Marawi City: Philippines: The former Vice Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, former Governor of Lanao del Sur, President of the Ulama League of the  Philippines and Guro sa Marawi died in a car accident en route to Cagayan de Oro City from Marawi City early this morning December 6, 2007.

Dr. Mahid M. Mutilan and his Driver Hasan Miraato were rushed to Cagayan Medical Hospital for treatment. Dr. Mutilan died on the way to the hospital while his driver is said to be seriously under treatment.  

Dr. Mutilan is hurrying this morning to ride on the first flight airplane bound for Manila at Cagayan De Oro City airport.

Mahid is the son of Kali Diki Palawan and Bai Kaila Miraato.  He was born in Marawi City on August 12,1943 , one year after the beginning of the second World War in 1942. He is married to Aleema Khadijah Ulama, his first wife. He enrolled both in Madrasah (Muslim school) and in the secular school. He was able to manage his study in both educational systems.  It is rare among Muslims to manage their time and efforts just to study in two different schools with different time schedules.

Mahid finished his primary schooling at Central Elementary Pilot School in Marawi City .  Thereafter, he took and finished his intermediate schooling at Gata Elementary School at Gata, Poona Bayabao, one of the municipalities of the province of Lanao del Sur in 1956.  He was able to finish his Ibtidai (Elementary level) at Madrasah Kamilol (now Ma’had Kamilol Islam) in Marawi City in 1956.  It is surprising to note that he himself finished the aforementioned schooling in Poona Bayabao, a place which is far apart from Marawi. His enrolment in schools situated in different places and with different time schedules is a significant proof of Mahid’s endowed human ability and development.

Thereafter, Mahid continued his study and finished his secondary education at Kamilol Islam Institute (now Jamiatul Philippine al_Islamiah) in 1960 in Marawi City .  The Institute was later renamed Kamilol Islam College where he succeefully finished his Associate in Arts in 1962. One year after, he finished his Thanawi (secondary level) at Ma’had Mindanao al Arabi Agama Islam Society, also  in the City.

In his noblest attempt to take his higher learning abroad, Mahid went to Cairo on scholarship, where he was able to finish his Bachelor of Arts (AB), major in Philosophy and Psychology  in Cairo University in 1967.  One year later, he finished his Bachelor’s degree in Theology in the same University.  

 In 1970, Mahid finished his Diploma in Education in Ain Shams University in Egypt .  In his attempt to learn more about Islam, he proceeded and was conferred, after three years, with a Master’s degree in Islamic Guidance and Propagation at al-Azhar University , also in Egypt .  Then, in 1976, he proceeded and finished another Masteral degree at Ain Sham University .

In his attempt to engage in da’wah works, which is highly needed in his home country, Mahid took up and then subsequently finished his higher Diploma in Islamic Missionary Works  in Tripoli , Libya in 1974.  In this field of study, he got excellent grades.  His academic performance had, accordingly, caught the attention of some  of his classmates and schoolmates from various countries who were studying  in Libya at that time.  His academic performance has become an inspiration to do more in his field of study so that such knowledge can bring about sustainable growth and development of his people.

In his vision to contribute more efforts for his people, Mahid proceeded and finished his Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Propagation and Culture at al-Azhar University , Cairo , Egypt .  He was the first Asian at the historic university given the final grade of “excellent.”  It was duing this time that he felt more able to play vital roles in his society.  In most societies, including the Mranao society, once a person reaches that educational level he is given high respect; he is considered the authority of his own field and therefore his words and actions are highly respected.

Mahid is an exceptional and extraordinary gifted man and student who is modest, intelligent and diligent.  He likes to engage in the discussion of grandiuos plans, especially on how to make reforms possible in his own society.  He believes society’s future is changing and improvement after its Islamic glory had drifted away under the impact of un-Islamic elements.  He always hopes for the people’s future success.

As a student leader, Mahid was open to new ideas.  He was a good listener too and did many important thing for his co-students.  He shared his views and thoughts with his faithful friends and classmates the future leaders of their very own society.  He  was a generous fellow and he shared personal things with his friends.

Mahid held the leadership of various student and civic organizations.  He became the President of the Lanao Student ‘s  Organization in Cairo , Egypt from 1956 to 1966.  It was during this time that he discussed with many Muslim students diverse issues affecting the Muslims in the Philippines .

Because of his exemplary accomplishments as a student leader, Mahid was subsequently chosen as President of the Philippine Student’s Association from 1966 to 1967.  This organization is composed of different Muslim tribes from various Muslim communities in the Philippines .  To widen his outlook, he founded the Southeast  Asian Student’s Solidarity Council in 1966.

While he was a student leader, Mahid indeed extended his kind assistance to many students who came to Cairo for study.  Many students were able to enroll and seek scholarship grants in various educational centers abroad through his assistance.

As apolitical leader, Mahid was appointed as Secretary of the Committee on Preamble and National Identity at the Philippine Constitutional Convention in Manila ; he assisted in drafting the constitution.  His membership to the Committee, no doubt, added more clout to his political stature.

In 1986, Mahid, with the help of the leaders of ulama and Muslim intellectuals, formed the Ompia Party, the newly accredited political party with regional constituency based in Marawi City .  He was elected as the President and has continued to manage the Party to this death.  This Party makes Mahid popular in  Philippine   political scene.

In 1988, Mahid was elected Mayor of Marawi City where he was able to demonstrate his kind of leadership as an alternative to traditional politics.  In 1992 and 2004, he was elected Governor of Lanao del Sur  and  Vice Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, respectfully.

Mahid’s liberal views and political role are designed for the development of his people and the society  as a whole.

Significantly, Mahid’s leadership reached the attention of the Progressive Alliance of Citizens for Democracy (PACD).  This organization gave the Tambuli Award to Mahid and conferred upon him the honor as the most outstanding City Mayor in region XII during its First Mindanao Convention held at Cagayan de Oro City on June 7-8,1991 .

This award proved Mahid’s exemplary socio-political achievements in Marawi City to both inside and outside observers.  Electoral protests and complaints against him proved to be immaterial by virtue of this recognition.  At least he has demonstrated the good qualities of leadership during his political terms despite the continued opposition from his political adversaries.

In his service to Islam, Mahid is a member of the International Islamic Da’wah Organization in Tripoli , Libya and the Southeast Asian Ulama Solidarity in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia .  He became the missionary to Japan under the auspices of the Libyan Government.  Because of his membership to such organizations, Mahid has established an ultimate contact with the ulama in many Muslim countries. This paved the way for him to solicit support for Muslim Filipinos from foreign Muslim countries.

In Marawi City , Mahiod is the President of the Kamilol Islam, one of the oldest Muslim organizations ever established in the Philippines , which helped many ulama to complete their higher learning abroad and in the Philippines .  Mahid was the founding President of the Foundation of Islam in the Philippines aimed to participate actively in da’wah works towards the socio-economic growth and development of the people.

Up to this date, Mahid is the “Guro sah Marawi.”  This literally means a teacher in Marawi.  He was awarded this title after due consultation and  consideration by bthe Council of Elders of the community.  It is a religious Islamic title in Marawi City .  In its truest sense, only expert on Islam and those with ability to enforced Islamic ways can assume this title.  Mahid, therefore, was believed the most qualified among the ulama in Marawi to execute the duties and responsibility inherent to this title.

Moreover, Mahid has been chosen preferably to lead the Islamic prayers in all Islamic occasions where he is present.  His authority to perform such role and responsibility is beyond reproached.

	1. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 06-12-2007 05:40 - Guest
	Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'oon.  Pakasorgaano Allah a lokus tano wanan...

	2. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 06-12-2007 07:01 - Guest
	pangnin tano a badun makasorga!

	3. Written by Norhania Pumbaya Montila on 06-12-2007 07:05 - Registered
	INNa LiLLah waiNa LLaihi Rajiuon  may ALLAH bless his souL.

	4. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 06-12-2007 15:47 - Guest
	INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAAJO'UN. PAKASORGAAN O ALLAH A LOKES TANOTO...

	5. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 06-12-2007 23:06 - Guest
	I pray 2 Allah to accept him and rewarded him with paradise. We really lost a great man for his time.

	6. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 07-12-2007 02:45 - Guest
	INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAAJO'UN.    Its very depressing of loosing one of the best Moslem leaders that the bangsamoro people had.     May the Almighty bless his soul.

	7. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 07-12-2007 02:49 - Guest
	we mourn the death of Dr. Mahid Mutilan..

	8. Written by khadafy indar on 07-12-2007 15:28 - Guest
	it is indeed a great loose... may allah bless your soul.. we dearly miss you especially the people of lanao..

	9. Written by fah'd hood on 07-12-2007 16:08 - Guest
	condolence inna lallahe wa inna ilayhe raji'on  may allah give him a reward for his good deeds as a da'eh,and bless him a paradise for his kindship to his fellow muslim,again inna lillahe wa inna ilayhe raji'on,,,

	10. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 07-12-2007 20:45 - Guest
	condolence Dr. Mahid Mutilan was the official Philippine interpreter/negotiator when Angelo de la Cruz was kidnaped in Iraq. Arabs all over the world were surprised that a Filipino Muslim could properly express in Arabic the feelings of the Filipino people. He is a big loss...

	11. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 09-12-2007 12:36 - Guest
	:sigh :cry kila lubatan pun akie.,., Pangintano madun sii ko Allah a kasamdian sukan sa maka Sobra on ko Paninindug iyan ko Agama.,., http://ranaw

	12. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 10-12-2007 12:48 - Guest
	A man who is one in a million The death of a this great leader is a great loss not only among the Maranaws but also among the Muslims around the world. He is one in a million.

	13. Written by faheemah a-t on 12-12-2007 04:29 - Guest
	A man who is one in a million He is a great loss to the Muslim community. Just barely a week before his death,we phoned him for an invitation as a guest speaker in the celebration of mindanao week of peace at the dept. but he had prior commitment so he couldn't go. May Allah reward him in paradise.[B]Great Loss[/B]

	14. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 12-12-2007 06:20 - Guest
	Inna lilla wa Inna Illahi Rajoon.. Langon tano Kapaar oAllah, na Langon tano ron pagenedod... PAkasorgaan o Allah si Dr. Mahid Mutilan....  POLO's Translator, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

	15. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 12-12-2007 06:50 - Guest
	Innalillah wa inna lillahi Rajeoon Innalillah wa Inna illahi Rajeoon    Pakasorgaan o Allah, go sambian yan sa sobraon sa kapiya...syapen o Allah so mga maranaw go so mga ULAMA..