritize the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditionalist Cham Muslims are noted for dressing in white and generally show less emphasis on the pilgrimage to Mecca compared to other practices.

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Orthodox Cham Muslims adopted a more conformist religion due to interactions with the Malay community.

Answer: True

Explanation: The adoption of a more conformist religious practice among orthodox Cham Muslims is largely attributed to increased interactions and intermarriages with the Malay community.

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Conflicts between traditional and orthodox Cham groups led to the establishment of separate mosques and organizations between 1954 and 1975.

Answer: True

Explanation: Increased conflict between traditional and orthodox Cham factions during the period of 1954-1975 resulted in the formation of distinct mosques and religious organizations.

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The orthodox Cham adapted Malay customs and language due to intermarriage and interaction.

Answer: True

Explanation: The orthodox Cham community adopted Malay customs and family structures, and many within this group now speak the Malay language.

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Which denomination and doctrine are predominantly followed by Muslims in Cambodia?

Answer: Sunni Islam, Shafi'i denomination and Maturidi doctrine

Explanation: Muslims in Cambodia, particularly the Cham, predominantly adhere to Sunni Islam, specifically the Shafi'i denomination and the Maturidi doctrine.

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According to Po Dharma's categorization, what are the two main groups within the Muslim Cham population in Cambodia?

Answer: Traditionalist and Orthodox

Explanation: Po Dharma categorizes the Muslim Cham population in Cambodia into two primary groups: traditionalist and orthodox.

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What was the structure of Cham Muslim communities in the late 19th century?

Answer: Governed by a council of four religious dignitaries (mufti, tuk kalih, raja kalik, tvan pake) and village councils.

Explanation: In the late 19th century, Cham Muslim communities were structured under a council of four religious dignitaries, supported by village councils, rather than a single leader.

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What characteristic distinguishes traditionalist Cham Muslims?

Answer: They retain ancient Muslim or pre-Muslim traditions, acknowledge Allah but also other practices, and often dress in white.

Explanation: Traditionalist Cham Muslims are distinguished by their retention of ancient Muslim or pre-Muslim traditions, their acknowledgment of Allah alongside other practices, and their common attire of white clothing.

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Why did the orthodox Cham Muslims adopt a more conformist religion?

Answer: As a result of increased interactions and intermarriages with the Malay community.

Explanation: The orthodox Cham adopted a more conformist religious practice primarily due to their increased interactions and intermarriages with the Malay community.

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What happened between the traditional and orthodox Cham groups from 1954 to 1975?

Answer: Conflicts increased, leading them to establish separate mosques and organizations.

Explanation: Between 1954 and 1975, conflicts between the traditional and orthodox Cham groups escalated, resulting in the establishment of separate mosques and organizations.

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Which of the following best describes the traditionalist Cham Muslims' practices?

Answer: Emphasis on magic, sorcery, and retaining ancient rites alongside acknowledging Allah.

Explanation: Traditionalist Cham Muslims' practices often involve an emphasis on magic and sorcery, alongside the retention of ancient rites and acknowledgment of Allah.

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What role does the hakem fulfill in a Cambodian Muslim community?

Answer: Leads the community and the mosque.

Explanation: Within a Cambodian Muslim community, the hakem is responsible for leading the community and the mosque.

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How were the orthodox Cham Muslims influenced by the Malay community?

Answer: They adopted Malay customs, family organization, and many speak the Malay language.

Explanation: The orthodox Cham Muslims were influenced by the Malay community through the adoption of Malay customs, family organization, and the widespread use of the Malay language.

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The Khmer Rouge Era: Repression and Impact on Muslims

The Khmer Rouge regime led to an increase in the Muslim population in Cambodia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Khmer Rouge regime's persecution resulted in a significant decline in the Muslim population, not an increase.

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The primary period of persecution for Cham Muslims in Cambodia was during the French colonial era.

Answer: False

Explanation: The most significant period of persecution for Cham Muslims in Cambodia occurred during the Khmer Rouge regime, specifically from 1975 to 1979.

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The Khmer Rouge regime implemented agrarian policies and forced relocations, leading to widespread death from starvation and disease.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Khmer Rouge regime's policies included radical agrarian reforms and extensive forced relocations, which resulted in widespread mortality due to starvation and disease.

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The Khmer Rouge regime repressed only Islam, while allowing Buddhism to continue relatively unimpeded.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Khmer Rouge regime repressed all religious institutions, including Buddhism, not solely Islam.

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Estimates suggest that nearly one-third of Cambodia's population perished under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholarly estimates indicate that approximately one-third of Cambodia's population died due to the actions, starvation, or disease during the Khmer Rouge regime.

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How did the Khmer Rouge regime affect the Muslim population in Cambodia?

Answer: It caused a decline in the Muslim population due to persecution.

Explanation: The Khmer Rouge regime's policies of persecution led to a substantial reduction in the Muslim population in Cambodia.

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During which period did the Khmer Rouge regime primarily persecute Cham Muslims?

Answer: 1975-1979

Explanation: The primary period of persecution for Cham Muslims by the Khmer Rouge regime spanned from 1975 to 1979.

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What was a key policy of the Khmer Rouge regime that impacted the population?

Answer: Implementing agrarian reforms with massive forced relocations.

Explanation: A central policy of the Khmer Rouge regime involved implementing agrarian reforms coupled with massive forced relocations of the population.

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How did the Khmer Rouge regime treat religious institutions?

Answer: They repressed all religions, including Buddhism and Islam.

Explanation: The Khmer Rouge regime implemented a policy of repressing all religious institutions, encompassing both Buddhism and Islam.

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Historiographical Perspectives on Khmer Rouge Atrocities Against the Cham

David Chandler argued that the Khmer Rouge specifically targeted ethnic minorities like the Cham for genocide.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Chandler opined that ethnic minorities were not primarily targeted for their ethnicity but rather as perceived enemies of the revolution, and he rejected the classification of the actions as genocide.

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Michael Vickery characterized the Khmer Rouge regime as chauvinist due to its anti-Vietnam and anti-religion policies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Michael Vickery described the Khmer Rouge regime as chauvinist, citing its policies against Vietnam and religion.

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Stephen Heder believed the Khmer Rouge's atrocities were motivated by race, constituting genocide against the Cham.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stephen Heder contended that the Khmer Rouge's atrocities were not motivated by race and therefore did not constitute genocide against the Cham.

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Ben Kiernan argues that the events constituted genocide against the Cham people, disagreeing with Chandler and Vickery.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ben Kiernan's scholarly position is that the events constituted genocide against the Cham people, a viewpoint that contrasts with the interpretations offered by David Chandler and Michael Vickery.

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Ben Kiernan suggests racial stereotypes were a primary reason for the Khmer Rouge's animosity towards the Cham.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ben Kiernan posits that racialization and stereotypes prevalent during colonial and post-colonial eras may have been a primary driver of the Khmer Rouge's animosity towards the Cham.

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The text compares the denial of the Khmer Rouge's racist motivation against the Cham to the denial of the Armenian Genocide.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text draws a comparison between the denial of the Khmer Rouge's racist motivation for genocide against the Cham and Holocaust denial, not the Armenian Genocide.

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Which scholar argues that the Khmer Rouge's actions against the Cham constituted genocide?

Answer: Ben Kiernan

Explanation: Ben Kiernan is the scholar who argues that the Khmer Rouge's actions against the Cham constituted genocide, diverging from the views of Chandler, Vickery, and Heder.

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What comparison does the text draw regarding the denial of the Khmer Rouge's racist motivation against the Cham?

Answer: It is similar to Holocaust denial.

Explanation: The text draws a parallel between the denial of the Khmer Rouge's racist motivation for genocide against the Cham and Holocaust denial, characterizing both as forms of genocide denial.

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According to David Chandler's perspective, why were ethnic minorities like the Cham targeted by the Khmer Rouge?

Answer: Because they were perceived as enemies of the revolution, not primarily for their ethnicity.

Explanation: David Chandler posited that ethnic minorities like the Cham were targeted by the Khmer Rouge primarily because they were perceived as enemies of the revolution, rather than solely due to their ethnicity.

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What might have been the primary reason for the Khmer Rouge's animosity towards the Cham, according to Ben Kiernan?

Answer: Racialization and stereotypes prevalent during colonial and post-colonial eras.

Explanation: Ben Kiernan suggests that racialization and stereotypes, prevalent during colonial and post-colonial periods, may have been a primary factor in the Khmer Rouge's animosity towards the Cham.

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Contemporary Muslim Life and State Relations in Cambodia

As of 2016, there were fewer than 500 mosques recorded in Cambodia.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2016, records indicate there were 884 mosques in Cambodia, a number significantly higher than 500.

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After Cambodia's independence, the Islamic community was placed under the control of a five-member council.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following Cambodia's independence, the Islamic community was organized under the administration of a five-member council responsible for official representation.

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The Chrouy Changvar peninsula near Phnom Penh is considered the spiritual center for Cham Muslims in Cambodia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chrouy Changvar peninsula, situated near Phnom Penh, is recognized as the principal spiritual center for Cham Muslims residing in Cambodia.

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Islam is not an officially recognized religion in Cambodia today.

Answer: False

Explanation: Islam is an officially recognized religion in Cambodia, and its adherents are permitted to practice their faith openly.

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The Cham people in Cambodia today do not have the right to vote or be elected as politicians.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cham people in Cambodia possess the same democratic rights as other citizens, including the right to vote and to be elected to political office.

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The Cambodian government sponsors annual iftar gatherings during Ramadan for the Muslim community.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cambodian government actively supports the Muslim community by sponsoring annual iftar gatherings during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

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In 2018, the leader of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) referred to Cambodia as a place where religious conflict was prevalent.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2018, the leader of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) praised Cambodia, characterizing it as a model for Muslim coexistence, rather than highlighting prevalent religious conflict.

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The Cambodian Youth Muslim Alliance founded an amateur football club in 2016.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2016, the Cambodian Youth Muslim Alliance established an amateur football club known as CMYA FC.

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Amath Yashya is a prominent Cambodian politician known for his Buddhist faith.

Answer: False

Explanation: Amath Yashya is identified as a notable Cambodian politician of Muslim faith, not Buddhist faith.

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Yeu Muslim and Sos Suhana are mentioned as notable Cambodian footballers of Muslim faith.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material lists Yeu Muslim and Sos Suhana among the notable Cambodian footballers identified as being of Muslim faith.

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Les Kosem was a Cambodian religious leader.

Answer: False

Explanation: Les Kosem is identified in the source material as a Cambodian military officer, not a religious leader.

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The Nur ul-Ihsan Mosque is mentioned as an example of Islamic architecture in Cambodia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nur ul-Ihsan Mosque is referenced, serving as an example of Islamic architectural presence within Cambodia.

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Where is the primary spiritual center for Cham Muslims in Cambodia located?

Answer: On the Chrouy Changvar peninsula near Phnom Penh

Explanation: The Chrouy Changvar peninsula, located near Phnom Penh, is recognized as the principal spiritual center for Cham Muslims in Cambodia.

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How does the Cambodian government currently support the Muslim community?

Answer: By sponsoring annual iftar gatherings during Ramadan.

Explanation: The Cambodian government actively supports the Muslim community by sponsoring annual iftar gatherings during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

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What positive statement was made about Cambodia regarding Muslim coexistence in 2018?

Answer: The OIC leader praised Cambodia as a beacon for Muslim coexistence.

Explanation: In 2018, the leader of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commended Cambodia, referring to it as a beacon for Muslim coexistence.

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Who is Amath Yashya?

Answer: A notable Cambodian politician of Muslim faith.

Explanation: Amath Yashya is identified as a prominent Cambodian politician who practices the Muslim faith.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a notable Cambodian footballer of Muslim faith in the source?

Answer: Chan Vathanaka

Explanation: The source material explicitly names Yeu Muslim, Sareth Krya, and Sos Suhana as notable Cambodian footballers of Muslim faith. Chan Vathanaka is not mentioned in this context.

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What administrative change occurred for the Islamic community after Cambodia's independence?

Answer: It was placed under the control of a five-member council for official functions.

Explanation: Following Cambodia's independence, the Islamic community was organized under the administration of a five-member council responsible for official representation and liaison.

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What initiative was founded by the Cambodian Youth Muslim Alliance in 2016?

Answer: An amateur football club named CMYA FC.

Explanation: In 2016, the Cambodian Youth Muslim Alliance established an amateur football club, CMYA FC.

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Ethnic Minorities and Islamic Identity: Chvea and Malay Communities

The Cham and Malay minorities in Cambodia are predominantly adherents of Buddhism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material indicates that the Cham and Malay minorities in Cambodia are primarily adherents of Islam, not Buddhism.

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The Chvea people, meaning 'Vietnamese', arrived in Cambodia in the 14th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Chvea' translates to 'Java', and this group arrived in Cambodia in the 14th century from the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago, not Vietnam.

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Scholars agree that the Chvea people formed a distinct Muslim community separate from the Cham ethnic group.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholarly discourse on the Chvea people involves debate regarding whether they constituted a distinct Muslim community or are part of the broader Cham ethnic group.

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There are no ethnic Khmer people who practice Islam in Cambodia; all Muslims are of Cham or Malay origin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material confirms the existence of ethnic Khmer individuals who have converted to Islam, originating from Buddhism, thereby refuting the assertion that all Muslims are solely of Cham or Malay origin.

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The term 'Khmer Muslims' is considered discriminatory against minorities like the Cham.

Answer: True

Explanation: The designation 'Khmer Muslims' is viewed as discriminatory, particularly towards the Cham minority, and its usage gained prominence during the People's Republic of Kampuchea era.

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The term Chvea refers to people originating from Vietnam who settled in Cambodia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Chvea' literally signifies 'Java' and refers to a group that arrived in Cambodia from the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago in the 14th century, not from Vietnam.

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What is the primary religious affiliation of the Cham and Malay minorities in Cambodia?

Answer: Islam

Explanation: The Cham and Malay minorities in Cambodia are primarily adherents of Islam.

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What does the name 'Chvea' literally mean, and where did this group arrive from?

Answer: Meaning 'Java'; arrived from the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago.

Explanation: The term 'Chvea' literally translates to 'Java', and this group arrived in Cambodia in the 14th century from the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago.

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What is the scholarly debate concerning the Chvea people in Cambodia?

Answer: Whether they are a distinct Muslim community or part of the broader Cham ethnic group.

Explanation: The scholarly debate regarding the Chvea people centers on whether they formed a distinct Muslim community or are considered part of the broader Cham ethnic group.

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Which of the following is true regarding Khmer people practicing Islam in Cambodia?

Answer: There are Khmer Muslim converts, originating from Buddhism.

Explanation: The source material confirms the existence of ethnic Khmer individuals who have converted to Islam, originating from Buddhism.

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What does the term Chvea signify in the context of Cambodian history?

Answer: A group arriving from Java and the Malay Archipelago in the 14th century.

Explanation: In Cambodian history, the term 'Chvea' signifies a group that arrived from Java and the Malay Archipelago during the 14th century.

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Which group arrived in Cambodia in the 14th century from the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago?

Answer: The Chvea

Explanation: The Chvea, a group originating from the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago, arrived in Cambodia during the 14th century.

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