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Will Baxter

Members of Cambodia’s 600,000-strong Muslim community are set to celebrate the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which draws to a close today.

During the entire month of Ramadan – which began on August 11 – Muslims are required to fast from dawn until sunset.

Sa Lesh, a Cham Muslim and hakim at the Nurunnaim Mosque in the city’s Russey Keo district, explained that Ramadan is the holiest of months in the Islamic calendar, and is intended to cleanse devoted Muslims of all sins.

“Allah has taught us through the Qur’an to make good commitments and to share food with the poorest of people,” he said.

“Why did Allah teach us to do that? Because he wants us to understand about suffering and hunger… so we will distribute food and other belongings to the poor.”

He added that elders, the infirm, and children under age 15 were not required to fast.