Islamic Law Gains National Recognition with New Shari’ah Judicial Districts and Courts, UP CIDS-ISP and UP IIS Augment Initiatives with Shari’ah Education Campaign

On April 29, 2024, the government achieved a milestone recognition of Shariah law with the approval of Senate Bill No. 2594. This landmark legislation establishes three additional Shariah Judicial Districts and 12 Shariah Circuit Courts outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In support of this significant development, the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies-Islamic Studies Program (UP CIDS-ISP) and UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) have launched the Shari’ah Education Campaign. The initiative, which began with a webinar on May 25, 2024, aims to raise awareness and promote Shari’ah Law among Muslim communities across the Philippines. The campaign is designed to help Muslim constituents access the services of Shari’ah Courts and seek guidance from Shari’ah Councilors, enhancing the integration of Shari’ah services into their daily lives.

The Shari’ah Education Campaign features lectures from esteemed Muslim scholars at UP IIS. The first lecture was delivered by Asst. Prof. Darwin J. Absari, provided an in-depth history of Islamic Law in the Philippines, tracing its evolution from the pre-Islamic period to its current inclusion in the Philippine Constitution. Assoc. Prof. Macrina A. Morados followed with a comprehensive overview of Presidential Decree 1083, also known as the Code of Muslim Personal Laws, detailing its legal framework and highlighting key provisions.