WAMY - Philippines

By Wedad Jannah Bint Zainoden

Siraj, which means an illuminated lamp, is an existing Muslim student organization in Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan, established on 2003 by concerned Muslim students. From then on, Islamic programs and activities were started, and Alhamdulillah until such time that even a prayer room and Islamic subject (Muslim Religious Studies) was provided to us. Such wonderful blessings we are enjoying indeed. But the question is, are all the Muslim students enjoy and participate such deeds (Islamic activities)? It is actually very easy to answer such question of mine, no sweat at all, wheeew! But that’s not making me proud of the reality. Rather, it makes me sad and occasionally screams out loud because of the fact that true believers in this campus were declining in numbers but I hope not in deeds as well.

 We are muslim students within an established catholic school. I should say that most of us if not all, choose to study here personally, that no one forces us to do so. Have we ever asks ourselves what’s our purpose of studying here and spending our golden times with Ignatian Spirits teaching?!. Nay, that makes sense.

By Mohammad Hajiri

The role of the leaders on this earth is similar to that of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the rightly-guided caliphs – to make sure of the implementation of the Shari’ah in our daily lives and within our community, to lead others to the right way of Islamic living and to unite under the banner of Islam with justice, peace, and respect for all humanity. However, we do not see this happening with our leaders who have the responsibility to guide their people to the right path of Islam.

Regarding the qualifications of a leader, it would be appropriate to mention the legal theory elaborated by prominent Muslim scholars who identified the qualifications of a leader: knowledge of laws, legal probity, and physical and mental fitness to carry his political and military duties. All the four rightly-guided caliphs had firsthand knowledge of the Sunnah or traditions of the Last Prophet (SAW). In the same way, today’s Muslim leaders must also possess knowledge of the Sunnah or Hadith, and the Shari’ah Law which can be acquired through their formal religious education or self-study and life-long learning of Islam. Aside from being knowledgeable of the Shari’ah or Islamic Law, today’s Muslim leaders must also be practicing Muslims, much like the four rightly-guided caliphs who did their best in following and practicing the traditions of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW).

Time: 3:30 P.M. to 6:15 P.M. , September 06, 2009
Venue: AVR-Kalibuhan, University of Cebu, Colon St., Cebu City
 
Overview of the Implementer:

The Federation of Muslim Students Association is the umbrella organization of all the Muslim Students Associations/Organizations in the Metro Cebu. It was conceptualized by the meeting of Cebu Muslim Students Intercollegiate Meeting held last August 17, 2008 at the Muslim Resto, Colon Cebu City. It then conducted its First General Assembly on August 25, 2008 at the University of the Visayas with participating membering Association/organization from the different Universities and Colleges of the Metro Cebu and elected its first officers. It then received popular recognition from the Muslim Communities of Metro Cebu when it held its Ramadhan 2008 Activities.

On March 8, 2009, the Office on Muslim Affairs for Visayas Region, headed by Dir. Sakiran A. Hajan, awarded its official registration and recognition to the Federation accrediting it and confirming it by inducted the Officers of the Federation by the OMA Executive Director, Hon. Datu Ali Sangki, at the Cebu Normal Univertsity. As a result, OMA has given the organization a slot to participate in the Mayor Tomas Osmena Muslim Palaro, a joint project of OMA and the City Government of Cebu, and placed six (6) over-all from the eighteen (18) participating from all over Metro Cebu.

By Norhassan Curo, (WAMY Scholar) MSU Law Student

“We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance”(Surah Al-Kahf 18:13)

With the present visit of our exalted guest—the month of Ramadan, many gifts of rare opportunities are given to thousands of young Muslims in the world. They, being in their prime energies and potentials, are given the best opportunities like no other to grab the bountiful gifts of this month. Some young Muslims welcome this guest with arms wide open and see Ramadan’s visit as one with so much a blessing that it becomes a life changing event. Others take it as a sign that Allah Ta’ala has given them another opportunity to draw closer to Him and earn His pleasure through worship in this month. Some others, unfortunately, are too lazy and just see it like any ordinary guest who comes and leaves without any meaning and importance.

By: Jhanisah Mognie Macapanton,  (WAMY Scholar), (3rd year highschool student in MSU-ISED-SHS, Marawi City )

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God, and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. As compared to solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving forward about ten days each year. Ramadhan was the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were claimed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.