COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A prominent Muslim religious leader in the country has issued a call to the entire Muslim community to unite and shun away all forms of violence.
Sheik Omar Pasigan, the Grand Mufti (guardian of the Islamic House of Opinion) of Mindanao, said in his Ramadan message read to the Philippine Daily Inquirer by his daughter, Mariam Pasigan Daud, on Tuesday that this was one of the obligations of an Islam believer.
The 75-year-old Pasigan also underscored the importance of Ramadan as a test of one’s self.
“Ramadan is the time for us to teach ourselves how to be patient and responsible. It discourages any forms of violence,” he said.
During the fasting month, which will end October 15, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the day.
“As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking,” Pasigan said.
He said Muslims were encouraged to use the month of Ramadan to re-evaluate their lives and make peace with those who have done them wrong.
Pasigan was a classmate of the late Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Salamat Hashim at the Al-Azhar University in Egypt and his opinions on Islamic law were respected by local Muslims. He is a cousin of current MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim and serves as the group’s spiritual adviser.
Ustadz Esmael Ebrahim, liaison officer of the Darul Ifta (House of Opinion) in Maguindanao and executive director of Society for Family Development and Education, told the Inquirer that Pasigan’s influence as Grand Mufti reached as far as the Zamboanga peninsula and Davao.
“He [Pasigan] was chosen based on the consensus of other religious leaders. Actually, in choosing a Mufti, we have to consider if he is the most senior, attained high educational background, and has knowledge of Islamic laws,” Ebrahim said.
Pasigan also has the last word on any issues discussed among Muslim religious leaders, according to Ebrahim.
“Basically, he is the one giving the last word on every controversial issue. For example in the House of Opinion, his colleagues discuss a particular issue but after deliberations, the Grand Mufti will give the final opinion,” he said.
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