MSU Main Campus - Marawi City > 10-Reduced Inequalities (SDG Goals) > Ramadhan Muhadarah Series Concludes with Inspiring Reflections

Aliah P. Cali-Pascan, DPA, JD

Mindanao State University– The Ramadhan Muhadarah series, a beacon of spiritual enlightenment throughout the holy month, concluded with a powerful closing session that resonated deeply with attendees. The event, held on the final Thursday of Ramadhan, focused on the crucial themes of “Deen Over Dunya,” Qiyamul Layl, Zakatul Fitr, Eid-ul-Fitr, and “Tawbah, a Heart’s Return,” providing invaluable guidance as the community prepared for the culmination of the blessed month.

The closing session began with an opening address by Dr. Aliah P. Cali-Pascan, setting a reflective tone for the day. Inspirational messages followed from Commissioner Samaona Unda and Dr. Linang Macabalang, each offering insights and encouragement to the full-house audience.

Alimah Farhana Usman provided a comprehensive overview of the significance of Qiyamul Layl, Zakatul Fitr, and Eid-ul-Fitr, emphasizing their spiritual importance and practical applications. Alimah Amirah Pasandalan’s poignant reflections on “Tawbah, a Heart’s Return” stirred hearts, reminding everyone of the power of repentance and the boundless mercy of Allah (SWT).

The series’ success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Bangsamoro Women Commission – Lanao del Sur, MSU – Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (MSU-IPDM), Princess Noura University Tharwatul Islam Inc. (Filipino Students), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), and the Aga Khan Museum and Natural Science. Their collective support was instrumental in creating a nurturing and enlightening environment for all participants.

Gratitude was also extended to the generous sponsors who contributed to the series’ success. IPDM provided bread for the first Thursday, NCMF through Dr. Anisah Mapupuno Laguindab sponsored the second, Director Mohaimen Umpat sponsored the third, and the Provincial Government, through its Gender and Development Office, provided a token of remembrance for the final session.

The Provincial Government, through Gender and Development Officer and Focal Person Alliah Lucman, distributed gifts of mugs, loaves of bread, and peanut spread, adding a touch of warmth and generosity to the closing ceremony. This gesture was deeply appreciated by the attendees, who filled the venue to capacity.

Dr. Anisah D. Mapupuno Laguindab delivered the closing remarks, expressing heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the series’ success. She emphasized the importance of carrying the lessons learned throughout Ramadhan into their daily lives and prayed for Allah (SWT) to accept their fasts, prayers, and good deeds.

“Alhamdulillah, we have reached the conclusion of our Ramadhan Muhadarah series, a journey of spiritual enrichment,” Dr. Laguindab stated. “May Allah (SWT) accept our fasts, our prayers, and our good deeds. May He grant us the opportunity to witness Lailatul Qadr and shower us with His mercy and blessings.”

The event concluded with prayers for a blessed Eid-ul-Fitr and a renewed commitment to living according to the teachings of Islam. Attendees departed with hearts full of gratitude and inspiration, looking forward to future gatherings.

Wassalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.

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.

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