Shari’ah, or Islamic Law, has seen growing demand in the Philippines, along with a rising need for qualified Shari’ah Counselors. Responding to this need, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) formally launched its first-ever Shari’ah Online Review program.
Building on its long-standing offering of Shari’ah-related courses through the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies, UP IIS expanded its reach with this online review program, which ran from January 29 to May 9, 2025. The three-month review was held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with three-hour sessions each day. It covered vital subject areas such as Introduction to the Practice of Law, Jurisprudence, Legal Writing, Procedure, Succession, Persons, and Islamic Banking and Finance. To further support participants, coaching sessions were conducted at the end of the program.
The review was delivered by an esteemed roster of lecturers, including renowned UP IIS faculty, experienced Shari’ah experts, practicing lawyers, Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law, former Shari’ah Bar examiners and chairpersons, Shari’ah Bar topnotchers, and a seasoned Shari’ah District Court judge. Among them were Assoc. Prof. Macrina A. Morados, Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, Atty. Patrick Abdulmalik M. Velez, Atty. Abdul Majid B. Marohombsar, Judge Jamel T. Mamutuk, Ustadh Luqman L. Bin Usman Imam, Coun. Johayra A. Datlan, Aleem Mahid B. Mangondaya, and Coun. Analiza G. Flores-Malayang.
The program drew 83 reviewees from across the country, with the majority coming from Mindanao. Through this extension program, UP IIS reaffirmed its commitment to expanding learning opportunities and addressing the evolving needs of the Muslim community.
As the country’s premier academic institution for Islamic Studies, UP IIS designed the Shari’ah Review to equip aspiring Shari’ah practitioners with the knowledge and preparation needed to succeed in the Shari’ah Bar Examinations. More than just an exam review, the program represents the Institute’s broader mission to strengthen the Shari’ah system and meet the growing demand for qualified counselors in the Philippines. Moreover, it contributes to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education, particularly Indicator 4.3.4, which emphasizes education outreach activities beyond the campus.
Moving forward, the Shari’ah Online Review will become an annual program, embedded within UP IIS’s extension programs. By this, the Institute not only fulfills its academic mandate but also contributes to the broader Muslim ummah’s need for efficient, accessible Shari’ah services.