12
Apr
2009
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Aimed
at bridging divides among the ulama, asatidz and religious leaders in
Sulu, the Al-Mu’tamar al Qimma al-ula lil Ulama fi Sulu: The First
Summit of the Sulu Ulama: Bridging Leadership Workshop transpired at
Tabang Sulu Center, Capitol Site, Patikul, Sulu last November 4-6, 2006.
Various stakeholders who engaged in the dialogue were from the ulama,
asatidz, academicians and members of the Jama’ah or muslim congregation.
Among them were: Tuan Muktar H. Alan, , Judge Nabdar Malik, Coun
Temogen Tulawie, Hji Fazlur Rahman Abdulla, Engr Barjunaid Amilasan,
Prof Amirul Ahajul, Prof Ysmail Titing, Tuan Nagdir Abdurahman, Tuan
Said Yusah, Tuan Arshaid Abdulmadjid, Dr Hamsali Jawali, Dr Adjili N.
Isduri,Tuan Abdurajak Alhari, Ustadz Habier Mohammad and Sulu Grand
Mufti Habib Jul-asri Abirin.
The Bridging Leadership Framework of AIM-Mirant
Center in the context of Islamic principles was adapted by the lead
convenors: Dr Hannbal H. Bara and Al-Rashir C. Kulani, in consonance
with the indigenous needs of the participants.
Dr Bara and Mr Kulani introduced a variety of concepts and approaches such as Systems Thinking, Causal Loop Diagram, Force Field Analysis and VMOKRAPI. The convenors impressively steered the participants through a dynamic dialogue to learn and unlearn concepts on leadership, divides, Islamic fiqh, tariqa, da’wah, and madhab. At the end of the day, after co-owning peace and development issues, they reached a consensus on collaborative vision and action plan. The 1st Ulama Summit which was sponsored by the Jolo Municipal Government, Sulu Provincial Government, Pagtabangan BaSulTa and AIM-Mirant Center marked the launching of Waqaf Foundation, Inc. The efforts of the organizers must be lauded for three reasons: the inevitable role of the Ulama, the Asatidz, along with the Muslim leaders were re-illuminated through fresher, realistic, meaningful perspectives and insights; the significance and value of dynamic and rational engagement through dialogue exercise among religious and other stakeholders was successfully illustrated and applied; and a resolution was drafted and signed resolving conflicting issues on tabligh, salawat between taraweeh, uttered Bismillah against silent bismillah amicably. It affirmed that the tabligh’s practices are not deemed bid’ah (innovation) but is administrative in nature based on a fatwah from Pakistan; that salawat between taraweeh must be encouraged and regulated (solemn and not rowdy) according to the norms of Islam; and that as to whether Bismillah must be silent or uttered: due respect and tolerance for different madhab must apply. However, it was disturbing not to see any female participant from the ulama or asatidz sector, although this writer monitored the proceedings of the 3-day summit. The Muslim leaders from Sulu were able to transcend from their individual idiosyncrasies and differences by taking the initiative of seeking points of convergence that will respect as well as tolerate healthy divergence through an interactive Summit. Moreover, an insight need be articulated that the first summit is undeniably a momentous gain that must be nurtured to bear blissful fruits in the future. The same concern vigilance and vehemence must be expected from religious leaders foremost on issues such as unjust rulers, graft and corruption, unjust killings, drug lords and other organized crimes as well as other forms of oppression and injustices which are worst than slaughter. The Ulama’s opinion and advice is a crucial elixir on the ills of the Muslim society.-30 |
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