ARMM holds forum on Islamic heritage

COTABATO CITY – In an effort to highlight the heritage of Moro people in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the region’s Bureau of Cultural Heritage (BCH-ARMM) on Thursday conducted a forum on Islamic heritage as part of this year’s National Heritage Month celebration.

“Islamic heritage is very important because it influences Moro culture and maintain its identity distinct from others,” Engr. Marites Maguindra, BCH-ARMM executive director, said on Friday.

Maguindra said the forum was very timely because it came during the fasting month of Ramadan.

“We want to help ensure the preservation of this heritage for the sake of future generations,” she said.

According to Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Abuhuraira Abdurrahman Udasan, who was the forum’s guest speaker, the most important Islamic heritage is the glorious Qur’an, which is a blessing from God and a guide to all Muslims.

“In this sense, we have to rely on the Qur’an in recording the history of Islam. It plays the role of correcting all the corruptions and extortions,” Udasan said.

Maguindra said all line agencies in the ARMM bureaucracy have sent representatives in the forum held at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center here.

The Regional Darul Ifta’ and the Bureau of Madaris Education of the region's Department of Education also participated in the gathering.

Maguindra said the participants were very participative in the open forum, raising issues and concerns that will help preserve Islamic heritage.

The open forum centered on Islamic heritage that encompasses Islamic history, culture and traditions, beliefs and practices, and marriage and family values.

Maguindra said the discussion provided clarification on cultural issues that are being practiced in the region but are actually incorrect.

“Not all cultural practices are still in accordance with the teachings of Islam and that is why it is important to take a look on the deeper sense of Islam for Muslims and to be guided on everything without compromising culture,” she said.

“We must examine our culture. If these cultural practices are inconsistent with the teachings of Islam, then we must avoid doing them,” Ustadz Alzad Sattar, Bureau of Madaris Education representative, said.

This year’s National Heritage Month celebration carries the theme, ‘Pambansang Pagkakaisa para sa Pamana,’ highlighting the role of a common heritage as a unifying force to foster national unity. (PNA)