20
Mar

“The Ultimate Fame” and “The Qur’an and Sawm” Discuss Spiritual Growth in Ramadhan, Supported by Generous Bread Distribution

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MSU Main Campus - Marawi City > 16-Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (SDG Goals) > “The Ultimate Fame” and “The Qur’an and Sawm” Discuss Spiritual Growth in Ramadhan, Supported by Generous Bread Distribution

Aliah P. Cali-Pascan, DPA, JD

Mindanao State University- The second Thursday of Ramadhan last March 13, 2025 witnessed a thought-provoking “Muhadarah Series” organized by the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Commission on Women, various Alimah from Princess Nourah University, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos GAD Focal Person for Lanao del Sur, and the Aga Khan Museum.

The series featured two insightful lectures: “The Ultimate Fame” by Alimah Jannah Panolong and “The Qur’an and Sawm” by Alimah Amyna Shaliha Rasad. Both lectures were followed by engaging open forum discussions, allowing for a deeper exploration of the presented themes.

Alimah Panolong’s discourse on “The Ultimate Fame” delved into the true meaning of success and recognition in the eyes of Islam. She emphasized that true fame lies in achieving spiritual excellence, seeking the pleasure of Allah, and contributing positively to society. The lecture highlighted the dangers of worldly fame and encouraged listeners to prioritize inner peace and spiritual growth.

Alimah Rasad’s presentation on “The Qur’an and Sawm” focused on the profound connection between fasting and the recitation of the Holy Qur’an during Ramadhan. She emphasized the importance of using this sacred month to deepen one’s understanding of the Qur’an and to implement its teachings in daily life. The lecture provided valuable insights into how fasting can enhance spiritual focus and facilitate a deeper connection with the divine word.

The open forum sessions that followed each lecture provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage with the speakers, ask clarifying questions, and share their own perspectives on the presented topics. These interactive discussions fostered a deeper understanding of the themes and encouraged critical thinking and reflection among the participants.

This “Muhadarah Series” served as a valuable platform for spiritual enrichment during the holy month of Ramadhan. By exploring themes of true fame, the importance of the Qur’an, and the significance of fasting, the series encouraged attendees to deepen their faith, cultivate inner peace, and contribute positively to their communities.

Adding to the spirit of generosity and community support during Ramadhan, the attendees also benefited from a bread distribution sponsored by none other than Dr. Anisah Mapupuno-Laguindab, the GAD Focal Person of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos for Lanao del Sur. Her support further enriched the event, demonstrating a commitment to both spiritual and material well-being during this blessed month.

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.