Of health, doctors, and trust

Imagine your child in pain. Imagine the tears from his eyes, the horrified look from his face, his shaking limbs, his cold hands, his subdued cry. What would you do if the doctor gave you two choices: either give him a local anesthesia where he will suffer a lot or give him general anesthesia where he will sleep away his pain into the midst of oblivion?

A father will not even think, not for a blink of an eye to allow suffering for his child; nor does a mother. This is not a hypothetical scenario. I have experienced this and the first thing that crossed my mind was ‘yes give him general anesthesia’. Without thinking the cost of care in the hospital I chose the least amount of suffering for my first born. But then common sense and medical background got hold of me. Why on earth would I pay 30 thousand pesos for a cut in my son’s finger? My own father jested after the whole hospital ordeal that in his days his own father would have just put coffee on his wound. Of course caffeine as a vasoconstrictor would have stopped minor bleedings.

The fact is, not anyone will allow suffering for a loved one, parents to their children, a husband to his wife, a wife to her husband, a friend to a friend.

Unfortunately scrupulous individuals take advantage on other people preying on their emotion and ignorance. Another good story is about a couple having their first child and the time of delivery is around the corner. Once the Obstetrician learned that their relatives are in abroad, she convincingly managed to persuade the couple to go for a caesarian delivery because the baby is ‘under stress’. But when she knew that the couple was casted away by the parents and wouldn’t get any financial support, suddenly another option magically appeared: induced labor.

Things like this make us think: how honest are our doctors? Should we unconditionally trust them? If we are in a place where there is no third party system to countercheck the need of such procedures, what are we to do?

In my opinion, trusty worthy and qualified Muslim doctors should come into the picture to give a second opinion. They should readily give their advice – they may even be compensated - in order to save people from unnecessary paying heavily for an already prohibitive health care cost.

Finally, fund raising activities that intend to help financially- challenged patients and their families should be commended and supported, but it should also include a ‘second opinion’ option as an important part of their endeavor.

Islamic needs of Muslims in the Philippines

In the depth crevasse of the Muslim's psyche, the Creator who has created the Universe - or the Multiverse (other dimensions), with the perfection of all it's laws, energy, entropy; with the harmony of it's systems from the smallest of its smallest to the biggest of its biggest; this Creator couldn't have just created all these, including  us - mankind without a sense of purpose.

When the angels learnt that Allah would create a khalifa on earth, they all but wandered and asked why would He place herein those who cause mischief and spill blood:

وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٌ فِي الأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً قَالُواْ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاء وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ قَالَ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ

And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Verily, I am going to place on earth generations after generations (of humans)." They said: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief and shed blood, - while we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You?" He said: "I know that which you do not know."

Al-Baqarah (2): 30

But Allah knew what He has created and He knew how to set them aright. Thus He sent prophets after prophets, messengers after messengers to remind them of this purpose. Indeed man, if left alone would make mischief and shed blood unjustly. The laws and rules for which the prophets have been sent to rule upon the people are their Shariahs - each new prophets repeal and abrogate the older one and the last of them is the Shariah of Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, which confirm the laws of the prophets of the past and abrogates that which need to be abrogated.

Ok. so much for dramatic introduction. What was I thinking: justify the need for shariah? This needs a more thorough research. I woke up this morning with this sudden urgency to write about this topic: What are the needs of Muslims, as Muslims, in the Philippines. As minorities, we can only have as much as the central government and the constitution allows us. Let me just enumerate here and maybe discuss them in full details in the future:

1. Islamic education. This is a no brainer. If we want to raise kids as true, practising Muslims, we need to mold them as Muslims both inside our home and outside.

2. Islamic finance. This is a bit tricky and not many people realize this. Riba is so rampant in Muslim cities. An Islamic micro-financing venture is a big necessity in our areas. If people were to know the horrendous effect of riba-based financial systems and the magnanimity and justice of an Islamic financial system, they would think Islam is the solution to the world's problems - as it really is. In Africa alone, governments trying to pay the compound interests to international financial institution, ultimately leaving off their citizens their basic fundamental needs like health and education leading to epidemic infant mortality and perpetuation of poverty due to lack of education. President Obasanjo of Nigeria had this to say in G8 summit, in Okinawa Japan in 2000.

"All that we had borrowed up to 1985 or 1986 was around $5 billion and we have paid about $16 billion yet we are still being told that we owe about $28 billion. That $billion came about because of the injustice in the foreign creditor's interest rates. If you ask me what is the worst thing in the world, I will say it is compound interest."

Right now, all OFW's are required to pay in the PAG IBIG - a good idea but laden with interest-based systems from which Muslims are forbidden to partake.

3. A balance, fair and courageous and Islamic media. 

4. Services that requires Islamic touches on it such as female Muslim doctors to treat Muslim women.

5. NGO's that advocate Islam and human rights of Muslims. A handful of this do exist but we need more. Example is Hijab-Niqab Advocay Network (HAN).

6. Islamic communities where it is easier for Muslims to fulfill his obligations in worship. There must be an area in the Philippines where Muslim converts can make hijrah to so that they can live their lives as complete Muslims and strengthen their Islam and their families. But where is this place? Where are the Muslim real estate agents? Don't they know this is a very big market?

We can add more to this list. Time to take my breakfast. :)

Barakallah feekum

Post from my Shaikh: Reflections Upon Selected Daily Supplications/ Before Sleeping

This is a post from my Shaikh Abu Muhammad Abdurauf Shakir www.islamiclecture.com) with his permission

Before Sleeping

بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا

"Bis-mi-kal-lāhum-ma A-moo-tu wa  Ah-yā"

(In Your Name, O Allāh, I die and I live)^[1]

The text of the Hadeeth:

From among the great words of remembrance which the noble Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to recite consistently at the time of sleeping and at the time of awakening from sleep is what is narrated by al-Bukhāri: "Whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)  intended to sleep he would say: 'In Your Name, O Allāh, I die and I live.' And whenever he awakened from his sleep he said: 'All praise belongs to Allāh, Who gave us life after He caused us to die, and unto Him is the resurrection.'"^[2]

Explanation of the Hadeeth:

As for his saying (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam): "Bis-mi-kal-lāhum-ma..." (In Your Name, O Allāh...) 'Allāhum-ma' means: 'Yā Allāh' (i.e., O Allāh, I am calling upon You). The letter 'Ba' (in Bis) means 'Is-ti-'ā-nah' (seeking help or assistance in doing something). So, the meaning here is: I sleep seeking help in You, asking for Your safe-keeping (Hifdh), and hoping for protection (Al-Wiqāyah), safety (As-Salāmah), and well-being (Al-'Ᾱfiyah) from You!

His saying (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam): 'A-moo-tu wa Ah-yā' (I die and I live) means: I am remembering Your Name (even) in this condition. So, with the mention of Your Name I am given life and with Your Name I die.

These words contain an indication that a Muslim is never without need of remembering his Lord, even for the blinking of an eye - at the time of sleeping, awakening from sleep, and in all of his affairs.

So, here he is at the time of sleeping, sealing his deeds of the day with the remembrance of Allāh. Likewise, the first of actions upon awakening is the remembrance of Allāh. He is giving the utmost care to the remembrance of Allāh at every moment of his day. In this way he is in remembrance of Allāh, the One Free from all imperfections, when life is given to him (upon awakening), when it is taken (upon sleeping), and at the time of being raised to live (after death) on the Day of Resurrection, In Sha Allah!

ln his saying (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam): 'Bis-mi-kal-lāhum-ma  A-moo-tu...' (In Your Name, O Allāh! I die...) when one intends to sleep is an indication that 'Nawm' (sleep) is referred to as 'Mawt' (death) as well as 'Wafāh' (demise, decease), even though life is still present in the person.

This is seen in the saying of Allāh, the Most High:

اللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى الْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَالَّتِي لَمْ تَمُتْ فِي مَنَامِهَا فَيُمْسِكُ الَّتِي قَضَى عَلَيْهَا الْمَوْتَ وَيُرْسِلُ الْأُخْرَى إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

"It is Allāh who (Yata-waffa) takes away the souls, at the time of their death (Mawt), and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest (back) for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply." (39:42)

For this reason, he (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said in the completion of this Hadeeth, at the time of awakening: "All praise belongs to Allāh, who gave us life after He caused us to die...", pointing to the condition of sleep which the person was in (before awakening again). The sleeping person resembles the dead because movement in him has ceased and his ability to discern what is happening around him is absent. For this reason liability and responsibility for one's actions is lifted until he awakens from his sleep.

[Taken from: ‘Reflections Upon Selected Daily Supplications’ - Abu Muhammad]

---

^[1]      Fortress of the Muslim no. 105.

^[2]      Al-Bukhāri, no. 6324.

What's with Zamboanga City and religious Muslims?

Almost a year ago, a religious Muslim in Zamboanga City was murdered on his way out from his home. A convert to Islam and supporter of education for Muslim youth, Arturo Eustaquio III then the president of Universidad de Zamboanga, was gunned down just outside of his home in Santa Maria. The night before the murder, there was an Islamic symposium in his university and a number of non Muslim participants converted to Islam. It was also said that Eustaquio was planning to have an Islamic Studies course to be opened in the said university.

Just a little over a month ago in January of 2013, another religious Muslim has gone missing and until today he is nowhere to be found. Sheikh Basher Mursalun a religious Muslim scholar was reported to have been abducted by 'suspected operatives of the Philippine Center in Transnational Crime and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force' who has until now have not acknowledge the custody of the victim'.

Moreover, Muslim women trying to practice their religion and donning their hijab or veil are not permitted to enroll in several educational institutions and hospitals.

So with this, I dare to ask, what's with you O Zamboanga City? What message are you trying to send to religious Muslims? Is there a militant anti-Muslim living in your city? Are there anti-Muslim religiosity drive happening in your city? Are you trying to fuel radicalization of the youth again?

Muslims should be patient and must not allow themselves to succumb to revenge and radicalization. These are all happening in the wake of the peace treaty signed by the GRP and MILF. Those who are opposed to this new phase of Bangsamoro history would do very well in looking for escape goats to thwart any chance for lasting peace.

Links to Hijab/Niqaab issues in the Philippines

These are some links to the Hijab/Niqab ban issues in Philippine Schools and Hospitals.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hijaab-Niqaab-Advocacy-Network/280451248727431?ref=hl http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/370519/in-name-religious-freedom http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/07/09/muslims-arms-against-discrimination http://www.irfi.org/articles2/articles_2601_2650/Hijab%20-%20A%20Symbol%20of%20Liberation%20and%20Not%20of%20Oppression.HT http://www.irfi.org/articles2/articles_2601_2650/Hijab%20-%20A%20Symbol%20of%20Liberation%20and%20Not%20of%20Oppression.HTM http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121114081808 http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/ Neo Catalyst Wednesday, May 9, 2012 HIJAAB-NIQAAB Compilation of LEGAL Documents and Related Articles Assalaamu alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakatuhu!! Every concerned Muslims (Muslimat) in the Philippines “MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND” all LAWS, MEMORANDA, ISSUANCES, DEPARTMENT ORDERS IN RESPECT FOR THE RIGHT TO WEAR HIJAB-NIQAAB in our country.  Among the many legal documents: 1.) PRC Memorandum No. 2012-02 Re: Wearing of Veils of Muslim Womens Taking the Licensure Examinations dated January 24, 2012 issued by Commissioner Alfredo Y. Po, OIC PRC: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.297790223602752&type=1 Note:  Moreover, this order is applicable to all Muslimat Niqaabi across Philippines and in all courses that need to take for a licensure examinations in PRC. 2.) NCMF Issuance Re: Legal Guidelines on Hijab by Bureau on Legal Affairs issued by Commissioner Atty. Edilwasif T.Baddiri dated September 20, 2011; Resolution No. 44, Series of 2011 approved and signed by Hon. Bai Omera D. Dianalan-Lucman and Commissioners of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos dated October 05, 2011: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.245916968790078&type=1 3.) NBI Order Re: Memorandum Order No. 28 S. 2008, Guidelines on Photo Requirements and Picture Taking for NBI Clearance Purposes approved by Atty. Nestor M. Mantaring, Director of NBI Central Office, Manila in response to the appeal of Deputy Mufti Shaykh Abdulwakil S. Tanjilil: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.246410378740737&type=1 4.) DOH Memo and Order namely DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 issued by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, MD MSc. (Re:Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Muslim workers, including but not limited to students and trainees in health facilities), which was duly reiterated by DOH MEMO No. 2011-0232dated 16 August 2011 Re: Reiterating Compliance to DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 by Nemesio T. Gako, MD, MPH, CESO II, Asst Secretary of Health, Internal Finance and Administration Technical Cluster- lobbied by IMAN President Sherjan Kalim, MD: http://home.doh.gov.ph/dm/dm2011-0232.pdf  5.) Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Students (DepED Order No. 53 s. 2001 by Sec Raul S. Roco; and CHED MEMO dated 26 August 2008 signed by OIC Dr Nina S. Ricafort): http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/DO%2053_10-29-01_00001.pdf 6.) DFA and among others, SOON, In shaa’ Allah! HIJAB RELATED ARTICLES http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/2012/05/not-merely-uz-even-malacanang-has-no.html  http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/07/09/muslims-arms-against-discrimination  http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/10/defense-of-muslimat-fortress-no-dearth.html http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/208565/doh-allows-wearing-muslim-head-gear http://www.pinoypress.net/2008/04/09/the-hijab-a-symbol-of-liberation-not-oppression/ http://www.insidemindanao.com/article52.html http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=161951 HIJAB RELATED VIDEO/AUDIO http://insidemindanao.com/radio/SUG_Alun_Limaya_1.mp3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyc5vLTGT9o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l9DpT3XmGs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkZzHpHUw6A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqgNg2aaoXQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHY_E6XTrH0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfYdXYnnNSs HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION REPORTING: "HR ALERT! Witnessed a Human Rights Violation? SUBMIT A REPORT NOW" we call this the CSO-PIMM form: find the online submission below it: http://www.philippinehumanrights.org/index.php?option=com_chronoforms&view=form&Itemid=155 We are thankful that our fervent prayers are granted by The Most Compassionate and Beneficent ALLAH. This serves as proof which is quite a relief to our frustrations that there ARE still institutions who respect the dignity and inviolable rights of fellow human beings regardless of religious affiliation. May we continue to uphold and abide the law in consonance with and respect to the inalienable rights of all Muslim Filipinos.  Aameen Ya Rabb!

Comments on Zamboanga City (dot com): Female Muslim Studes wearing hijab not allowed to study

http://www.zamboangacity.com/blog/1944#comment-25

Although I’m a Muslim, and just like you Avelino I also don’t understand why they would want to learn in a place that does not reinforce their beliefs and culture.

Maybe perhaps you are right there is no other colleges that allow ‘hijab’ that’s as good as Pilar.

Maybe they were just so naive to believe that they live in a democratic country where one’s belief shall not be an obstacle in attaining the basic human rights of education.

Maybe they might have thought that if this school is ran by nuns who themselves weir some form of veil (habits) maybe they can be accommodated there.

Maybe they thought that in principle, the veil and the habit are essentially the same that promotes modesty and chastity.

Maybe they didn’t have a choice, Sir Avelino, there is no Muslim school in Zamboanga City that reaches the college level.

Maybe they were wrong to assert that the veil does not prevent them from learning and be at par with anyone.

Please excuse them for believing that they too have the right to practice their religion wherever and whenever they want.

The crux of the matter here is this: Education is not just passing of information. It is also passing the culture. Pilar is very clear about that. It wants to produce learned Christians and it is their prerogative.

As soon as these Muslims realize the purpose of education I just mentioned then they will wake up and find other alternatives and probably settle in other schools.

Nocebo Effect at Brent Hospital Zamboanga City

Nocebo effect, not placebo effect: Induced illness studied

After reading the article above from sciencedaily.com I remember my son's experience at the hands of a doctor at Brent Hospital on April of this year (2012). 

It was a terribly busy afternoon preparing for the Mindanao Islamic Education Conference 2012 when I received a frantic call from my mother telling me to come home immediately. I couldn't understand what she was saying and I kept asking her to repeat again and again. After a while my father took the phone away from her told me to come home as soon as possible because:


 "your son Khalid cut his middle finger half of its diameter". 


And so I came home and brought him immediately to the nearest hospital - the Brent Hospital. At this time the bleeding has already stopped, this brought to me comfort knowing that none of his arteries were damaged.

Soon enough we were in the Emergency Room and Khalid's middle finger was examined by the Emergency doctor who couldn't decide what to do with my son because "his finger is small". A decision was made to call a specialist surgeon, whose name we will not mention, to examine my son. After some time the doctor arrived, saw and examined my son and said:

 "He needs general anesthesia because of the terrible pain of injecting anesthesia to the finger and he has to be admitted".

Ready to do everything possible and halal for my son, I almost accepted his advice except that general knowledge informs us that general anesthesia should not be used unless really necessary. At this juncture, I sought the advice of my mother who was in the waiting room. She and I were thinking the same. It is also worth noting that at this critical time of decision making and informing consent, we were not informed about the cost of the whole process - anesthesiologist, surgeon, hospital admission and medicine. Alhamdulillah, coming from the health profession I inquired about the cost and it was between twenty to thirty thousand pesos.

Even at that time I was still ready to shoulder the cost for the sake of my son. But a little voice in my head was telling me not to because of the risk and side effects of general anesthesia to my son's health. Besides he already had a general anesthesia few years back when he was circumsized.

Going back to the treatment room, cold and dry ambiance, Khalid was lying on the plinth with a bright light shining at him. A nurse was there and of course, the doctor was there. My son was terrified upon hearing the ordeal he is about to face. That excruciating pain that the doctor was telling me in front of my son again and again brought him to shiver. He was almost crying when he heard what the doctor said.

The doctor was very insistent to do the general anesthesia emphasizing the terrible pain my son would experience. I can understand at that time what the doctor was trying to do. Patient and family education is necessary for inform consent . But the way he was doing it was to me at that time 'dubious' and at this time 'uninformed'.

Imagine yourself, a young person of twelve, being indirectly told that you will suffer the most painful experience of your life repeatedly again and again while you are lying helplessly on a treatment room with a bright light shining on you? Even now, I still feel the terror he was experiencing. At that time, my son was even refusing for them to touch his hand, what more of injection and suturing it.

I made a decision not to give general anesthesia despite the doctor's 'advice'. The nurse was ordered to 'prep' understandably for infection control. My son's eyes flooded with tears. I turned his head to me and told me to look me in the eye. The nurse damp the wound with Betadine and it was at this time Khalid was really in pain. I was almost on the brink of regret why I decided against general anesthesia.

But magically after a while the pain subsided. Then local anesthesia was given and the suturing began. At this time Khalid was calm and I was even making jokes that made him smile while the doctor was suturing his finger.

After the whole thing, I was surprised to hear what Khalid, my dear son said:

"The most painful part was administering Betadine"!

 "The injection was not that painful and I didn't feel anything during suturing".

Alhamdulillah we went home. I was driving silently. Khalid was with my mom at the back of the car. My father was at the front seat. Everyone was relaxed.

At that time, I wasn't aware of the nocebo effect. Because of the doctor's over emphasized 'education' of the possible 'excruciating' experience, my son needlessly suffered.

Current issue between China, the Philippines and US: Connecting the dots

Just my few cents on this issue without going much into details.

China is the fastest growing economy in the world today that is set to overtake the US few decades from now. Naturally, the US would do something in order to slow this trend, if not to outright reverse it. China, on the other hand doesn't want problem in its own soil so it is buffering, or widening its sphere of influence so that the trouble that the US would do, would not come to the mainland. The logical thing to do is to extend the 'battle ground' to the nearest country and there is nothing between Philippines and Hongkong except the sea. This they have to do in order to preserve the stability and social order in their country; stability and social order that prepared their economy to what it is today.

The gist is this is just an issue of preemptive measure of China in anticipation of  US bullying and in return, China is defending its territory and went a step further, bullied another small country like the Philippines (buffering) so that whatever trouble may come from the US will not affect the mainland. 

In the meantime, a country like the Philippines is dragged into this geopolitical posturing. The Filipinos should not allow themselves to be pawns of these two big countries in competition for economic dominance in the world. 

Niqabi refusing handshake with the King

The First Alien Contact

And so it was said that the most historic moment in human history will be the first ever contact between the human species and aliens. For some this is not a question of 'if' but 'when'. So historic that history will be divided by using 'precontact' and 'postcontact' instead of BC and CE.

Well if we define an alien as something extra terrestial or even extradimensional, then, humans have been in contact with the 'aliens' from the beginning. Prophet Adam alaihissalam was in 'contact' with the angels and Iblees, a jinn.

Further it is argued that these aliens are so advanced in technology that the analogy of possible fighting against them is like fighting using nuclear weapon vs. sponges, we humans of course are the ones with sponges.

Well, again, numerous hadith tells us the ability of Angels and Jinns that are supernatural well beyond the latest technology we have today. Think about how the jinns offered to transport the throne of Queen Bilqees to the palace of prophet Sulaiman.

Historic? Yes so historic these first contacts have been that human history always changes once they happen. When Angel Gabriel came into first contact with the prophet Muhammad, the first chapter of the Quran was revealed. This first event unfolded the the rise of Islamic civilization that spread to east and west and paved the way of lifting out Europe from its Dark Age into its Renaissance.

My main point is that this first contact is not a novel idea to the Muslims and perhaps to the believers of heavenly revealed religions. This idea that beings with higher abilities would come one day to Earth and save us from our self destruction have been done time and over again.

"And I have sent a messenger to every nation proclaiming worship only Allah and avoid worshipping false gods" (Quran 16:36)

The Fiqh of Muslim Minorities

Bismillah walhamdulillah wassaltu wassalamu 'ala Rasoolillah

Islam

There is an All-Knowing All Merciful Lord of the Universe who created human beings on earth although He knew that they will spill blood (Quran 2:30). He placed them therein in order to be His khalifa and should they fufill this, then they would be fulfilling the purpose of their creation - to worship Him alone. In return, Allah sent prophets and messengers (16:36) in order to remind mankind, time and again, about their purpose on this earth.

Maqaasid as Shariah (Objectives of Islamic Law)

The prophets and messengers on the other hand have other secondary missions as well. They also brought laws so that the worship of Allah alone is established and sustained. The Ulama (scholars) of Islam have deduced a number reasons why the Shariah was brought by the prophets. The objectives of Shari'ah are the preservation of:

1. Religion
2. Life
3. Lineage
4. Intellect and Property

The Madhahib (sing. Madhhab) evolved inside Muslim Civilization

The Shari'ah is like a blueprint, if you will, from which all the laws, rules and ordinances can be derived. The Shari'ah is immutable yet its application might differ from place or time. Just like the prophets' laws differ in some aspects because they existed in different places and time, the application of Shari'ah of Prophet Muhammad in different parts of Muslim lands might also differ from place and time. This application of Shari'ah can be called Fiqh and as we all know, the Muslim Ummah have different 'Fiqhs' throughout the history of Islam.

But we are living in a time so different from the time when the Madhaahib evolved. Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafi'ee, Imam Ahmad, Imam Awzai, Sufyan Ath Thawri and many more lived and passed judgment on Islamic issues while there were living under the protectorate of Islamic 'country' where the Muslims are the overwhelming majority. Therefore, it goes without saying that not all of the issues of contemporary Muslims who are living as minorities are given light inside the books of Madhhabs.

There are many causes why there exist Muslim minorities around the world today. This includes the disintegration of the last Caliphate (Ottoman) whereby sections of Muslim areas were occupied and turned into what is now called a 'country'. Further, there were also the case of the Muslims in the Philippines where relatively small sultanates were incorporated into a country. Lastly, immigration in search of greener pastures also causes sizable Muslim minorities such as in the US and other European countries.

The Fiqh of Muslim Minorities


Muslims as minorities face many challenges in their endeavor to be worshipers of Allah. The issues of hijab, beard, Mosques and Minarets, separatism and rebellion, Islamic education, polygamy, confronting Islamophobia, Halal, election and participation in the political process and many more fall into these challenges.

This is a call

This is a call to all who were endowed with the responsibility of guiding the orphans of this Ummah, the Muslim minorities, first and foremest the Ulama from amongst them to

Some Thoughts During Breakfast

While munching cheese croissant and egg omelet bathed in hot sauce, sipping hot coffee with medium sugar and a teaspoon of coffee mate,   I thought about writing in my blog today...Just had conversation with my wife about a Youtube video of a man who insha Allah was a shaheed or martyred in the way of Allah.

Somehow this reminded me of a very subtle thought just like a video surreptitiously playing in the background inside my head. It is quite possible that somebody who would want to work for the betterment of Muslims in Southern Philippines whose ideology does not conform with the status quo might end up being murdered like Dr. Eustaqio III.

In my interrupted attempt to chronicle a semi-fiction version of my childhood and basically my life - The Hero Quest - I actually planned of ending the series with the murder of Ben (Oh sorry - spoiler alert) because he became successful in changing the status quo, that is continuing Manila hegemony over Muslims of Mindanao  by perpetuating Oligarchy, divide and rule approach for the revolutionaries, and all out war for the extremists. I think this approach might be strategically correct decades or centuries ago but now rendered outdated if not disadvantageous for both the country and the Muslims in Mindanao especially in the long run.

And then, Dr. Eustaqio was murdered! Whatever the reason(s) maybe, this confirms the video playing in my head.

Dr. Ammar Eustaqio working for Peace thru Education

Is working for peace a way to die? As paradoxical as it may sound, this is one of the first thought that crossed my mind when I heard the news of the death of Dr. Arturo 'Ammar' Eustaqio III. Although I don't know him personally and has never met him, deep inside me, I feel an inexplicable 'closeness' to him. Since the time I came to know about his conversion to Islam years ago, there was in me a degree of desire of wanting to know him more. And so I 'googled' him up and searched for his email address, sent it but I got an email failure delivery reply. At that time he wasn't still the president and UZ was still ZAEC.

As an enthusiast in  education and specifically Islamic Education, there was a subconscious process in my mind that made the connection between the personality of Dr. Ammar (may Allah have mercy on him) and the education of Muslims in Southwestern Philippines - Zambasulta area (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi). I felt that he can play a vital role in providing education to the underprivileged Muslim youth in a region where literacy rates is among lowest in the country.

At that time (circa 2005), there was an inverse relationship between my interest in education as a means of liberation and my stance towards revolution. My understanding of the Fiqh of Muslim minorities requires the Muslim to be part of the political process and nation building endeavors. When my children got bigger, the psychological demand for quality Islamic education is slowly growing in my head. This led me to a quest of looking for visionaries who shares the same sense of responsibility and urgency. Alhamdulillah for the great visions and amazing intellects of Islamic education advocates like Sherma Sappari, Warina Jukuy and Mark Santos, the Mindanao Islamic Education Conference 2012 will insha Allah transpire on the 10th of April 2012.

Now back to Dr. Ammar, he was supposedly one of the key discussants of the Focus Group Discussion in the conference. For me, it would be a dream came true to finally meet him and hear his thoughts about the role of education of Muslims in Southern Philippines. Universidad de Zamboanga, UZ, has the overwhelming number of share of enrollees in the region 9 area and a lot of Muslim students prefer UZ as their school.
But, Allah has decreed and He does whatever He wills, he was shot dead 9 days before the conference.

Searching again his name in google I came accross a PDF file entitled "Education and Peace". He eloquently expressed that servitude and slavery - in many forms -  hasn't vanished in the modern world and that education is the way to freedom. Recognizing that peace can be achieved by giving education to the underprivileged, he wrote:

'The more “underprivileged” are granted access to educational opportunities, the less “discontents” there will be.'

 To me, and probably for others as well, I believe that Dr. Ammar, or 'Sir Archie' practiced what he preached. Unlike those who just talk of peace, he practiced it by allowing Muslim student in UZ more freedom to practice their religion while they undergo education and training.

To end this, I say the same thing Sir...

Education for freedom!  Let this be our battle cry in our quest for peace. 

Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon.

It's 2012

The Role of Righteous Spouse, Friends and Companion

Course: DHD 302

Student: Al Madzhar Ahmadul

HD Diploma Program

In your own words, outline the role of having righteous companions’ friends, and spouses in 600 words.

The Purpose of Creation

The importance of having a righteous companion cannot be overstated and perhaps will be understood fully when viewed from a bigger perspective of Islam on the purpose of our existence. In the age of where everything is romanticized to maximize profit in an unrestricted free market economy, love, lust and desire are promoted incessantly in subliminally driven marketing strategies. Therefore it is no wonder that one might frown or wonder that why in Islam, love is not a necessary pre requisite of marriage? Love may or may not be present at the beginning of marriage but it will be developed later on – a love that sprung from mutual respect and the winning of admiration.

In Islam, the purpose of existence is to live life in obedience to the Creator, fulfilling the responsibilities of man/woman to his/her Lord, self, parents, spouse, children, the society at large. This is accomplice by being a dutiful servant to the Lord. “I have not created the Jinn and Men except that they should worship Me” (Soorah Adh-Dhaariyat 51:56).

Marriage is half of Deen (Religion)

And so the prince marries the princess or the knights in shining armor weds the damsel in distress and they live happily ever after. Or is it?

Life is a journey of worship hence like any other journey with many pitfalls and traps, a righteous companion who constantly reminds of worship and obedience is a necessity. This does not only applies to marriage but extends towards friendship and companionship.

It is having common goals and aspirations that despite the personal difference, the relationship continues to grow because of having a common destination. It is perhaps of this and others as well, that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wasallam affirmed that marriage is half of our religion.

Righteous Offspring

Raising righteous children is perhaps one the biggest responsibility a person can ever have. It is a life-long commitment that consumes one’s health and wealth. Perhaps for the poor and the middle class, it is the single most expensive investment materially. Parents often forget their own selves just to provide their children good education and a better opportunity in life. As though raising children is not already a daunting task, raising them according to Islamic perspective is the real challenge and obligation of the Muslim parents. It is cultivating in them the sense of constant need of and communication with the Creator. It is nurturing in them the faith that one’s action in life will be compensated – even the smallest of them. It is fostering in them the belief that there is a Merciful God who loves to forgive and loves that His servants forgive each other, and many other things.

Just like what was already mentioned, it is having a common goal in marriage that life in this troubled world can be more harmonious. If the husband and wife have different goals and visions for their children, then, peace and harmony at home will be elusive.  Islamic identities are not just accomplished by sending our children to Islamic schools but it is primarily forged at home.

Society

The graphic contrast between the Islamic ideals and the reality of the world can never be more visualized than today’s multimedia driven world. A responsible Muslim who is engrained with the teachings found in the Qur’an and specifically in Soorah Al-Asr, that states that humankind are in loss except those who believe, do righteous good deeds, enjoins one another in truth and enjoins one another in patience (Qur’an 103:1-3), will never be truly at rest when he is surrounded by polytheism, injustices and immorality.  If like minded Muslims aggregate into neighborhoods or groups that have a common goal, they will have more chances of affecting the society. Therefore a strong Muslim community should be at the forefront in enjoining good and prohibiting evil, and in nation-building endeavors and social welfare projects.  Change ultimately must come from within, from one self, family and the society, until it reaches a critical mass where change is not only dreamed but effectuated.