Category: News & Archives

UP Iftar Highlights Call for Stronger Ties with Muslim World

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 19 Mar 2026

As global tensions continue to ripple across the Middle East and beyond, leaders at the University of the Philippines (UP) are calling for deeper engagement between the Philippines and the Muslim world, grounded in dialogue, academic collaboration, and mutual respect.

This message took center stage during an iftar dinner hosted by the UP Office of the President on March 17, 2026, at the Executive House in UP Diliman.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the UP IIS, underscored the urgency of fostering both intra-faith and interfaith solidarity amid ongoing conflicts.

“We could begin to envision a new way of forging relations–not only among Muslims of various orientations and schools of thought, but also to strengthen our interfaith relations,” Prof. Wadi said. “As the war that began in Gaza has expanded to Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and now Iran, an equally important program the University of the Philippines could advance is to deepen the Philippines’ engagement with the Muslim world.”

Prof. Wadi noted that this imperative has already begun to take shape through the Program on the Philippines and the Muslim World, an initiative of UP IIS. The program includes ongoing engagements with various embassies, such as those of Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran, and seeks to build stronger diplomatic, academic, and cultural ties.

According to Dean Wadi, the creation of UP IIS during the government of Ferdinand Marcos Sr five decades ago was precisely to position UP as a nexus of relations between the Philippines and the Muslim world. The Philippines and the Muslim World program is one of the flagship projects of the New Institute of Islamic Studies Complex in UP as IIS new home in 2027.

He added that partnerships with UP may be further strengthened through collaborative research and academic exchange programs, positioning the national university as a key platform for intellectual and cultural exchange.

The initiative aligns with the vision of UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, who aims to position the university at the forefront of transformative pedagogy, research, and public service on both local and global fronts.

In his welcome message, President Jimenez expressed strong support for the Institute’s direction.

“I support the vision of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies—to be a leader in Islamic thought and solidarity, not only within the Muslim world but globally, with the Philippines playing a meaningful role,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and inclusivity. “Your presence reminds us that dialogue across cultures and faiths remains essential in building a more humane and understanding world, especially in today’s tense international environment,” President Jimenez added. “Across the Middle East and beyond, communities continue to face displacement, hardship, loss, and insecurity.”

For the second consecutive year, President Jimenez hosted the iftar as part of the observance of Ramadan. As the first UP president from Mindanao, the occasion holds particular personal and cultural significance.

Also present at the gathering was Senator Robin Padilla, who echoed the call for unity by urging continued prayers for peace and justice, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan. He highlighted how ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world have far-reaching global impacts.

“The whole world is in chaos right now, and I believe it urgently needs our prayers—first, for peace, and second, for those who have lost their lives. There are so many who have died, and they deserve justice. We must remember that it is not only about peace; it must be peace with justice.”

The evening concluded on a reflective and hopeful note as Amina Rasul, President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), expressed gratitude for the shared insights and spirit of solidarity fostered during the gathering. She emphasized the significance of creating spaces that not only acknowledge global challenges but also promote understanding, compassion, and collective hope.

“Iftar is one of those wonderful ways by which we can come together and try to neutralize the negativity that we see all around us,” Rasul said.

Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, is observed by Muslims worldwide as part of a sacred month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, charity, and community.

Among those present were H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia; Amb. Alan T. Timbayan, former Philippine Ambassador to Qatar; Mdm. Atefeh Nouri Ghanbalani, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Mr. Mohammad Alirezaie of the Iranian Embassy; Atty. Lorenzo Reyes, Convenor of PCID; Atty. Salman Rauls, Executive Director of PCID; along with representatives from various Muslim agencies, interfaith organizations, and UP officials.

The evening not only marked the breaking of the fast but also served as a platform for reaffirming the role of dialogue, cooperation, and shared humanity in addressing the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

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Article by: Camille Lucille Bello, University Researcher II
Photos by: Marlon Pervera, Administrative Assistant III

News & Archives

UP IIS Conducts Islamic Psychology on Mental Health Webinar

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 6 Feb 2026

In partnership with the International Center for Social Research, Peace & Development (ICSRPD) and the American Online University, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) held a webinar on Islamic Psychology on Mental Health on February 4, 2026, featuring Dr. Mohamed Moustafa, Dean of the Islamic Psychology College in Türkiye, as the resource speaker.

Dr. Moustafa’s discussion centered on the importance of drawing from the Qur’an and the sunnah, as fundamental sources for dealing with the problems of mental afflictions. Contrary to Western psychology that is based on a purely empirical epistemology, Islamic psychology integrates Allah’s (SWT) revelations by tying human purpose with tawhidic balance to effect a well-being aligned with Islam. This is a response to the individualistic assumptions that undergird Western social sciences, which herald individual happiness as the highest good.

As a field rooted in the sacred scriptures, Islamic psychology diverges from the aimed outcome of personal satisfaction and converges with the teachings of Islam. Thus, aside from an epistemological break, Dr. Moustafa adds that there is also a teleological separation from the Western sciences which are anchored on individualism. Indeed, on this very account, he asserts that Islamic psychology touches a deeper layer of the psyche than its purely positivist counterpart, as the Qur’an conveys:

“Whether you conceal what is in your hearts or reveal it, it is known to Allah.” (Surah al-‘Imran, 3:29)

By providing a corrective to the implicit Western assumptions in general psychology, Dr. Moustafa explicates and realigns essential notions of well-being and purpose with Islam. Towards the end of his discussion, three questions were raised regarding the intersections between clinical psychology and Islamic psychology, the contemporary relevance of Islamic classical concepts of the self, and the place of forgiveness in Islam. The discussion ended after his reflective responses that centered on the importance of Islamic epistemological grounding and trusting the guidance of Allah (SWT) beyond the therapist’s professional expertise.

The webinar garnered more than a hundred participants from all over the country and from different fields such as the academe, government, civil society, among many others. The webinar was also graced by the introductory remarks of Dean Julkipli M. Wadi of the UP IIS and Engr. Ossama Al-Azzouni, President of the ICSRPD.

This initiative aligns with the Social Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as it addresses the important issue of mental health in an Islamic perspective, contributing to the University’s commitment to fulfilling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, Dr. Moustafa’s discussion fosters a deeper understanding both among Muslims and non-Muslims in Asia, a mandate central to the UP IIS, with a special emphasis on spiritual well-being.

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Article by: Shariful Hashim S. Mansul

News & Archives

UP IIS Host Public Forum in Observance of World Hijab Day

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 4 Feb 2026

“The hijab has long been a symbol of cultural and religious pride for women—a source of empowerment. Today, as we celebrate World Hijab Day, we also create space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper understanding. World Hijab Day envisions a world united through our diversity.”

These were the powerful words of Dr. Lorraine Symaco, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines Diliman, delivered during her welcome remarks at the public forum “Hijab & Dignity: Faith, Identity, and Choice,” held on February 2, 2026, at the GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

World Hijab Day, observed annually every February 1, alongside the National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire under Republic Act No. 12224, aims to promote inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and mutual respect. The observance seeks to raise awareness of the cultural and religious significance of the hijab and other traditional forms of attire, while fostering understanding across diverse communities.

Building on this message of inclusivity, Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, emphasized the importance of viewing differences not as sources of division but as a unifying force that contributes to the nation’s collective growth. He underscored that the advancement of women’s rights begins with recognizing the full dignity of women’s identities and womanhood within a culturally plural society–one that allows diversity to be harnessed as a source of national strength.

Conducted in partnership with the Office of Senator Robin Padilla, which championed the passage of Republic Act No. 12224, the forum featured a panel discussion with Muslim women leaders actively engaged in promoting and implementing the law, while addressing the discrimination faced by women, particularly Muslim women who wear the hijab. The panelists included Commissioner Faydah Dumarpa of the Commission on Human Rights, Undersecretary Fatim Aliah Dimapora of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman of Isabela City, Basilan, and Ms. Queenie Padilla, a hijabi advocate and vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause.

Moderated by award-winning journalist Ms. Jamela Alindogan, the discussion underscored the urgent need to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No. 12224 and address persistent gaps where discrimination remains prevalent, particularly at the grassroots level and in workplace settings. The panel also highlighted the critical role of representation, emphasizing how Muslim women in leadership positions serve as vital voices for their communities and catalysts for inclusive policy-making.

This call for greater representation and solidarity was further reinforced through statements delivered after the panel discussion. Congresswoman Sittie Shahara Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte and Architect Marjorie Duran-Lee Oliver, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Gender and Development Focal Point System, expressed their strong support for the law, acknowledged the continuing realities of discrimination, and emphasized the importance of legislative, institutional, and development initiatives in addressing these challenges.

In his closing remarks, Senator Robin Padilla reiterated the importance of solidarity, both within the Muslim community and beyond, stressing that collective action, mutual respect, and understanding are essential in safeguarding dignity, faith, and identity.

Attended by approximately 400 participants, the gathering brought together representatives from the Senate and Congress, ambassadors of select countries in the Philippines, officials from national and local government agencies and the University of the Philippines, members of civil society and interfaith groups, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, religious leaders, Muslim women’s organizations, and academic institutions.

The event forms part of the Gender and Development (GAD) Program of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies and contributes to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality.

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Article by: Camille Lucille Bello | Photos by: Marlon Pervera and Armerham Nasir

News & Archives

UP Diliman Offices Stand in Solidarity Through the UP Hijab Challenge

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 4 Feb 2026

In celebration of World Hijab Day and as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) program, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), in partnership with the Harmony and Wisdom Foundation, conducted the UP Hijab Challenge on January 30, 2026. The activity invited select offices within the University of the Philippines Diliman to take part in wearing the hijab for a day as a gesture of solidarity with Muslim women.

The event aimed to foster respect for religious freedom and expression, promote diversity, and encourage meaningful dialogue among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

This year, around fifty non-Muslim faculty members, staff, and students participated in the Hijab Challenge. During the activity, UP IIS staff visited participating offices to provide a brief background on World Hijab Day, discuss its objectives and significance, and highlight the discrimination often faced by Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. The discussion emphasized the importance of addressing such prejudice through cultural appreciation and inclusivity.

Questions and common misconceptions about the hijab were also addressed–an important step in promoting a deeper understanding of the hijab not merely as a garment, but as a symbol of identity, faith, and strength for Muslim women.

Throughout the activity, several participants shared their experiences, noting that wearing the hijab allowed them to better appreciate the challenges faced by Muslim women and to develop a deeper respect for their culture and beliefs.

The offices that participated in the challenge included the Office of Scholarships and Grants, School of Economics, College of Law, Quality Assurance Office, Office of the President, and the Human Resources Development Office (HRDO) Information Management Section.

World Hijab Day is an annual global observance held every February 1, dedicated to raising awareness about the hijab and dismantling stereotypes surrounding Muslim women who choose to wear it.

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Article by: Camille Lucille Bello | Video by: Marlon Pervera and Armerham Nasir

News & Archives

UP IIS receives Data Champion Award from UPD Quality Assurance Office

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 13 Jan 2026

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) concluded 2025 with a notable recognition, receiving the UP Diliman Data Champion Award from the UP Diliman Quality Assurance Office. According to the UP Diliman Quality Assurance Office website, “UP Diliman Data Champions are recognized for their consistent, accurate, and timely submissions supporting participation in the QS/THE (Times Higher Education) Impact Rankings.”

The THE Impact Rankings highlight the vital role of higher education institutions in supporting humanitarian and development efforts through research, engagement, and institutional initiatives, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The recognition was conferred during the “QS and THE University Rankings Symposium,” which focused on UP Diliman’s shift toward a unified, evidence-based strategy for international rankings. Under this new framework, the University emphasizes data accuracy and shared accountability across all its academic and administrative units. The event was held on December 5, 2025 at the UP National Engineering Center. The award was received by Assistant Professor Darwin J. Absari, College Secretary, and Mr. Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad, University Researcher II.

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