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Muslims
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Muslims
Muslims comprise Thailand's largest
religious minority, and are concentrated
mainly in the southernmost provinces of
Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Satun.
Islam is said to have been introduced to
the Malay Peninsula by Arab traders
and adventurers during the 13th century.
Most Thai Muslims are of Malay descent,
reflecting the common cultural heritage
Thailand's southern most provinces share
with Malays.
Thai Muslims, 99 percent Sunnites and
1 percent Shiites, enjoy H.M. the King's
inspirational and financial support. His
Majesty provided money for translating
the Koran into Thai. The King or his representative presides during the annual
celebrations commemorating the Prophet
Mohammad's birthday. Additionally,
His Majesty appoints a respected Muslim
religious leader as Chularajamontri, or
Counselor to the Department of Religious
Affairs for the promotion of Islamic faith.
The government also provides funds for
building and renovating mosques.
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Although Muslims are concentrated mainly in the
south, a mosque can also be found in Phitsanulok in the central north.
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In some southern provinces with a
large concentration of Muslims, government-employed Muslims are allowed
leave for important Muslim festivals, and
allowed to work half-day on Friday, the
Muslim holy day. In addition, one four
months' leave with full salary is also granted
to allow an employee to make the Haj,
the pilgrimage to Mecca incumbent on
all Muslims able to make the journey. In
those provinces with large concentrations
of Muslims, family and inheritance cases
are also judged according to Koranic
law with a Muslim religious leader sitting
on the bench.
A group of Muslims gather for a religious ceremony.
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There are approximately 2000
mosques in Thailand, about 100 of which
are in Bangkok. Some 200 Muslim schools
offer secular as well as religious instruction.
All in all, Thailand's 1,935,638 (1981)
Muslims enjoy full state support and are
free to practice their religion according
to their own tenets.
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