In recent years, some people — including officials, journalists, and even a few researchers — have used the term “Bani Islam” to refer to the Cham community that follows the BANI RELIGION. This is an inaccurate label, causing confusion and harming the identity of an ancient religion. This must be clearly corrected to ensure fairness for the community.
First, it must be affirmed that the phrase “Bani Islam” is entirely new, appearing only in the last few decades. In French research documents, in works of international scholars, or in community memory before the year 2000, this concept does not exist.
From the past until now, the Cham people have only called their religion the BANI RELIGION, or simply “Bani.” Adding the word “Islam” is a forced categorization, an attempt to lump Bani into another religious system that does not reflect reality. If anyone can prove that before the year 2000 there existed an official document, article, or text using the phrase “Bani Islam,” the community is willing to accept it. But until now, all evidence shows that this is a newly created term.
Second, using the term “Bani Islam” is not only linguistically incorrect but also fundamentally wrong. The BANI RELIGION is not a branch of orthodox Islamic Islam. While it has adopted certain elements from Islam, BANI has indigenized them and developed its own system of rituals, doctrines, clergy organization, and spiritual life deeply tied to Cham culture.
The Bani people have their own festivals, their own funeral rites, and their own system of religious officials, all operating according to unique traditions — entirely different from Islamic Islam. To group BANI together with Islam is equivalent to erasing the cultural and religious creativity that Cham ancestors built over many generations.
Third, this incorrect term carries serious consequences. It causes society to misunderstand BANI as merely a “Cham-style Islam,” rather than an independent religion. It diminishes the distinct voice of the community in policies, reports, and social perception. It also creates deep psychological harm, as a sacred belief system is forced under an unfamiliar and inaccurate name.
Those who introduce and spread the term “Bani Islam” must understand that they are acting irresponsibly toward cultural history. Whether intentionally or not, they have pushed an entire community into being misunderstood about their own religion.
No religion accepts having its name changed
Catholics cannot be called “Protestant Catholics,” and Buddhism cannot be called “Hindu Buddhism.” So why should the BANI RELIGION accept being misnamed?
Rejecting the term “Bani Islam” is not a denial of Islamic elements in its formation, but a declaration that BANI is a distinct, independent religion with its own nature and its own values.
The Cham BANI community has the right to be called by its correct name, to be recognized for what it truly is — just like every other religion in the world.
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