THE PHILIPPINES IS A COUNTRY OF CALL FOR ISLAM
by Ustadz Watteau Ibrahim*
The Philippines is a country of call for Islam, as it is also belonging to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The population of the Philippines is estimated at 101,802,706 in early 2015.
Islam is one of the oldest organized religions to be established in the Philippines. Islam reached the islands in the 14th century with the arrival of Indian, Malay and Javanese merchants, and Arab missionaries from various sultanates in the Malay Archipelago, although the spread of Islam in the Philippines is due to the strength of Muslim India.
India brought Islam to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and Indonesia, and in turn the latter two brought Islam to the Philippines. Muslims form 5% of the Philippine population, while the rest of the general population are mostly Roman Catholic (84%) and Protestant (8%).
The present generation is born to the era of science and information technology. Our set up is starting to the grassroots of the society and molding the youth to know that all of what we can see or not see in the creations is created by no one except the Great Architect that is ALLAH Subhana Wataallah.
We formed the intellectuals and the Ulama side by side to be the picture of walking Islamic center which is very interesting creatures working for the best cooperation in mankind.
Our du’ah are coming from the different tribes of our society. Volunteers to serve Islam by preaching the true teachings of the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s Sunnah.
From the grade school pupils they are to be taught to study the Mukaddam, or the Alipan small guide for Quran reading the Alif , Ba.
They are also taught in computer in order to know the sciences of nature and the divine knowledge.
Communities are informed to be cooperative in all matters. Jamaah is encouraged especially when it comes to ebadat (worship) and muamalat the valuable deeds.
The activities are within the management of the ittihad Ash Shabab Al Islamie Bilfilibin.
1. Objective : Islamic Services for the Muslim community (Jamaahmuslimin).
2. Process : Members elect consultative body and executive committee.
3. Planning : Consultative body with the help of various committees.
4. Organizing : Consultative Committee.
5. Staffing : Full Time Staff.
6. Directing : Executive Committee
7. Controlling : Consultative body and executive commitee.
In every district there is the guidance officer (Murshidin)
Muslimat have their role in family. Raring, caring and molding young ones.
Muslimeen worked for the defence of the family and they are the Imams of their families.
Seminars, symposium and fora are to be scheduled in accordance to the time when majority are in its best.
Monthly evaluation of the work of duats are to be discussed and put it into record what is its progress. Silaturrahim (blood and community relations) are to be programmed weekly.
National Organizations is to be organized and knowing each other in the different provinces and regions. Ummatun Wahidah, (single community with correct aqidah of salaf assalih) the righteous ancestors.
Knowing each other through the internet, facebook and listen to Ulama lectures in the Youtube. To increase the knowledge of the young generations. to stay away from evils and other disbelief. (T/IBI/P3)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
*Ustadz Wattuea Ibrahim is one of influential Islamic Scholars from Palimbang Sultan Kudarat, Southern Philippines.
