|
Quezon City: Expressing their concern about the conditions of their brothers and sisters in Mindanao, 38 Ulama from all over Luzon and the Visayas demanded the suspension of all military offensives in Sulu and Basilan and the convening of a multi-sectoral Mindanao peace summit that will “map out a roadmap towards peace in Muslim Mindanao.”
The government has stepped up its military offensives in Sulu and Basilan in what it described as an attempt to crush the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in the area. The operations have resulted in major casualties for the military as well as the dislocation of around 4,000 families caught in the middle of the conflict.
The statement, signed by ulama from Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo , Dumaguete City, Palawan , Legaspi, Cavite, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Baguio City , Lucena City and Metro Manila, also urged all parties to exercise restraint and to go back to the negotiating table. In particular, the statement called for the cessation of hostilities with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.
In calling for the peace summit, the ulama rejected the notion that military force can solve the problems of Muslim Mindanao which has remained “poorest of the poor.” The summit, the statement recommends, should include rebel groups, government, religious groups, civil society and other stakeholders.
The group of ulama—a term that refers to Muslim scholars or those learned in Islam—have gathered in a consultative forum as part of a project dubbed, “Empowering the Ulama of the Philippines” organized by the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID). The forum is the last of four regional forums that will culminate in a national summit in January next year which is expected to gather ulama from all over the country.
The project is supported by the British embassy and the Royal Netherlands embassy. British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham stressed the importance of engaging Muslims all over the world. He noted that in Britain, Muslims are the fastest growing minority population with 15% comprising London’s population. Former Senator Santanina Rasul meanwhile urged the ulama to unite so they can provide a voice for the Muslims. “You are learned in our religion, the people believe in you so I hope you can use this opportunity to come together and serve our people,” she said.
Explains Dr. Hamid Barra, the project director, “this is an opportunity for the Muslim religious leaders to provide leadership and guidance in the interpretation of Islam as a way life at all levels.”
Regional ulama forums were previously held in the cities of Zamboanga, Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro. The project hopes to provide assistance in creating a network of ulama and Muftis nationwide.
Source: Morotimes
 Add as favourites (42) |  Quote this article on your website | Views: 1855 | E-mail
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved |
