Category: News & Archives

UP IIS and ICRC Hold 5th Installation of Certificate Course on IHL and Islamic Law Related to Armed Conflict

Post author By Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad
Post date 29 Sep 2024

The relevance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) alongside Islamic law is increasingly significant. As noted by Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, “We must be well-equipped in this field, not only due to its necessity here in the Philippines but also because of the urgent need for a deep understanding of international relations and Islamic studies, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world.”

This message was delivered during the preliminary event of the three-day “Certificate Course on IHL and Islamic Law related to Armed Conflict (Siyar)” held from September 24-26, 2024, in Room 301, Virata Hall, Institute of Small-Scale Industries Building, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Now in its fifth installation, the certificate course is organized in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and was honored by the presence of its new Head of Operations, Mr. Pierre-Yves Barrea. In his opening remarks, Mr. Barrea expressed his gratitude to UP IIS for its continuous partnership and acknowledged the participation and support from the 26 participants coming from Zamboanga, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Cotabato, Maguindanao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Butuan, Baguio, and Manila.

This certificate course, attended by a diverse group of participants, aims to enhance understanding between International Humanitarian Law and Islamic Law in armed conflict. It seeks to integrate relevant Islamic Law modules into university and Madaris curricula, addressing the challenges faced in conflict-affected Mindanao. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen cooperation between Islamic institutions, scholars, and the ICRC while emphasizing the safety of medical and religious personnel, as well as humanitarian workers. The initiative encourages open discussions to find common ground on neutral humanitarian actions and to enhance collaboration among humanitarian actors in the region.

To achieve these objectives, resource persons covered a wide range of topics related to IHL and Islamic Law (Siyar). On Day 1, speakers included Ms. Layal Neaimeh, who provided an “Overview of ICRC’s Work with Religious Circles”; Atty. Gabriel Calleja, who discussed “Introduction to International Humanitarian Law”; Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, who introduced “Islamic Law of War (Siyar)”; Ms. Kelisiana Thynne, who spoke on “IHL and Human Rights Law” and “Classification of Conflict and Its Legal Implications”; and Assoc. Prof. Macrina A. Morados, who addressed “Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict.”

The discussions continued on Day 2 with Atty. Gabriel Calleja presented on “Persons and Objects Protected under IHL: Case Studies”; Ms. Layal Neaimeh discussed “Protection and Respect for the Dead and ICRC’s Work to Preserve the Dignity of the Dead”; Aleem Naguib Taher focused on “Protection of the Deceased and Burial Management in Islam”; Dr. Ziaullah Rahmani covering “Protection of Civilians in Islamic Law of War and Its General Principles”; Ms. Marianne Legaspi addressing “Addressing Sexual Violence in the ICRC”; Dr. Ziaullah Rahmani again discussing “Protection of Detainees in Islamic Law of Armed Conflict”; and Ms. Silvia Aquino talking about “ICRC’s Action in Detention.”

On the final day of the course, Dr. Kristina Facelo-Datu Ramos discussed the “Protection of Health Care Personnel and Humanitarian Workers in a Conflict Situation: A Study from the Philippines”; Ms. Layal Neaimeh presented on the “ICRC Health Care in Danger Initiative”; Datu Mussolini S. Lidasan spoke on the “Role of IHL in Creating Conditions for Peace in the Bangsamoro Region”; Ms. Kelisiana Thynne discussed “Contemporary Challenges for the Implementation of IHL”; and Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi addressed “Contemporary Challenges Related to Islamic Law of War (Siyar).”

Other activities during the course included daily recaps by participant groups, video presentations by the ICRC, open forums, and group and panel discussions.

Sharing a common mission to promote peace, UP IIS and the ICRC continue to collaborate through academic and extension efforts. Through initiatives like the Certificate Course on IHL and Islamic Law, both institutions empower participants to navigate the challenges of conflict while respecting international humanitarian standards and Islamic principles, ultimately working towards a more peaceful and just society.

News & Archives

Transforming the Narrative on Menstrual Poverty: Insights from Dr. Fatimah Al-Attas’ Research

Post author By Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad
Post date 10 Aug 2024

“Not all women who menstruate have the same experiences or resources to manage Menstrual Hygiene effectively. Their unique socio-cultural, religious, and political contexts play significant roles in shaping these experiences” (Bobel, 2020). This powerful statement was quoted by Dr. Fatima Al-Zahra Al-Attas as she commenced her lecture titled “Misplaced Shame: The Case of Menstrual Poverty in Malaysia” on August 5, 2024, in Room 300, Virata Hall, Institute of Small-Scale Industries Building, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Dr. Al-Attas’s lecture focused on her research on menstrual poverty—the inability to afford or access menstrual health management essentials. Using shame as the framework for her study, she discussed several critical issues affecting Malaysian women: limited access to appropriate hygiene facilities, restricted ability to purchase menstrual products, cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, and insufficient public knowledge on menstruation-related issues. “These issues reflect broader inequalities through economic and gender lenses,” Dr. Al-Attas noted.

To bridge these gaps, Dr. Al-Attas highlighted the importance of social actors in reshaping the narrative through public sociology. For example, she pointed to the Malaysian government’s positive responses, such as the development of policies and programs targeting menstrual poverty, as a significant way forward. She also recommended ongoing governmental support for research, community outreach, and publications on the subject, along with the media’s role in raising public awareness and fostering informed opinion.

The lecture gathered gender and women’s advocates from academia and civil society who participated as reactors and participants. Asst. Prof. Sabrina Laya S. Gacad of the UP College of Social Work and Community Development, and Dr. Cheery D. Orozco of the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies – Islamic Studies Program, highlighted the cultural parallels between Malaysia and the Philippines concerning menstruation issues. Dr. Orozco suggested considering “honor” as an alternative framework to “shame” in discussing menstruation, providing a fresh perspective on the discourse.

Dr. Al-Attas’s lecture highlighted menstrual poverty as an urgent, gendered societal concern. In the last part of her presentation, she emphasized sociology’s vital role as a catalyst by reshaping narratives through open conversations, rigorous research, and continuous dialogue.

Looking ahead, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) is committed to integrating a gender and development component into its research and extension program, prioritizing women’s rights and empowerment within the Muslim in the Philippines context.

Dr. Al-Attas serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Abdul Hamid Abu Sulayman Kulliyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS), the largest faculty at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). She is also the Coordinator of the Unit for Social Issues and Development Advocacy and Research (USIDAR) at IIUM, and an Associate Fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UACDS) at the Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Business and Economics.

News & Archives

Celebrating a New Generation of Scholars: UP Institute of Islamic Studies Holds 34th Recognition Ceremony

Post author By Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad
Post date 30 Jul 2024

The University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) celebrated the achievements of its new batch of Master of Arts in Islamic Studies graduates during the 34th Recognition Ceremony on July 27, 2024, at Virata Hall, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City.

With the theme “Pagtammat: Bagong Simula at Malikhaing Paraan sa Pagtuklas ng Katotohanan at Paglingkod sa Bayan at Sangkatauhan”, the ceremony highlighted the graduates’ journeys as they embark on new paths in the pursuit of knowledge and service. “It is a reminder that we will engage in a renewed endeavor to seek truth and fulfill our duty to the nation and humanity,” stated Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of UP IIS.

Joining Dean Wadi this year was Hon. Almarim Centi Tillah, Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs, who served as the guest of honor. In his inspirational address, Hon. Tillah shared his six-decade-long advocacy for strengthening Muslim Filipino institutions nationwide, stemming from his roles as a student leader, organizer, public servant, and now Presidential Adviser. He encouraged the graduates to return to their communities, emphasizing, “It is there where they are most needed.”

Among the graduates honored this year were Sittie Aifat A. Ali, Paul Mark C. Andres, Ali Imran R. Arsad, Sittie Nur S. Cali, and Abdul Majid P. Marohombsar. Reflecting on their journeys, the graduates expressed their gratitude to the Institute for fostering an academic environment that was “both stimulating and challenging.” They also thanked their professors for showing that “kindness and intelligence can go hand in hand,” as they shape a new generation of Muslim scholars “versed in both social sciences and Islamic studies.” They acknowledged that graduating from the Institute meant carrying forward “the standards of UP and the values of Islam.”

Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, a distinguished professor at UP IIS, also shared words of inspiration with the graduates, connecting his message to the significance of “pagtammat,” a term denoting the completion of the Qur’an, particularly through memorization, as practiced in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Just as pagtammat implies fulfillment, graduation from UP IIS marks a milestone in the graduates’ educational journeys. He reminded them to “honor the blessings of pagtammat and continue to uphold the values of the University and the Institute in their pursuits.”

In addition to the graduates, UP IIS recognized other students who have excelled academically through university and college scholar certifications. Shari’ah Bar 2024 passers who are students and alumni of the Institute were also honored during the event.

The annual recognition ceremony at UP IIS celebrates student achievements and brings together the UP IIS community, united in their commitment to the greater good of the Ummah—a mission that extends far beyond the Institute’s walls.

News & Archives

Two-Day Capacity Building Workshop on Muslim Education Issues Held in Zamboanga City

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 10 Jul 2024

The UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies- Islamic Studies Program, in collaboration with the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, recently organized a two-day capacity building workshop on Muslim education issues in Zamboanga City. The event took place on July 4 and 5, 2024, at the AdZU Lantaka Campus. The workshop aimed to address pivotal issues impacting Muslim education at the school level, and it saw the participation of selected administrators and teachers from the Sarang Bangun Learning Center and High School, as well as educators involved in the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program of the Department of Education.

Assoc. Prof. Nefertari A. Arsad led the workshop, serving as the project leader and a resource person. She delivered a lecture on Curriculum Integration and Contextualization, emphasizing its definition and significance. According to Assoc. Prof. Arsad, “Curriculum contextualization involves framing or examining a concept, idea, theory, issue, or topic of concern in the curriculum from a particular perspective, while curriculum integration provides a learning environment that promotes connections within and across subjects or learning areas.” The participants engaged in a group activity to deepen their understanding of curriculum integration and contextualization, brainstorming ways to integrate concepts across various areas and contextualize them according to global perspectives.

On the second day, a mentoring session was facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Arsad, focusing on different mentoring approaches, the principle of nurturing (Tarbiyah), strategies for classroom management, creating a safe space for all learners, and planning differentiated instruction for diverse learners. Another notable lecture was presented by Ms. Vi-Amor Ramirez, who discussed topics related to Special Education (SpED) and the importance of educators’ understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and delays, especially when working to address Muslim education issues, including catering to students with special needs.

At the conclusion of the capacity building workshop, Assoc. Prof. Arsad, along with the administrators from Sarang Bangun Learning Center and High School, expressed their commitment to continuing their partnership with UP CIDS-ISP and UP IIS. This commitment includes participating in the deployment and impact assessment of instructive modules for school teachers and administrators. These collaborative efforts are essential for examining educational interventions comprehensively, providing valuable policy insights, and serving as a springboard for future research on Muslim education.

The workshop’s success underscores its potential to become a crucial resource for education stakeholders and to further advancements in the field of Muslim education, ultimately contributing to the development of impactful educational policies.

News & Archives

UP IIS Welcomes UIN Imam Bonjol Padang Scholars for Seminar on Islam, Modernization, and Reform in Indonesia

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 10 Jul 2024

Two esteemed professors from the UIN Imam Bonjol Padang, Dr. Zaim Rais and Prof. Winbaktianur, were warmly welcomed as they visited the Institute of Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman to serve as lecturers for a seminar on “Islam, Modernization, and Reform in Indonesia: Parallelism and Context in the Philippines.” The event, held on June 27, 2024, took place at Virata Hall, UP Diliman campus, Quezon City.

With Indonesia being renowned as a Southeast Asian country with the world’s largest Muslim population, the main objective of the seminar was to delve into the trajectory of Islamic reforms in Indonesia while also exploring the parallels, nuances, and context within the Philippines. Dean Wadi affirmed the significance of this initiative, stating, “Understanding the evolution of Islam in Indonesia allows for a deeper comprehension of the Islamic landscape in the region.” Dr. Rais deepened the discussion by delivering a compelling lecture on Islamic Reform in Minangkabau, delving into its history, social dynamics, and prevalent issues, considering its profound connection to Islam, deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of the people. To complement this discourse, Prof. Winbaktianur shed light on Islamic Psychology in Indonesia, emphasizing the ongoing efforts dedicated to showcasing the contributions of Islam to humanity.

The seminar also included a thought-provoking question and answer segment moderated by Prof. Wadi. This facilitated an open forum for attendees and resource persons, encouraging fruitful interaction and discussion, allowing for the exchange of insights on Indonesian culture and its significant relations with Islam as practiced by Muslims in the Philippines.

The event gathered selected members of the UP Diliman Muslim Students’ Association (UP MSA), members of the UP IIS Graduate Students’ Organization (GSO), as well as members of the Xaverian Missionaries and attendees from the private sector.

Emphasizing the importance of international academic cooperation, the seminar served as an exemplary effort by UP IIS to expand its linkages and networks with local and international academic institutions, fostering meaningful exchanges and mutual understanding.

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