Cotobato City (CNN Philippines Life) — That Muslims will always have to defend the faith against those who do not understand it is inevitable, especially in countries where Muslims are the minority. Around the world, anti-Muslim sentiment persists as Islam continues to be linked to terror and oppression, and as Islam continues to be misrepresented and misinterpreted by those who insist that Islam is a weapon instead of a refuge.
Unfortunately, there are those who dare claim that they are Muslims even as they hurt the ummah — the entire Muslim community — themselves. This is why religious guidance is important in our lives as Muslims, given the social and collective nature of our faith.
Here in Mindanao, these false claims are prevalent and persist with the rise of local terror groups. This is why a strong engagement between the ulama, a group of religious leaders and scholars, and the many followers of Islam who wish to stay true to their faith is crucial.
For many Muslims, the question persists: Why are there terrorists who stubbornly insist that they are acting based on Islam, a faith that actually speaks of peace?
Such cooperation between political and religious leaders pose such a challenge to local terror groups that some of them resort to threats, as in the case of the recently held ulama conference in Cotabato City where the group Dawlah Islamiya sent a statement that threatened the safety of those who will choose to participate in the event.
With only a few days left before the start of the Most Holy Month of Ramadan, the same group has not only threatened, but has carried out a terror attack in Mindanao. Dawlah Islamiya, more commonly known as the Maute Group, has started to wreak havoc in Marawi City at around noon on May 24, 2017 and has raised black flags across the city.
Many civilians are stranded and still unable to go home due as major thoroughfares have been closed down by the terrorists who insist on associating themselves with Daesh, an international terrorist group more commonly known as ISIS.
For many Muslims, the question persists: Why are there terrorists who stubbornly insist that they are acting based on Islam, a faith that actually speaks of peace? That they dare to harm many of their fellow Muslims so close to a time devoted to prayer and fasting should speak for itself — they are traitors to the faith and are a disgrace to Islam.
While we all claim to share the same faith, we all make choices based not only on our beliefs but based also on our lived realities. Our decisions are heavily influenced by our surroundings which we seek to sustain or reform, with the welfare of the entire ummah in mind.
Terrorists, on the other hand, distort Islamic thought and peddle lies as they push for their own personal and political agenda. Their lies, however, are nothing but lies.
Our social reality in Mindanao is largely shaped by a history of neglect and marginalization, which is all the more felt as the people of Marawi have been seeking safety in the midst of uncertainty. The vulnerabilities of our people hinge greatly on these moments when decisions have to be made, and our people seem to be always the last to know when it is their lives that are on the line.
Acting upon these moments is important because these same vulnerabilities are what traitors of Islam prey upon.
Vulnerabilities lead to conditions where the crucial choices towards change have to be made. And it is in these decisive moments where the strong presence of religious leadership guided by learned analysis of Islamic texts and tradition, alongside a thoughtful awareness of our people’s history, is crucial.
Terrorists, on the other hand, distort Islamic thought and peddle lies as they push for their own personal and political agenda. Their lies, however, are nothing but lies.
A better life for our people can only be realized by staying true to our Islamic values as we work together towards mutual understanding and acceptance. It is only through a genuine collective practice of Islam can we live a better life as Muslims where our humanity is recognized and respected.
A deeper understanding of Islam would show that at the heart of the faith is solidarity rooted in spirituality and social responsibility.
This understanding, with the guidance of our ulama, results to strength and courage rooted on confidence in our Islamic faith. This, in turn, is made manifest through collective action that nourishes the ummah instead of tearing it apart.
***
Amir Mawallil is the executive director of the Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs.
