Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines-Diliman

Facebook Facebook Youtube
Menu

Author: UP Institute of Islamic Studies

In contemporary world permeated by hegemonic Western positivistic sciences which rescinded the important value of ethics, faith traditions and revealed knowledge that have had impacted human lives for several centuries and millennials were relegated to private life. This notion of privatizing civilizational religions, Islam in particular, had created intellectual numbness, apathy and indifference. To bring forth ‘intellectual compassion’ in the arrogant world of Western sciences, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies was created on November 22, 1973 by Presidential Decree 342, as part of the Philippine Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS). Following the abolition of PCAS on July 9, 1979 by virtue of Executive Order No. 543 issued by the then-president of the Philippines, the Institute was re-established as a separate unit of the University.

Categories
Events News & Archives

Islam in SEA workshop: “Three Faces of the Rohingya Crisis: Religious Nationalism, Asian Islamophobia and Delegitimizing Citizenship” by Dr Imtiyaz Yusuf

We are very happy to announce that one of the participants of the exploratory workshop on Islam in Southeast Asia is Dr Imtiyaz Yusuf. The workshop will be held on September 21, 2018 (Friday) at the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (NISMED) of the University of the Philippines Diliman. He will present his current research entitled “Three Faces of the Rohingya Crisis: Religious Nationalism, Asian Islamophobia and Delegitimizing Citizenship.”

Abstract:

Myanmar is a non-secular Buddhist majority country born out of the ashes of the murder of its integrationist freedom fighter leader General Aung San who was assassinated on July 19, 1947, a few months before the independence of Burma on January 4, 1948. His failed legacy of integrating Myanmar into a multicultural nation of majority Burmans and non-Burman minorities continues to elude Myanmar. The Rohingya crisis is not a religious clash between Islam and Buddhism as both the religions have a long-shared history of peaceful coexistence. Nor is it merely a case of Buddhist persecution of Muslims as purported by the Rohingyan nationalists. It is a clash between two nationalisms over the claim to Myanmar citizenship. The conflict invokes Buddhist and Muslim nationalisms for the purpose of protecting and preserving nationalist ethnicities as religious identities in turn causing the rise of the new phenomena of Asian Islamophobia.

Author’s profile:

Assistant Professor Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf is currently a Lecturer and Director of the Center for Buddhist-Muslim Understanding in the College of Religious Studies at Mahidol University in Thailand. Previously, he has also taught at the Graduate School of Philosophy and Religion, Assumption University of Thailand for 12 years and before that at the College of Islamic Studies, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus for 5 years.

Dr. Yusuf speaks 6 languages: English, Swahili, Arabic, Thai, Hindi and Urdu.

Dr. Yusuf obtained BA (Politics) from Poona University, India; MA (Islamic Studies) Aligarh Muslim University, India and Ph. D. (Religion) Temple University, USA.  Dr. Yusuf specializes in Religion with a focus on Islam in Thailand and Southeast Asia and also Muslim-Buddhist and interreligious dialogue.

During 2009-2010, he was visiting Associate Professor and Malaysia Chair of Islam in Southeast Asia at ACMCU, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA. He is also concurrently a Senior Fellow at the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, (ACMCU) Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA.

https://acmcu.georgetown.edu/imtiyaz-yusuf

Dr. Yusuf has contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Islamic World (2009); Oxford Dictionary of Islam (2003); Encyclopedia of Qur’an (2002); and Oxford Encyclopedia of Modern Islamic World (1995). He was also the special Editor, The Muslim World – A Special Issue on Islam and Buddhism Vol. 100, Nos 2-3 April/July 2010.

Dr. Yusuf‘s most recent publications are:

“Nationalist Ethnicities as Religious Identities: Islam, Buddhism and Citizenship in Myanmar”  American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences 34:4 (2017) pp. 100-119;

“Celebrating Muhammad’s Birthday In Buddha’s Land: Managing Religious Relations through Religious Festival in Religion, Public Policy and Social Transformation in Southeast Asia ― Religion, Identity and Gender, Dicky Sofjan (Editor), Vol. 2 (Geneva: Globethics.net International Secretariat, 2017) pp. 129-160;

“Islamic Attitudes towards Theravada Buddhism: The Contemporary State of Relations” in Buddhist and Christian Attitudes to Religious Diversity Hans-Peter Grosshans, Samuel Ngun Ling and Perry Schimdt-Leukel (eds.) Yangon: Ling’s Family Publication, 2017) pp. 209-232;

Imtiyaz Yusuf (ed.), A Planetary And Global Ethics For Climate Change And Sustainable Energy, (Bangkok: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Bangkok and College of Religious Studies, Mahidol University, 2016);

“Muslim-Buddhist Relations Caught between Nalanda and Pattani” in Ethnicity and Conflict in Buddhist Societies in South and Southeast Asia, K.M. de Silva (ed.) (Colombo: Vijitha Yapa, 2015);

“Ismail al-Faruqi’s Contribution to the Academic Study of Religion” in Islamic Studies, 53:1-2 (2014) pp. 99–115;

“Islam and Buddhism: From Coexistence to Dialogue” in Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Interreligious Dialogue Catherine Cornille ed. (Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013), 360-375.

 “Islamic Theology of Religious Pluralism: Quran’s Attitude Towards Other Religions” Prajna Vihara, Vol. 11, No. 1 January-June 2010 : 123-140;

“The Role of the Chularajmontri (Shaykh al-Islam) in Resolving Ethno-religious Conflict in Southern Thailand” American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences, Vol. 27 No. 1 (2010) 31-53;

“Dialogue Between Islam and Buddhism through the Concepts Ummatan Wasatan (The Middle Nation) and Majjhima-Patipada (The Middle Way)” Islamic Studies, 48:3 (2009) pp. 367–394;

“The Thai Muslims and the Participation in the Democratic Process: The Case of 2007 Elections” Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 29, No. 3, (2009) : 325-336;

“The Southern Thailand Conflict and the Muslim World” in Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 27, No. 2 (2007) 319-339 and

“Dialogue between Islam and Buddhism Through The Concepts of Tathagata and Nur Muhammadi” International Journal of Buddhist Thought and Culture, Vol. 5 (2005) : 103-114.

Dr. Yusuf is also:

Southeast Asia editor for Oxford Islamic Studies Online (2012 – )

http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/Public/ed_advisors.html

Member, International Advisory Board, Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, (UK) http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/cjmm20;

Consultant Editor, International Journal of Buddhist Thought and Culture, Dongkuk University, Seoul Korea, since 2002 – ;

Dr. Yusuf often writes on Islam-Buddhism, religion in Southeast Asia and Middle East for The Nation (Bangkok) newspaper. His latest article was: “Secularism has failed: new religious wars require fresh solution.” http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/30317302

Categories
Events News & Archives

Islam in SEA workshop: “Revisiting Brunei’s Early Islamic History: China and the Formation of an Early Fourteenth-Century Bruneian Sultanate” by Dr Alexander Wain

We are very happy to announce that one of the participants of the exploratory workshop on Islam in Southeast Asia is Dr Alexander Wain. The workshop will be held on September 21, 2018 (Friday) at the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (NISMED) of the University of the Philippines Diliman. He will present his current research entitled “Revisiting Brunei’s Early Islamic History: China and the Formation of an Early Fourteenth-Century Bruneian Sultanate.”

Abstract:

This paper seeks to re-assess the date of and circumstances surrounding the early Islamization of Brunei. While earlier studies have dated Brunei’s conversion to either 1363 or ca.1515 and emphasized the role of Malay and Arab Muslim missionaries in the subsequent Islamization process, this paper draws upon recent archaeological evidence and previously neglected textual sources to establish that: 1) Brunei’s conversion occurred earlier than previously thought, in the early fourteenth century; and 2) Muslims from Quanzhou forged a close bond with early Islamic Brunei, influencing various aspects of its Islamicate culture. Thus, while early indigenous and European texts, notably the Silsilah Raja-Raja Brunei and Boxer Codex, unanimously agree that Islam first reached Brunei from further west in Southeast Asia, perhaps from the region of Johor, Brunei’s archaeological record demonstrates that the subsequent process of Islamization was far more complex, with Chinese cultural influences playing a leading role. Focusing on the recent discovery of 15 fourteenth- to fifteenth-century Bruneian Muslim gravestones, in addition to archaeological evidence pertaining to trade, coupled with a reconsideration of the importance of the seventeenth-century Boxer Codex, this paper conclusively demonstrates the existence of Muslim rule in Brunei before the 1320s, where it existed in an environment suffuse with Chinese cultural and commercial influence—influence that subsequently came to bear on the formation of Brunei’s early Islamicate culture. The paper concludes by briefly tracing the continuance of this influence into the sixteenth century.

Author’s profile:

Alexander Wain obtained his DPhil from the University of Oxford in 2015. A specialist in the history of Islam in Southeast Asia, his DPhil research focused on the possible role of Chinese Muslims in the conversion of the Nusantara (Maritime Southeast Asia) between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. Currently, he is an Associate Research Fellow at The International Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia. His recent publications include ‘The Two Kronik Tionghua of Semarang and Cirebon: A Note on Provenance and Reliability,’ published in the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies.

Categories
News & Archives

2018 UP-IIS Recognition Ceremony

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies held its Recognition and College graduation on June 21, 2018 from 1-5pm at Balay Kalinaw, UP Diliman Campus. The Recognition Day was graced by the Religious Attaché of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Faris Almutairey as the guest speaker.

In his speech, Sheik stressed the need to understand each other amidst the challenges faced by Muslims and to teach Islam with wisdom and kindness as he cited the Qur’anic verse, “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is who has fear in Allah.”

He further said that Islam is to give importance to the whole of mankind and so Muslims should behave according to the teachings of Islam and not let ignorance be an excuse since Muslims have all the ways and means to learn and present the best character as taught in Islam. He also reminded that Islam teaches to be merciful and also gives importance in dealings with the neighbors. He narrated the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him.) who had non-Muslim neighbor whom he treated very well. He visited his Christian and Jew neighbors who were sick. This is one best example of Prophet’s moral character that Muslims should exemplify in their daily lives. In the history of Islam, he further said, that in Islamic countries, non-Muslims lived in harmony because they were treated well by the Muslims. He also said that In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as most people know, non-Muslims workers are treated well, and the Kingdom also participated in many inter-faith conferences to show that the country is pro-peace and harmony. Many supports are also given to the Philippines to show Islamic teachings in all aspect, social, political, moral, economic and many others to keep stronger the relationship of two countries. He finally mentioned the visit of Philippine’s president to the Kingdom and the visit o Kingdom’s Foreign Minister to the Philippines. Finally, he concluded his speech by relaying the good news of the approval of funding for the IIS new building which is already on process.

 

There were four graduates: Rohaida M. Latiph, Yassin B. Maute, Murshida H. Noor Panda and Aisah P. Solaiman. The graduates were then presented and awarded with the certificates by the guest speaker assisted by Dean Morados. Sponsors of the 2018 Ramadan Iftar Program, namely: Royal Embassy of Saudi, Qatar Embassy, Australian Muslim Brothers and Sisters and the M. Al-Rabah were given special citations. Students who gained university scholars and college scholars were also awarded certificates and medals. The 2018 Shari’a passers were also given certificates of recognitions and medals. For the active participation of the Student Council, the Institute awarded certificate of recognition to the Graduate Student Organization represented by its President, Ms. Hajar Cabili. Finally, students who completed Arabic Language also received certificate of recognition.

The program ended with the closing remarks by the College Secretary Dr. Jamel Cayamodin who encouraged the graduates to live on the thrust of the university as well as of Islam which are excellence, honor, and service to humanity.

Categories
Events News & Archives

Ramadan 2018: UP IIS holds Iftar Program

Ramadan 2018 started last May 17, 2018. It is considered most sacred month of the year. Ramadan is full of sacrifices but most loved by the Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims experience two occasions of joy – first, during the time of Iftar  (breaking of the fast) when one completes his day of sacrifice putting in control his personal desire over ibadah (worship) and second, when the fasting person meets his Creator and eternally enjoy the reward of his/her good deeds in jannah (paradise).

With renewed spirit to promote solidarity and camaraderie among Muslims and Non-Muslims in the Campus, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies continues to offer iftar program. This has become a tradition of the UP Muslim community through the Institute to gather Muslim Faculty members, staff, students, guests, non-Muslim friends and visitors from neighboring Muslim communities around Quezon City to partake iftar as one family. This year, the UP IIS iftar program is realized through various sponsorships who are taking turn from Monday to Friday of the entire month of Ramadan.

Embassies Sponsor Iftar

The Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is sponsoring iftar for the 4 Mondays of the Month. Apart from the iftar, there is an ongoing series of Islamic lecture before the Monday iftar program where students can attend and learn the significance of Ramadan from invited lecturers recommended by the Religious Attaché Sheikh Faris Almutairrey, KSA Embassy. Another significant event happening at the IIS is the two-hour Qur’an studies offered every day before the iftar. IIS students Ahmed Salidin and Abdulrahman Talusan are facilitating this activity.

The Qatar Embassy, Philippines is taking care of the Iftar meals of May 17, 18, 22, 23 and June 1.

Another significant partnership forged between the Research Association of Islamic Social Sciences , Inc. (RAIS), UP-IIS and the U.S. Embassy Philippines is the launching of the project: “Suara Muslim Initiative for Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E) with its kick off activity – the hosting of “Iftar for a Cause: Round Table Discussions on the Rehabilitation of Marawi City” on May 30, 2018. The RTD is organized by UPIIS in collaboration with the Center for Integrative and Development Studies-Islamic Studies Program (UPCIDS-ISP). Muslim lawmakers, leaders, experts, members of the academe and stakeholders are expected to attend.

Al-Rabah

May 25, 29, June 5, 6 and 13 are enthusiastically marked for the M. Al-Rabah iftar sponsorship. The M. Al-Rabah has been a longtime IIS partner in implementing projects in the past like the World Hijab Day, previous Istiqbal Ramadan program and providing scholarship grant to five IIS students for the last two semesters.

Feta Restaurant

And unique to the usual iftar sponsorship, instead of providing iftar at the IIS, the Turkish FETA Restaurant located at Greenhills, San Juan invited 22 students to partake iftar at their restaurant last May 18, 2018. The students were treated with the best Turkish food offered by the restaurant. The place is very cozy and ideal for family iftar as they served guaranteed 100 percent halal food.

Generous Individuals

For the remaining days of Ramadan 2018, some generous sponsors take turn in sponsoring iftar at the Institute, namely:  Jonty Biona for May 24, Atty. Mehol Sadain for May 30 while May 31 is sponsored by Ustadz Abdulhadi Daguit.  Mahmoud Ismail with Sarah Ibrahim (MISI) and an anonymous donor will take care of the remaining unsponsored days.

Camp Karingal

As part of our extension services, UPIIS has also been doing Iftar program for the Muslim inmates at Camp Karingal.  Worthy to mention is the continuing effort of the Australian Muslim Community since 2006 facilitated by Bro. Saleem Habibullah in providing iftar for 4 Fridays of the entire month of Ramadan for the Muslim women inmates at Camp Karingal, Quezon City. Likewise, Qatar Embassy is taking care of the following days: May 22, 24, 31, June 5 and June 6.  The month of Ramadan provides opportunity to everyone who wishes to share their blessings as an act of ibadah.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is prescribed to Muslims to make them learn self-restraint, piety and righteousness and that they may strengthen their taqwah or fear to God. For many years since its iftar Program, the UPIIS has been the venue for the promotion of the spirit of fasting and has fostered love and understanding not just among Muslim constituents of the university but also among Non- Muslim friends.

We are thanking IIS staff especially non-Musllims in preparing the iftar and staying beyond office hour, a sincere gesture of love and service.