COTABATO CITY (June 21, 2023) — In a significant effort to promote peace and development, around 100 young ulama attended a conference dubbed the “Muslim Religious Peace Conference” on Tuesday, June 20, in Cotabato City.
Bearing the theme “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets,” the conference aimed to empower young ulama in peace-building and conflict resolution endeavors in support of the call for Moral Governance.
The conference was organized by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Support to Bangsamoro Transition Justice and Society project (CBCS-SUBATRA) in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), Hay-ato Ulama El Muslimina Bil Filibbin, Inc., Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta (BDI), Al-Jalis As-Salih, Inc. (AAI), and Union of Muslim Youth Organization, Inc. (UMYO).
BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas “Von Al-Haq” Maslamama, in his message of support, recognized the crucial role of the religious sector in nation-building and called for unity among the ulama.
“The religious sector plays crucial roles, for a strong nation starts from the unity of its learned people,” Senior Minister Maslamama said.
Meanwhile, BYC Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong emphasized that empowering young ulama to take on leadership roles is essential for a progressive and moral Bangsamoro region.
“As inheritors of a rich intellectual tradition, our scholars hold a profound responsibility to guide and inspire our communities towards the path of peace. By convening here today, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to this noble cause,” Macasalong stated.
The conference featured various sessions facilitated by renowned senior ulama and BARMM officials. BTA Parliament Deputy Speaker Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. discussed the roles of ulama in the Parliament; Hay-ato Ulama Deputy General Secretary Dr. Nadheer Ebil explained the roles of youth as partners in achieving Moral Governance; and Bangsamoro Deputy Mufti Shaykh Abdulrauf Guialani shed light on the dangers of disunity among the ulama.
The participants also shared their perspectives and recommendations on various existing governance and societal issues reflecting their diverse experiences and understanding of the local context. (BYC PR Unit/KAA)
