The concept of Islamic resurgence invites differences of outlook among people. Such differences can be attributed to the different situations and experiences in diverse settings.  I would appreciate objectivity and discourage subjectivity to evade controversy and misunderstanding. If the nature and concept of Islamic resurgence is a phenomenon, it must be subjected to research work in a given society.  The main purpose is to re-examine, reinvestigate or understand in-deep the overall context of Islamic resurgence.

For purposes of this article, the concept could be understood with the Islamic reform, awakening, revivalism and revolution that has taken place in different regional communities of the Muslim ummah after the Muslim society and civilization have gradually drifted away from the ideal order founded by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).  It  can be defined as a description of the vision to rebuild  Islamic values, practices, institutions and laws in the lives of Muslims everywhere.

The concept of  resurgence can also be referred to the course of action intended to bring back the old glory of  Islamic society and to recreate an Islamic social  order being guided by the Qur’an and the Sunnah in reaction to the arrogance of Western values and socialist materialism that have contributed to the evolution of social ills in many Muslim countries.

Islamic resurgence has been largely triggered by the crises affecting the regional communities of the Muslim ummah.  This resurgence goes through a volatile process indicative of the instabilities existing around the Muslim communities today.  Because there has been no single worldwide Islamic resurgence under a unified leadership, a controversy exists regarding the concept of Islamic resurgence.

Islamic resurgence, therefore, has been influenced by the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, when he said: “there will come in every century a reformer who will revive my faith in my people.”  This Prophetic saying portrays the advent of a reformer to check the spiritual condition of the Muslims in a particular century.  It further implies that Muslims should always be conscious of their faith and religious activities otherwise they are deviating from the direction of the Prophet.

The reformer may take a look at the past, present and future of Muslim ummah.  The past experiences shall be taken as lessons for today and for future enterprise; the way of Prophet Muhammad and his sahabah (companions)  is a significant background of Islamic awareness and consciousness.  The existing realities today around the Muslim ummah must be examined deeply to ensure relevant approaches in dealing with environments.  The future is the most significant area that must be given more attention by the Muslim reformists.

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Cotabato City, Dec. 2 (NNN-PNA) - The Philippines Senate approved on Nov 28 a bill declaring as national shrine the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, the oldest Muslim worship place in Mindanao situated in Tubig Indangan, Simunul Island, Zamboanga Peninsula.

In a statement, Senator Edgardo Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, emphasized Friday that declaring the six-centuries-old mosque as part of national heritage could help pave the way for Filipino-Muslims in the South to take the path of peace.

"It is a most opportune gesture of friendship to our Muslim brothers. Declaring it as national shrine is of far reaching significance because it celebrates the construction of the first Muslim mosque in our country, built two centuries ahead of the Spanish colonization," Angara said.

"In the same manner that the Roman Coliseum is celebrated and revered up to this day, so should we honour and protect one of our country's most important historical structures," he added.

The bill is set for submission to the Office of the President for final approval and enactment into law.

Arab missionary Sheikh Karimul Makhdum constructed the mosque 615 years ago, some 140 years before the arrival of Magellan in the Philippines.

Makhdum is recognised to have introduced Islamic civilisation in the country. His mosque is held with great esteem and emulation by the Muslims; and even non-Muslims and is considered sacred.

Some 5,000 domestic and foreign tourists frequently visit the shrine annually.

Maguindanao Islamic theologian Abdulkadir Abdullah expressed joy over the development saying "Such is a welcome development for us as we also want our cultural legacy protected."

Angara's son, Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, earlier filed the bill before the House of Representatives for the mosque's recognition as national shrine.

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