22
Mar

Enriching Souls: A Ramadhan of Spiritual Growth at Weekly Islamic Seminar

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MSU Main Campus - Marawi City > 10-Reduced Inequalities (SDG Goals) > Enriching Souls: A Ramadhan of Spiritual Growth at Weekly Islamic Seminar

Aliah P. Cali-Pascan, DPA, JD

Marawi City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – As the blessed month of Ramadhan graces us with its presence, a beacon of spiritual enlightenment shone brightly at the MSU-Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (MSU-IPDM) Convergence Hall on March 20, 2025. The Ramadhan Weekly Islamic Seminar (Muhadara), organized by the Bangsamoro Women Commission-Lanao del Sur and MSU-IPDM, in collaboration with Princess Noura University Tharwatul Islam Inc. (Filipino Students), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), and Aga Khan Museum and Natural Science, provided a sanctuary for esteemed Muslimah seeking knowledge and spiritual rejuvenation.

From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, attendees immersed themselves in insightful discussions led by distinguished Alimat from Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University-Tharwatul Islam, Inc. (Filipino Students). The seminar, designed to foster a month filled with joy, peace, and blessings, resonated deeply with the spirit of Ramadhan.

Seeking the Best Night: Insights from Alimah Iman AbdulRashid

Alimah Iman AbdulRashid captivated the audience with her discourse on the “Best Night of Ramadhan.” Her profound insights illuminated the significance of this sacred time, encouraging attendees to maximize their spiritual efforts. During the open forum, a pertinent question arose regarding the inclusion of Taraweeh in Qiyamul Layl. Alimah Iman clarified that Taraweeh, along with the Witr prayer, are indeed integral parts of Qiyamul Layl, further solidifying the understanding of this vital aspect of Ramadhan worship.

Characteristics of the Slaves of The Most Merciful: Wisdom from Alimah Amnah Alibasher

Alimah Amnah Alibasher further enriched the seminar with her discussion on the “Characteristics of the Slaves of The Most Merciful.” Her insightful reflections provided guidance on embodying the virtues cherished by Allah (SWT). A crucial question regarding the priority of Zakat distribution was addressed. Alimah Amnah emphasized that fulfilling the needs of one’s household family takes precedence over external distribution, highlighting the importance of familial responsibility within Islamic principles.

A Community of Giving and Growth

The seminar fostered a sense of community and shared spiritual growth.

The attendees expressed their gratitude for the enriching experience, noting the profound impact of the Alimat’s teachings. Adding to the spirit of generosity, Director Mohaimen Umpat sponsored the distribution of loaves of bread, symbolizing the importance of sharing and compassion during Ramadhan.

The Bangsamoro Women Commission-Lanao del Sur and MSU-IPDM, along with their collaborators, successfully created a space for spiritual reflection and learning. The seminar served as a reminder of the transformative power of Ramadhan, encouraging attendees to strive for spiritual excellence and embody the virtues of compassion and generosity.

As the seminar concluded, the heartfelt invocation, “Baarak Allahu feekunna” (May Allah bless you all), resonated throughout the hall, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to their faith. The Ramadhan Weekly Islamic Seminar stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and community in fostering a truly blessed Ramadhan.

About the author

The institute for peace and development in Mindanao (IPDM) was created by the MSU Board of Regents during its 182nd Meeting on December 7, 2001. The institute assumed the functions of two defunct units: the Muslim Christian Center for Peace Studies and the Muslim Mindanao Development Institute. It is now the central coordinating unit for all existing peace and development programs of the campuses of the University. MSU was established on September 1, 1961 as one of the government responses to the so-called “Mindanao problem.” The problem includes a violent struggle of segments of the Filipino Muslim population to redress long-standing grievances and assert Muslim selfhood and identity in the face of real and imagined threats of cultural and spiritual assimilation by the majority Filipino Christian population. The University was mandated to accelerate the “integration” of the cultural communities in Mindanao into the mainstream body politic and to accelerate the development of its service areas through instruction, research, and extension. In the pursuit of these objectives, the University also seeks to infuse spiritual and moral values, national consciousness and solidarity, and mutual understanding among Filipinos, which are necessary for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. IPDM was therefore, created with the expectation that it would contribute to the easing of tensions and the promotion of justice and peace between Filipino Muslims and Christian by expanding knowledge, improving understanding and heightening sensitivity in relations between the peoples of Mindanao in particular, and the Philippines in general.