The Shari’ah Law program is a major initiative of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), supported by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS), which serves as the research arm of the UP System. Shari’ah has been prioritized due to recent support from the national government and the Supreme Court, which recognize its significance to the Muslim community, comprising approximately 6.4% of the Philippine population—roughly 6 million people.
Highlighting this importance, Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, in his welcome remarks, stated, “Shari’ah is part of our obligations as Muslims—not only in knowledge but also in promoting and advocating it, which are the foundations of a true Muslim community.”
Building on these efforts, the Shari’ah Education Campaign was launched as an awareness-raising initiative to promote the role and functions of Shari’ah courts in the Philippines. This campaign, organized by the UP CIDS Islamic Studies Program in partnership with the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, took place on November 9, 2024, at the University Hotel, UP Diliman campus in Quezon City.
The campaign also aimed to bridge an important gap: despite establishing additional Shari’ah courts and recent legislative advancements, many Muslims remain unaware of these resources. This lack of awareness restricts access to Shari’ah services, limiting community members’ ability to fully benefit from the legal support available to them.
To further promote understanding, two key lectures on Shari’ah were delivered by faculty members from the UP Institute of Islamic Studies. First, Asst. Prof. Darwin J. Absari presented a historical overview of Islamic Law in the Philippines, which was introduced alongside Islam in Sulu and Mindanao in the 13th century and reached Luzon and the Visayas by the 16th century. He detailed the evolution of Shari’ah law, highlighting its constitutional basis, key milestones, and recent legislative advancements, including Senate Bill No. 2215 and House Bill No. 9045.
Following this, Assoc. Prof. Macrina Morados, a Shari’ah counselor, gave a lecture titled “Highlights of Selected Provisions on Person, Property, and Family Relations: A Comparative Study of Shari’ah Law and the Civil Code.” She explained the differences between these provisions under Shari’ah and their applications within the framework of Islamic law, providing participants with insights into both legal systems.
The lectures fostered engagement and dialogue, encouraging participants to ask questions and interact with the speakers. One prominent recommendation from these discussions was the establishment of Shari’ah Muslim Affairs Offices within each LGU or BLGU. These offices would serve Muslim constituents and ensure that Shari’ah policies are implemented under the guidance of qualified counselors or judges. Such initiatives would enhance access to Shari’ah court services across Metro Manila, further strengthening the support system for Muslim communities.
The campaign drew diverse participants, including representatives from the BLGU of Maharlika Village in Taguig City, religious leaders from the Blue Mosque in Taguig, media, and members from various Muslim organizations based in Metro Manila.
You must be logged in to post a comment.