Grand Mufti Sheik Abuhuraira U. Udasan. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Information Office)
COTABATO CITY – Grand Mufti Sheik Abuhuraira U. Udasan of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) died in his sleep early Monday. He was 81.
Udasan, executive director of the BARMM “Darul Ifta” (Islamic House of Opinion) breathed his last at about 6 a.m., according to his cousin, Haron Nul.
Shiekh Abdulrauf Guialani, deputy mufti of “Darul Ifta,” said Udasan died in his home in Lugay-Lugay Barangay Mother Kalanganan in this city.
In the Islamic tradition, a “Mufti” is a jurist who interprets Muslim religious laws.
“To honor him, both the Philippine flag and the BARMM flag shall be flown at half-mast at the Cotabato City People's Palace (city hall),” Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao said.
He said the city government mourns the passing of Sheik Udasan, who will long be remembered for his legacy of leadership, wisdom, and benevolence.
“His passing is truly a period of great loss and bereavement,” Matabalao added.
The primary role of Darul Ifta is the promulgation and issuance of a “fatwa” or legal opinion concerning Muslim personal laws as well as jurisprudence.
Udasan was born in the village of Kitango in the then-municipality of Dulawan (now Datu Piang) in Maguindanao del Sur on March 3, 1942, and was brought up by a religious family.
He started learning the Islam religion from his father and was able to memorize several chapters of the Quran even before reaching the age of six. (PNA)
