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In contemporary world permeated by hegemonic Western positivistic sciences which rescinded the important value of ethics, faith traditions and revealed knowledge that have had impacted human lives for several centuries and millennials were relegated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.

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UP IIS Expands Access to Shari’ah Training with Online Review Program

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 15 May 2025

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.

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UP IIS and WAMY PH Hosts Solidarity Iftar to Strengthen Community and Understanding

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 17 Mar 2025

Iftar, or breaking the fast at sunset, is one of the most significant practices observed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. It marks the end of daily fasting and serves as a time for spiritual reflection, communal gatherings, and strengthening one’s faith and sense of unity.

In line with this tradition, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), in partnership with the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) Philippines and the Student Association for Islamic Affairs (SAIA), organized a Solidarity Iftar on March 16, 2025, at the UP Promenade, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

With the theme “A Solidarity Iftar: Offering the Spirit of Ramadan,” the event brought together both Muslim and non-Muslim attendees, fostering interfaith dialogue and a shared appreciation of Ramadan’s significance. It highlighted universal values such as compassion, generosity, and solidarity—core principles that lie at the heart of the observance of fasting.

The program formally opened with welcoming remarks from Asst. Prof. Darwin J. Absari, faculty member and College Secretary of UP IIS. He described UP Diliman as “an open community that embraces diversity and different faiths,” emphasizing that the event was not only a Ramadan gathering but also a demonstration of solidarity within the UP community.

The lectures that followed provided deeper insights into the spiritual and intellectual aspects of Ramadan. Atty. Anwarul Wadud Tipu, Legal Adviser of WAMY Philippines, delivered the first lecture on the significance of fasting, explaining that it is a form of ibada (worship) and that the ultimate goal of Ramadan is to attain taqwa (God-consciousness). He encouraged students and professionals to cultivate sincerity and attentiveness in their studies and work while fasting, making Ramadan a time of both personal growth and productivity.

The final lecture was presented by Prof. Julkipli Wadi, Dean of UP IIS, who underscored the importance of lifelong learning, particularly for the youth, in understanding civilizations. He emphasized that education is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, citing the world’s first recorded university—Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco—which was established between 857 and 859 by Fatima al-Fihri. In 970AD, the famous Al-Azhar University was established in Cairo, Egypt. Over the centuries, it evolved into one of the leading educational and spiritual institutions of the Islamic Golden Age.

Following the lectures, a communal prayer was held before breaking the fast. Attendees observed Islamic tradition by first consuming dates and water before enjoying a full meal prepared for the gathering.

This initiative aligns with the mission of UP IIS to foster deeper understanding among diverse communities. By opening the Iftar gathering to people of all backgrounds, the event not only strengthened bonds within the Muslim community but also encouraged dialogue and cultural appreciation among non-Muslims.

As Ramadan continues, UP IIS and its partners reaffirm their commitment to strengthening interfaith connections and promoting a culture of empathy and understanding. Events like the Solidarity Iftar serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of shared values, mutual respect, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines the holy month.

News & Archives

Welcoming Ramadan

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 28 Feb 2025

News & Archives

Prof. Wadi Reappointed as Dean of UP IIS for the Fourth Time (2025-2028)

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 17 Feb 2025

In a testament to his enduring leadership and expertise, Prof. Julkipli Wadi has been reappointed as the Dean of the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) for the fourth time, serving from January 30, 2025 to January 29, 2028. His reappointment was approved during the UP Board of Regents’ 1396th meeting on January 30, 2025.

After passing the UPCAT in 1986, which he had to initially forego by not entering UP that year due to some family priorities as he would have to detour his early collegiate education via UST, Mapua, and finally UE where he earned his BA degree in Political Science, Prof. Julkipli Wadi eventually entered UP in 1990 and earned Master of Arts in Islamic Studies in 1993.

Prof. Wadi’s Islamic education turned full circle with his early Madrasa studies at the Yahya Radjaie Memorial Islamic School in Jolo, Sulu in late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

He learned classical Islamic Studies under the tutelage of Ustadh Abduraqib Azhari and his other teachers like Tuan Sharif Mudar and a few others, who honed him on the foundations of Din al-Islam — Quran, Hadith, Seerah, Shariah, Fiqh, Ethics, Arabic Grammar, Mathematics, and other sciences. He pursued Madrasa studies alongside learning traditional knowledge in Jawi of Bahasa Sug while working on his High School education at the Notre Dame of Jolo for Boys where he graduated as the Batch ‘86 Valedictorian.

He also took some PhD subjects in Political Science at the University of the Philippines. Since then, he started his career in the University as part-time Researcher, Research Associate, University Researcher, Faculty Member, and IIS College Secretary.

Beyond his academic leadership, Prof. Wadi has made significant contributions to research, authoring numerous studies on Islam and Muslim society, the Bangsamoro peace process, regional security, and the Philippines’ engagement with the Muslim world. Among his notable works are Islamic Dilomacy: OIC Pacific Settlement on the Bangsamoro Question (1972-1986) (1993); “Philippine Political Islam and the Emerging Fundamentalist Strand” in Cooperation and Conflict in Global Society (1996); “The Philippines and the Islamic World” in Philippine External Relations: A Centennial Vista (1998); “Ambivalence, Ferment and Trade-off Since 9/11” in Before and After September 11, 2001 (2004); “Braving Muslim–Christian Dialogue in the Philippines” (2005); “Islamic Nationalism and Philippine Politics” in Philippine Politics and Governance: Challenges to Democratization and Development (2006); “Rajah Sulayman, Spain and the Transformation of Islamic Manila” in More Hispanic Than We Admit: Insights and Philippine Cultural History (2008); “Multiple Colonialism in Moroland;” “Moro Political Dynasty” in The Moro Reader: History and Contemporary Struggles of the Bangsamoro People (2008); and, “Challenge and Responsibility of the Philippine Muslim Community” (2014). His other writings have also been featured in key publications such as the Asian Studies Journal (2012; 2013); Integrated Bar of the Philippines Journal: Special Issues in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (2015). He also co-edited Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago: A Current of Narratives (2018). He is the Editor of Pangadjian Journal of Islamic Studies; and writes a column CRUCIBLE in MindaNews. As part of the UP IIS Vision 2030 initiative “Heritage, Digitization, and Publications,” his past and latest writings will be compiled in volumes, “Discourses on Islam and Politics.”

In the classroom, he has mentored graduate students in Islamic Studies and other students in UP, National Defense College of the Philippines, and University of Santo Tomas and other schools and universities. As a political analyst, Prof. Wadi has been a frequent fixture of local and international media interviews for analysis on political Islam, the Middle East, and Mindanao politics and culture. He plays an active role in shaping discussions on Islam and governance in the Philippines and other issues in the Muslim world. He also serves as speaker at both national and international conferences.

Prof. Wadi has forged linkages with universities and educational institutions in the Middle East and Southeast Asia and other Islamic Studies Institutions in Europe and North America. For many years, he has jointly organized a consortium of faculty researchers from Toyo Eiwa University, Japan; Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; UIN Sharif Hidayatullah; Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia.

His academic contributions extend beyond teaching, as he has served as Imam and Khatib to fulfill Islamic obligations and rituals in the UP Institute of Islamic Studies and other parts of the country. He is also a strong advocate of interfaith and civilizational dialogues and served as an interfaith partner and as a regular lecturer at the Silsilah Dialogue Institute in Zamboanga City. Prof. Wadi also collaborates with Dr. Wageeh Mikhail of the Network of Centers for Christian-Muslim Relations (NCCMR) based in Michigan, particularly in doing the project on contextual dictionary in Christian-Muslim relations.

He also implemented a three-year Peace, Development and Microfinance (PDM) pilot project, a community rebuilding program embracing components such as community development, conflict settlement, women empowerment, and environmental rehabilitation, and sustainable development in Barangay Siunugan, Indanan Municipality in the Province of Sulu. It has the support of UP-OVCRD, ASA Philippines, LGU, religious, civil society, and security sectors.

He also served as a research adviser and consultant on various Shari’ah-related topics. He has been involved in Shari’ah compliance initiatives, including serving on the Advisory Group for the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Islamic Shari’ah Legal System Compliance Program in 2013. Since 2019, Prof. Wadi has been a member of the Shari’ah Advisory Council of ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc., a microfinance NGO; and currently serves as the Shari’ah Committee Chairman of Pru Life UK Takaful.

With his latest reappointment, Dean Wadi with NIISC Vision 2030, is set to continue his leadership at UP IIS and its transition to the New Institute of Islamic Studies Complex (NIISC) at the University of the Philippines.

News & Archives

UP CIDS-ISP and UP IIS Hold Shari’ah Roundtable Discussion: Bridging Communities and Government for Justice Reforms

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 25 Nov 2024

“We cannot afford a chasm between our communities and the government. There must be stronger connections and bridging programs. Unlike in the past, today’s enthusiasm offers new opportunities for progress.”

These were the words of Prof. Julkipli Wadi during his opening remarks at the Shari’ah Roundtable Discussion: Harmonizing Roles, Addressing Challenges and Moving Towards a Common Direction. Held on November 22, 2024, at the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS), Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, Quezon City, the event gathered key stakeholders to address critical issues in the Shari’ah justice system in the Philippines.

Prof. Wadi underscored the importance of the roundtable discussion (RTD) in generating valuable research and data, which, he emphasized, are crucial for crafting effective legislation and programs to strengthen the Shari’ah justice system.

Assistant Prof. Darwin Absari added context, explaining that the RTD resulted from extensive field research conducted by the UP CIDS-ISP in partnership with local, regional, and national government agencies, academe, and other sectors. “Our findings revealed the urgent need to map existing initiatives, address challenges, and identify actionable ways forward,” said Prof. Absari. “Bringing together agencies, groups, and individuals involved in Shari’ah fosters collaboration and streamlines efforts.”

As part of the UP CIDS-ISP’s 2024 projects, the RTD highlighted the significance of Islamic law (Shari’ah) as a cornerstone of Filipino Muslims’ social and religious lives. In recent years, Shari’ah has received growing attention from government agencies developing initiatives to enhance Islamic education and justice in the Philippines.

During the discussion, Assoc. Prof. Macrina Morados, project lead of the Institutional Review and Assessment of the Shari’ah Justice System (IRA-SJS), and Atty. Patrick Velez presented ongoing efforts to strengthen Shari’ah law in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Atty. Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli, Officer-in-Charge of the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office, shared the initiatives and programs being implemented in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Adding to these insights, Atty. Michael Mitoon Ali, Director of the Bureau of Legal Affairs, outlined the initiatives undertaken by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). These presentations provided a comprehensive overview of the current efforts and challenges in enhancing Shari’ah justice across different levels of governance. Atty. Mary Denzyll Bunal, a representative from the office of Senator Robin Padilla, who is behind the establishment of Shariah Courts outside the BARMM, also shared other proposed bills of Senator Padilla concerning the affairs of the Muslims in the country.

The RTD served as a critical platform for identifying advancements, addressing gaps and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. It also provided valuable data to supplement existing research on Shari’ah law, supporting institutions like the Supreme Court, which plans to expand Islamic law training programs, and policymakers drafting Shari’ah-related legislation.

One key recommendation emerging from the forum was the Technical Working Group would unite representatives from diverse sectors engaged in Shari’ah-related efforts, leveraging their expertise, networks, and research to drive the development and implementation of Islamic law in the Philippines. The need to strengthen government institutions like the NCMF and popularize Shari’ah courts and PD1083 in the country were also underscored as major recommendations.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – Bureau of Legal Affairs, the Senate of the Philippines, the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Shari’ah lawyers and practitioners, the IRA-SJS, and faculty and staff of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies.

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