Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines-Diliman

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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.

 

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Suara Muslim Initiative for Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E.)

We are pleased to inform you that the University of the Philippines Diliman- Institute of Islamic Studies (UPIIS) in collaboration with the Center for Integrative and Development Studies- Islamic Studies Program (UPCIDS-ISP) will facilitate the kick-off activity of the project titled “Suara Muslim Initiative for Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E.)” dubbed as “Iftar for a Cause: Round Table Discussion on the Rehabilitation of Marawi City.” The RTD will be participated by Muslim leaders, experts and stakeholders to discuss ongoing rehabilitation programs in Marawi on May 30, 2018 from 3:00PM to 8:00PM at the Teodoro Room, E. Virata Hall, UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries Building, E. Jacinto Street, Diliman, Quezon City. The output of the RTD will be used as baseline data for the project’s component on community engagement.

 

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Call for Book Proposals: Islam in Southeast Asia Series (Palgrave Macmillan)

The official Series website is available at https://www.palgrave.com/gp/series/16079.

The Series Editors

Nassef Manabilang Adiong
Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman

Imtiyaz Yusuf
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM)

Lily Zubaidah Rahim
Department of Government and International Relations, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney

Maznah Mohamad
Department of Malay Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore

Nadirsyah Hosen
Faculty of Law, Monash University

The series publishes academic and policy research on historical and contemporary Muslim communities, both in the region and in the diaspora, and on all aspects of Islam in Southeast Asia. It concentrates on theoretical, methodological, empirical, religious, spiritual, and critical studies of Islam, including mundane praxes and lived Islam. We encourage interdisciplinarity and eclectic contributions from scholars and practitioners (e.g. preachers, spiritual/religious leaders, and policy makers) to facilitate a holistic approach towards the study of Islam. The series particularly welcome topics on: 1) Islam and Politics 2) Islam & Ethnicity; 3) Islam and Modernity; 4) MENA Influences in Southeast Asia; 5) pre-Modern and Contemporary Islamic Thought; 6) Sunni and Shia Relations; 7) Islamic Studies and Area Studies; 8) Canonical and Periphery Islam; and 9) Relations between Muslims and non-Muslims across the region. Contributions are welcome from across fields and disciplines including politics, international relations, sociology, humanities, the arts, anthropology, comparative religion, cultural studies, economics, history, law (jurisprudence), philosophy, mysticism (Sufism), and theology. The series will include original monographs, Palgrave Pivots, edited volumes/collections, and handbooks.

Correspondence regarding book proposals should be addressed to Vishal Daryanomel (vishal.daryanomel@palgrave.com).

The Advisory Board

1. Afifi al-Akiti, University of Oxford, UK
2. Chiara Formichi, Cornell University, USA
3. Deina Abdelkader, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, USA
4. Eric Tagliacozzo, Cornell University, USA
5. Howard M. Federspiel, The Ohio State University, USA
6. Iik Arifin Mansurnoor, University of Brunei Darussalam
7. Jeffrey Ayala Milligan, Florida State University, USA
8. Joseph Chinyong Liow, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
9. Kamaruzzaman Bustamam-Ahmad, State Institute of Islamic Studies, Indonesia
10. Ken Miichi, Waseda University, Japan
11. Kerstin Steiner, La Trobe University, Australia
12. Kevin Caffrey, Harvard University, USA
13. Kevin W. Fogg, University of Oxford, UK
14. Khairudin Aljunied, National University of Singapore
15. Kikue Hamayotsu, Northern Illinois University, USA
16. Martin Slama, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austria
17. Max L. Gross, Georgetown University, USA
18. Muqtedar Khan, University of Delaware, USA
19. Omar Farouk Bajunid, Hiroshima City University, Japan
20. Osman bin Bakar, University of Brunei Darussalam
21. Patricia Sloane-White, University of Delaware, USA
22. Raffaele Mauriello, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Iran
23. Ronit Ricci, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
24. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, The George Washington University, USA
25. Sven Schottmann, Griffith University, Australia
26. Syed Serajul Islam, Lakehead University, Canada
27. Thomas Gibson, University of Rochester, USA
28. Timothy P. Daniels, Hofstra University, USA
29. Vedi Hadiz, University of Melbourne, Australia
30. Vivienne SM. Angeles, La Salle University, USA
31. William Gervase Clarence-Smith, SOAS, University of London, UK
32. Yon Machmudi, Universitas Indonesia

 

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Dean Macrina A. Morados privilege speech at the World Muslim Minority Summit

His Excellencies, Esteemed Moderator, Delegates, Brothers and Sisters Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuho. First of all, I thank Allah swt for giving me the chance to speak before this august body. Thank you, Mr. Honourable Moderator for the recognition.  Alhamdullilah, before we end this afternoon session, finally, we have a woman speaking before you.

I am representing the Minority Muslims in the Philippines known as the Bangsamoro people which constitute around 11% of the entire population, roughly 12 Million Muslims in a Christian dominated country in Southeast Asia. Islam predates Christianity.  The coming of Islam to the Philippines was part of the larger Islamization process that took place in Southeast Asia brought about by the Arab traders and Missionaries in the early 13th Century.  Under the Sultanate of Sulu, Muslims used to be in control of some trade routes in Southeast Asia. We had existing institutions like the Agama Court and Madrasah education. However, the coming of the colonizers in the early quarter of 15th Century disrupted the lives of the Bangsamoro people. Just like other Muslim Minorities in other Countries, Muslims in the Philippines are facing problems like negative-stereotyping, discrimination and poor access of basic social services. And among the minorities, we have the longest struggle since colonial period. During the post-independence period, and thereafter, the Bangsamoro Struggle took a different direction from resisting colonial domination to a struggle for the right to self – determination (RSD). This is our current situation.

Despite being a minority in this country, in education, we have an Institute of Islamic Studies which is part of the University of the Philippines, the leading and number 1 University in the Country. Your Excellencies just imagine this blessing from Allah (swt). With the University of the Philippines – Institute of Islamic Studies, we are responding to the challenges faced by the Muslims in the Philippines through our three-fold functions, namely: 1. Instruction 2. Research and Publication 3. Community Extension Services

We offer Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies. We are the only MA granting academic unit in Metro Manila and the entire Island of Luzon.  The Institute of Islamic Studies aims to provide university students both Muslims and non-Muslims an opportunity to participate more fully in national life and development. More specifically, it intends to create deeper understanding and more rapport between the Muslims of the Philippines and the whole community of the University of the Philippines system. Moreover, it aims to shed light on certain portions of Philippine history and to place in proper perspective the role of the Islamic cultural heritage in shaping the Philippines and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. It is envisioned that the institute will serve as a meeting place for scholars interested in Islamic history and culture from Asia and other parts of the world.

On Research, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies focuses on four concentrations: (1) Islamic Thought and Civilization, (2) International Relations (Siyar) of the Ummah, (3) History and Society of Muslims in the Philippines,  and (4) Islamic Law (specifically, Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines). These research areas complemented the major MA programs, theses, academic activities, and scholarly publications of the institute.

The University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies Program (CIDS-ISP) on Islamic Studies concentrate on three (3) research components:

  1. HIKMA (Historical and Islamic Knowledge for the Modern Age)

            ‘Hikma’ is an Arabic word means ‘wisdom’ and inspired by the HIKMA Research of Muslim academics and students based in the University of Sydney. This is a research group of Filipino academics concentrating on the study and research on Islam, its intellectual traditions, production of knowledge, and relations and critical engagements to Western sciences, particularly Euro-American modernity. Research projects and publications may include, but not limited to: (1) intellectual exchanges between Muslim and Western scholars, e.g. Ibn Rushd (1126-98) and his Grand Commentary’s influence on the works of St. Thomas Aquinas (1227-74) and Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), Nizam al-Mulk’s (1018-92) Siyasat Nama which inspired Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) to pen his book, The Prince, or Ibn Khaldun’s (1332-1406) Muqaddimah and his contribution to contemporary sociology, among others; (2) Filipino Muslim responses and adaptation to modernity and nation-state system; (3) Filipino communities (e.g. OFWs) in Muslim majority countries; (4) DepEd’s Madrasah Education program, e.g. the ALIVE program which stands for Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education; (5) comparison of Muslim academics trained in Western (secular) and Middle East educational institutions: (6) Nusantara or Southeast Asian Islam; (7) gender equity; (8) women and children’s rights; (9) Muslim civilizational languages such as Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, Urdu, Bahasa, Sanskrit, Spanish, Moro languages, etc.

  1. Philippine Code of Muslim Personal Laws or Presidential Decree 1083

            PD 1083 component shall serve as the consultative body of counselors rendering legal opinions, in accordance to this Code and Philippine laws, to Filipino Muslims relating to customs, settlement of disputes, personal status, marriage and divorce, matrimonial and family relations, succession and inheritance, and property relations between spouses. An online repository and primer (textbook) of verified counselors and judicial courts nationwide shall be put in place. Research projects and publications may include, but not limited to: (1) Maqasid al-Shari’ah or higher objectives of Islamic law; (2) comparison between Moro customary laws (these are mores, folklores, and rituals) and Presidential Decree 1083; (3) Halal Guide, a written guide for Filipino Muslims, in accordance to preferred Muslim jurisprudence, legal system and local customs, in relation to permissible food products, meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and food contact materials. It is envisioned to put up a ‘Halal Research Center’ collaborated by UP-IIS, National Commission of Muslim Filipinos, and related government agencies; (4) Muslim Jurisprudent-compliant Financial system, a reference guide of assisting Filipino Muslims on banking and financing activities that comply to their preferred Muslim jurisprudence, for example, the Al-Amanah Islamic Bank; (5) a study of Filipino Muslim converts, commonly known as Balik Islam, and their role and contribution to nation-building.

  1. The Moro Story

            Bangsamoro is composed of Muslim minority groups that are predominantly located in Southern Philippines (i.e. Mindanao). It has distinct milieu of history, traditions, mores, knowledge system and socio-political environments guided by their normative and cultural interpretations (mostly imported from the Middle East) of Islam. The Moro peoples are continuously shaped by their Islamic faith, customs, social identities, laws, political affiliations and struggles, interactions with non-Muslims, decades-long negotiations with the national government, operations and implementation of the ARMM, and contemporary international image of Islam mostly represented by Middle Eastern countries. They faced utmost challenges of poverty, lack of educational support, non-existing political leadership and will (i.e. initiative or determination), graft and corruptions of their political elites, scarcity of economic resources, crimes (particularly the business of kidnapping), rampant illegal drugs, warring factions of dominant clans (or rido), and the incessant human, environmental and territorial conflicts including insurgencies from disparate armed groups. Despite these challenges, most are hopeful for a progressive society imbibed with their cultural expressions and Islamic orientation. They aspired for asymmetrical political representation in the national government (e.g. through BBL or federalism), aimed to receive fair and equitable distribution of wealth including educational, health and social services, and hoped to attain that elusive ‘peace’ in order to have prosperous livelihood and better future for succeeding generations. However, there are still some elements that cling to secession for they believed that it is only through full independence and freedom that they can establish a just Moro society. Research projects and publications may include, but not limited to: (1) historical injustice on the Moro peoples; (2) intercommunal cooperation and peaceful coexistence among Lumads, Muslims, and Christians in Mindanao; (3) research on deradicalization of radicalized/extremist Moro sectors, groups and youths; (4) research on compassion, religious pluralism, multiculturalism, and inter/intra-faith dialogues; (5) migrant communities and their politico-social and spiritual dynamics; (6) entrepreneurship and economic development; (7) sense of family cohesiveness; (8) Moro political struggles

 

For the UP-IIS  publication, the International Journal of Islam in Asia and the Islam in Southeast Asia book series will publish academic and policy works that concentrate on theoretical, methodological, empirical, religious, spiritual, and critical studies of Islam, including mundane praxes and day-to-day realities of Muslims (and their relations to non-Muslims) in Southeast Asia. It welcomes theoretical, conceptual, comparative, and issue-based research on historical and contemporary Southeast Asian Muslim communities, which are then examined and analysed using paradigmatic lenses of philosophy, theology, jurisprudence (law), mysticism, and related social sciences. The international academic journal and book series encourage interdisciplinarity and eclectic contributions from (early, mid-career, and senior) scholars and practitioners (e.g. preachers, spiritual/religious leaders, and policy makers) to facilitate a holistic approach towards the study of Islam and of Muslim societies in the region.

For our Extension Services, we are very active in interfaith activities, peace building efforts and engagement in varied community programs. Our Faculty members and students are active in activities that promote tolerance, respect and understanding among people of different faiths. In response to local and international issues affecting Islam and Muslims, the Institute has hosted varied forums responsive to the challenges faced by the Muslims. Also since 2015, the Institute has been an implementing institutional partner of the Diyanet Vakfi Iftar program. The Diyanet Iftar program has brought together UP Muslim community, Non-Muslim visitors and neighbouring Muslim communities in appreciating the occasion of Ramadan and its blessings.

We produced outstanding graduates who are now members of the Diplomatic Corp, for instance, the Philippine Ambassador to Qatar is a proud alumnus of the Institute. Some of our graduates are now employed in both government and non-government agencies occupying high positions. Majority of our Alumni returned to their respective provinces and served as Chancellor, Deans and Faculty members in their respective Universities in Mindanao. We have alumni who are now in the forefront of peace-building efforts, Madrasah education and human rights advocates. We also produced Shariah Counsellors/Lawyers and the recent Shari’ah Bar Examination 2018 results put the Institute among the top performing Institutions in the country.

Your Excellencies amidst our success in the field of education, we have an urgent problem. We are housed in one of the oldest buildings in the University. Every day, we are bothered by the safety of our Faculty members, staff, students and visitors of the Institute as the recent building structural test showed that the building is no longer safe for occupancy. There is no descent Musallah for our constituents.

The Institute is the face of Islam in the University and entire country. But our situation (building and facilities) does not speak of the grandeur and beauty of Islam. We appeal to our Brothers and Sisters especially to His Excellency President of the Ministry of Religious Affairs ( Diyanet vakfi) Dr. Ali Erbas to help us in our problem. Your Excellency, apart from participating in this Summit, I also have another mission that is to personally hand in to you the letter of the Honourable President of the University of the Philippines Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion. This letter and other documents reflect our sincerity in reviving our cooperation and future collaborations on productive activities and programs between your prestigious Institution and the University of the Philippines.

Please be our partner in improving the Institute of Islamic Studies. We play very vital role in the development of the Muslim Ummah as we continue to teach the true teachings of Islam. Education liberates us from the bondage of ignorance, anti-dote to poverty and prevent the rise of radicalism among our youth. We are an indispensable partner of the government and the Muslim Ummah (community) in promoting peace and development geared towards the healing and nation-building.

Jazakamullahu Khairan.

Wassalam.

The Muslim World Minorities Summit is organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Diyanet Vakfi) in Istanbul, Turkey. It was participated by more than 200 religious leaders, scholars and members of non-government organisations representing 115 countries all over the world. Philippines was  represented by the Dean of UP Institute of Islamic Studies and Dr. Mohd Yacob, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA). The opening ceremony of the program was graced by President H.E. Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN and Diyanet President Dr. Ali Erbas and other prominent officials.

President Erdogan stressed that the purpose of the Summit was to draw attention from  the Muslim world leaders regarding the sad plight of Muslim minorities all over the world. He noted the deplorable conditions of Rohingya Muslims, Palestinians, African Muslims and other minorities like those in Southern Thailand and Southern Philippines. He calls for the Unity of the Muslim world leaders in addressing the plight of the oppressed Muslims. A true Muslim cannot isolate himself from what is happening to the Muslim minorities who have been killed and neglected like the Rohingya Muslims and the innocent children in Gaza and Syria.  Muslims must engage themselves in productive discourses and adopt the principle of consultation as mentioned in the Holy Quran. Muslims must remind themselves that Shahadah stands for the membership of every individual Muslim to the larger Muslim Ummah. Muslims must take care of the needs of his fellow Muslim. “You are not a true Muslim if it does not bother you the hunger of another Muslim,” he stressed.

Honourable  Dr. Ali Erbas, President of Diyanet Vakfi reminded Muslims to be vigilant, most of our enemies are from within. He emphasised the role of some terrorists groups who deliberately destroyed Islam through their violent actions. He also emphasised the need to implement the teachings of the Holy Quran by becoming better and practicing Muslims and to affirm that Islam is a religion of Peace.