Benefits of Fasting during Ramadhan

Hi there.
Found this interesting piece about fasting during Ramadhan in a book Islam Spirit and Form by Osman Nuri Topbas.

1. In moderate hunger there is clearness of mind and heart; the memory is stronger. In the state of being overly full, there is forgetfulness and foolishness.

2. In moderate hunger there is gentleness of the heart. The heart benefits and takes pleasure form worship and supplication. With a full stomach the heart is insensitive and takes no pleasure in worship.

3. In moderate hunger there is softness of the hear and humility. Satiety produces insolence, conceit, pride and bragging.

4. In moderate hunger one thinks of the poor and hungry, whereas a man with a full stomach never remembers the poor and needy.

5. In moderate hunger, the appetite, needs and wishes of the animal soul are broken. When full the animal soul is strong and the desires find strength.

6. In moderate hunger the body is in an agile and aware condition. When full it feels sleepy and careless.
7. In moderate hunger, one feels ready to worship and give service to Allah. When the stomach is full one feels lazy and lax.


8. In moderate hunger, the body is healthier. Sickness disappears. overeating makes the body feel worn out and sick.

9. In moderate hunger the body feels light and spacious making, one cheerful.

10. In moderate hunger one feels more generous and ready to prodvide support for the poor with charity. On the other hand those who do not experience hunger at all, do not understand the sufferings of the poor. Also, for this, in the heat of the fearful Day of Judgment, the servant will come into a state of coolness and shade. Fullness produces a state that goes from stinginess to wasteful spending which leads to the destruction of the servant.

Happy Eid ul-Fitr to my Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao.

Happy Eid ul-Fitr

 Happy Eid ul-Fitr to my Muslim brothers and sisters.
May this day be a meaningful day full of love, joy, and goodness.

Mindanao Reader at MSU-Maguindanao April 10, 2011

This was originally posted at baguioniversity.wordpress.com on April 10, 2011.

Had the privilege of attending the 36th Commencement Exercises of the MSU-Maguindanao, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.It’s a three-hour ride from General Santos City. It’s one of the eleven campuses of the Mindanao State University System. Strategically located in Maguindanao, known for its war and the infamous Maguindanao Massacre, the campus has a very crucial and important mission to accomplish in the development of the province.

It’s not in this place that the massacre happened, but at the nearby town of Sharif Aguak (one hour trip from the school). In fact, Datu Odin Sinsuat is one of the most peaceful towns in Maguindanao. It’s were the internally displaced persons (IDP’s) or bakwits find refuge when there’s conflict in the nearby area.
When I stepped down from the Huskey bus, I noticed that there was an armored vehicle by the main entrance. Didn’t feel nervous at all. Thought it was just part of the protocol for a tank to be there for every special event. Men in uniform respectfully checked my ID, and after showing them they let me in.
That’s the second time I visited this campus. I had a consultative meeting with the student leaders there last November 2010.

I went directly to the Training Center, the holding area for the visitors. It was then that I learned that at 11am there will be a ceremonial MOA signing between the Provincial Government of Maguindanao and the MSU re: 500 scholarship grants given by the LGU. To my surprise, no less than the Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu arrived in the center by about 11 am. Later I’ve learned that he’ll be the guest speaker of the Commencement at 1:30 in the afternoon.

Together with the Governor were his brothers and cousin holding key positions in the various municipalities and province of Maguindanao. I cannot remember their names anymore, except Mayor Sajid Mangudadatu who’s seat was on my left. If I could remember it right, he shared an insight that if you want to develop a community for a year plant corn. If you want to develop a community for twenty years educate people… for a hundred years, plant a tree.
I told myself that I’m lucky to see these people. Before I just saw them in the television. Now they’re here before my eyes. I could feel a sense of empathy for this family. It must have been so painful—the pain and suffering of losing a wife on a horrific death, beyond one could imagine. I dared not ask about the case.

500 SCHOLARS

The LGU of Maguindanao granted five hundred scholarship slots to the poor but deserving students who will be enrolling in MSU. Considering the first year enrollees range in that number also, it seems to me that almost all of the first year students will be scholars.
As emphasized by the Governor in his speech, education still is the key to progress in Maguindanao. With a very few number of people who finished college, they are putting resources in education not just in MSU, but as well as in USM, Cotabato Polytechnic and in some other schools who have students coming from Maguindanao.

He also shared a painful story of the demise of his seven-year old child years ago due to dengue. It could have been prevented had the doctor carefully examined and detected the disease in its early stage. The moment they learned about it, they’re suppose to bring her to Davao. Sadly, the child didn’t make it. On their way to Davao, the child was nosebleeding which forced them to stop at the nearest clinic. There the child died.

They thought of suing the doctor and the hospital. After giving a thought of it, they decided not to pursue the case which could have costed the license of the doctor and the closure of the hospital. Instead they put up a foundation in their child’s name which would focus on education.

INVESTMENT IN MSU IS AN INVESTMENT TO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN MINDANAO

President Muslim, after reading and studying many books in Mindanao problem and the Bangsamoro struggle, concluded that EDUCATION is the key to solution in the Mindanao conflict. I couldn’t agree more. And with this the MSU has a unique and vital role to play. It’s the only peace university in the Philippines with a mandate to integrate the Muslim minority and the lumads in the national body politics. I’ve heard that it was Muslim rebel Camlon of Sulu asked for a university during the consultation of the Commission of the National Integration (CNI) in the late 50′s. There are MSU campuses in Marawi, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Norte. I couldn’t imagine these places without MSU.
So, a million thanks to Gov. Mangudadatu for the scholarship grants. It does not just help individuals to finish a degree, but it’s a great contribution to the peace and development situation in the area. This is the challenge to political leaders–to pour out resources in MSU and other universities within the conflict-afflicted area. The return of investment is high, affecting the next generation.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS

Congratulations to the graduates of the MSU-Maguindanao and all the MSU Campuses.
Thanks to Chancellor Bai Soraya Sinsuat of Maguindanao for a very warm welcome. Worth mentioning in relation to its Peace mandate, the leaders of MSU-Maguindanao advised the students not to return in their respective places when there’s a conflict. They inform the families, and provide them (students) shelter and food. The reason is that when these students return to their homes when there’s still conflict, they might drop out and join the the armed groups.

This is one of the unique features of MSU: it “competes with MILF, MNLF, and ASG Camps in attracting young Muslims.”

One of the reasons I have hope that genuine PEACE in Mindanao will eventually reign is because of MSU. Seeing the efforts of MSU-Maguindanao with the support coming from the LGU, peace, no matter how seemingly elusive, is within reach.

 

 

 

 

 

MSU Maguindanao Officials during the Recognition Day

 

 

 

 

"Memorize this name: Dr. Non"

This morning I browsed the Manila Bulletin newspaper. It's the only available broadsheet in our barangay.

Found this article by Miss Julie Yap Daza, Memorize this name: Dr. Non.  Congratulations to him! He was granted a five-year scholarship offered by the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.

Dr. Non attending to his IP patients. photo source:http://saranganiphotonews.blogspot.com/2008/11/rom-service-at-barangay.html

A little patience to his Kiamba constituents. Five years may not be that long if it means more knowledge, more technology, and more love in his return.

Dr. Non graduated as Summa Cumlaude in MSU-General Santos City. He was the top 8 in medical board exams in the year 2008.

He has also an article featured in the Young Blood Section of the Inquirer: "Snake Skinned".

Congratulations to the people of Kiamba for being so blessed with one of the best and dedicated doctors in the country. When others consider Medicine as a career, he sees it as a mission, not as a tool to earn money and live luxuriously, but a gift entrusted by God to serve the poorest of the poor in the barrio.

Dr. Non reminds me of Dr. Albert Schweitzer who said: I don't know your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

Now starts the real negotiation

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Mindanao Reader on the Current GPH-MILF Peace Talks

Just wanna share this post from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. It describes the characteristics of the Government's counterproposal on the MILF's Comprehensive Compact.

Eleven Characteristics of the Government Proposal
Posted on Monday, 22 August, 2011 - 12:17 at OPAPP website.1.  The proposal contains a formula to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in our country.  It presents a practical and bold approach to create the conditions for meaningful and effective governance through a sustainable partnership that will bring in the needed social services and projects that provide the springboards for sustainable economic development. Unlike past administrations, this government is poised to use its massive resources and its theme of good governance for this undertaking.
2.  The proposal is founded on partnership.  It has the potential to create mutual trust amongst peoples of our country, heal the wounds of conflict, mobilize and capacitate Bangsamoro leaders and therefore increase understanding among all Filipinos of every ascribed identity.  It is a partnership that will therefore set the stage for more enlightened political discussion amongst all parties.  This discussion, in turn, will effectively point the way to the realization legal reforms that may be truly necessary.
3.  The proposal is politically comprehensive. It contains ideas for reforming the relationship between national and regional government.  But, it also meets the challenge of finding viable mechanisms that increase the possibility for finding convergence of programs among all those who claim to represent the Bangsamoro, Christian settlers and indigenous peoples within the conflict affected areas. The reform of political relations takes into account the realities of socio-economic underdevelopment, demographic shifts and diversity across communities.
4.  The proposal works with what is available and doable within the next few years. It does not start with contentious and divisive issues whose resolution may not be realizable as yet.     The proposal thus realistically meets the urgent and present needs of many communities who were the victims of colonial oppression, postcolonial neglect, misguided leaders and past abuses of some national leaders while preparing for the viability of longer term and mutually agreed upon solutions to the Bangsamoro problem.
5.   The proposal works on the premise that the form of government that should be entrenched should be able to deliver good and effective governance, social services and foster economic development within the soonest possible time.
6.  The proposal shows government’s awareness of the extent of the legal and political powers of the President.  However, it is also a political document that is intended to cause public discussion that can support future debates, when it becomes necessary, in other constitutional forums such as the legislature and the courts.
7.  The proposal recognizes the identity of the Bangsamoro and its history. This proposal takes this history into consideration but avoids simplification of the solutions for a complex and myriad problem.  The Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) may have been a failed experiment in the past; but the current proposal is based on a more balanced understanding of whether its past failure was due to its structure and the systems that it spawned or the quality of the past national or regional leadership. This proposal presents the possibility of a more empowered, more workable, and thus, more genuine autonomy of a Bangsamoro region.
8.  The proposal continues a discussion on how revenue and the use of resources could ensure enhance autonomy.  However, it also introduces the idea that ecological and cultural diaspora as a result of unbridled exploitation of resources have effects far beyond political boundaries.  The proposal therefore includes a system of cooperation between the national and regional government to ensure sustainable futures.
9.  The proposal starts a discussion on the process of normalization.  This includes weapons disposal, disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation of combatants.  It also includes processes to achieve restorative justice.
10.  The proposal is founded on the belief that legal reforms do not by themselves bring about social change.  Rather, this proposal proceeds from the fundamental faith that no legal reform can take root without genuine public consensus.
11.  The proposal seeks to correct our historical narratives so that it truly acknowledges the struggles of all Filipinos including those with ascribed Bangsamoro identity.  It believes that the various struggles of each group of people within our State contribute to the latter’s strength.  The proposal seeks to entrench the retelling of our true historical narratives across all generations through existing mechanisms within the powers of government.

My limited view on this on each specific items, which every high school student could understand.

1. It's like saying that you can trust this government and its good governance. We are sincere in dealing with you. We would like to improve the  quality of the lives of the people in partnership with you and rest assured that the Government will make use of the agencies to address the economic and social services for the Bangsamoro people.

2. Let's do the doables first. Improve the region (I'm referring to the ARMM) and empower the Bangsamoro leaders. However, we are not telling you that you totally drop the substate proposal. For the mean time, let's do these first. Let's strengthen our relationship, develop understanding among Muslims and Christians and we'll talk about the necessary Constitutional amendments in the near future.

3. We are offering a solution that everybody will be happy: the MNLF of Misuari, MILF, LGU's which includes Pinol, Congressmen like Dimaporo. You should try to understand that we are not dealing with the MILF alone, but with so many stakeholders, we are careful not to repeat once again the MOA-AD debacle. To reiterate, let's work hand in hand to improve the socio-economic lives of our people.

4. Let's address first the emergent problems. Let's talk later about the proposed substate, the relationship about the proposed substate and the Central government, and ancestral domain issue.

5. Let's reform the ARMM as a mechanism to address poverty and improve the lives there, urgently.

6. Can't get the gist on this. It's like, give the President much power to effect reform, or we limit the power of the Philippine Government in the ARMM. This will elicit questions on constitutionality, but we see this would work. We might come up with a law to effect this one.

7. We recognize your identity and history. Let's empower the ARMM. The ARMM per se is not a failure, though it has its own limitations. We should also consider that it failed partly because of its leaders and the national government. We will grant you a genuine autonomy where you could exercise your self-rule, etc, but please don't insist on the substate yet. This will need a law amending the ARMM organic act.

8. Here's our proposal on financing the reformed ARMM and wealth-sharing.

9.  You disarm in time. Here's our offer for your combatants which we believe is just.

10. The substate proposal does not solve the problem. Let's study this first and consult more stakeholders. Until we have a thorough consultation on this and increase of awareness on what is this all about, we cannot be with you on this substate. But please be assured that we understand the historical underpinnings of your proposal and your struggle for right to self-determination.

11. We recognize your part in history. We assure that there shall be necessary retelling of our history which shall include the comprehensive narrative of your history. We shall rewrite our books on history especially in the elementary and secondary education.

The Government is very careful this time on its counter-proposal. They do not address head-on the proposed Comprehensive Compact of the MILF which includes the substate concept, but they highlight the need to address the socio-economic needs of the Bangsamoro people through a reformed ARMM. However, they do not totally drop the substate proposal. They prefer not to focus on it yet.

The MILF I'm sure will have a hard time accepting the Government's proposal. I hope I'm wrong. They've been struggling for so long, and they are hoping that the Government will be amenable to the substate concept,because they believe this is the only way to address the desires and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people and their right to self-determination. They are hoping also that the struggle will not be passed on to the Bangsamoro youth. They are trying to resolve this in their lifetime. Whatever happens in the negotiation I trust that the MILF and GPH will not resort to armed battle in the ground. I trust that both sides will continue to talk and will not resort to media grandstanding.

We continue to believe that this problem can be resolved peacefully through peace talks. I just hope that both sides will continue to be patient. We can't afford another bloodshed. We are nearly there.

God bless Mindanao. May He grant more wisdom to GPH and MILF peace panels to come up with a win-win peaceful solution.

Mindanao Reader visits Sulu Part II

The main purpose of my coming to Sulu is to visit the Mindanao State University-Sulu to conduct a consultation among the student leaders and check their welfare. MSU-Sulu is one of the eleven campuses of the MSU-System. As an  MSU campus, it has the mandate to intensify education of the Muslim youth and to empower them. This is necessary to implement the government's policy on integrating the Muslims and other minorities into the body politics.

MSU-Sulu

MSU-Sulu Department Nursing.

MSU-Sulu was established in 1974 by the Mindanao State University Board of Regents through resolution 860. The objective was to make it a tool to rehabilitate Sulu and address the Tausug rebellion. Accordingly, one of the commanders, the famous Commander Camlon, in a consultation with the Commission on National Integration asked for a university--so there was the MSU-Sulu.

In the school year 2009-2010, this campus registered 4130 students. It literally competes with the Moro armed groups in recruiting the youth. Every Tausug youth who couldn't attend tertiary education increases its probability to carry arms and join them (armed groups) in the mountains. That's why it is imperative for the government to pour out its resources for the campus development to attract more students.

With the SSG Presidentiables Nhur-in and Jemar

The dynamic student leaders of Sulu.

Benhar and a lady friend. Benhar is a student of MSU-Patikul Agricultural extension. 

Sharing smiles with Radz, Zorayda, Nhur-in and Dang. 

Photo-ops with the grandson of Commander Camlon. I couldn't imagine the hardships of his grandpa. The son of  Camlon is working at  MSU-Sulu. Others are in the armed forces of the Philippines. 

 She's a dedicated  faculty with PhD in agriculture who conducts classes in  nearby MSU-Maimbong Agricultural Extension. They are the unsung heroes whose contribution in education and peace development are rarely mentioned. They are the agents of peace. She once shared that classes are suspended if there are AFP and Abu Sayyaf encounters in the area. 

Mindanao State University-Sulu continues to perform its duty to educate and equip our Tausug brothers and sisters and other ethnic tribes in the Sulu and nearby Islands. I shared to them that hopefully one day, when the people of the North will hear the word Sulu, it will no longer be the picture of war and the Moro rebels that will first enter their minds, but a picture of MSU-Sulu and its students laughing peacefully interacting with the teachers.

There are still many things that need to be improved in the school such as maintenance and repairs of some buildings.It might be due to limited fundings and some leadership and cultural factor. It is for the Chancellor to zealously outsource funds from the higher authorities and even politicians. With a joint effort of the administration, faculty, staffs, students, alumni, LGU, and the community, this campus will reach far and widen its impact on education and peace development.

With MSU-Sulu committed to its mandate plus the peace-loving students who will eventually hold key positions in the society, I am confident that lasting peace will eventually reign in the region. On this I hope. And I believe it will come to pass.

Mandate in the Moroland by Peter Gordon Gowing

Mandate in Moroland: The American Government of Muslim Filipinos, 1899-1920

Hi there.

I went to the library yesterday and looked for books that would give me background on American colonization in the Philippines vis-a-vis the Bangsamoro. I found this one by Peter Gordon Gowing at the Filipiniana section.

This book narrates and explains the intent of the American colonization to the Bangsamoro. It points out that the Philippines are not theirs "to exploit, but to develop, to civilize, to educate, to train in the science of self-governement."

If  I consider Majul to be in authority when it comes to Spanish and Pre-Spanish history of the Muslims, I consider this book to be the best in Muslim History during the American period.

Mindanao Reader notes:

The Americans developed the policy what they called the "policy of attraction" and that succeeded where military occupation and incessant warfare failed.p4

Americans brought to Moroland their western concept of the separation between the sacred and the secular.p323

The "Moro problem" continues to be an obstacle to the proper economic and political development of Mindanao and Sulu and impedes the national integration. The "Moro problem" requires the expenditure of funds and energy which the Philippine Republic can ill-favored.

Moro-Christian Filipino unity, envisioned by Rizal and others, stoutly defended in Filipino nationalism, carried forward by the American government of Moroland and still cherished by Filipinos of good will, also requires immediate and extensive repair. p344

Mindanaoreader visits Sulu Part 1

Yes! I went to the beautiful Island of Jolo, Sulu. I didn't even feel a hint of nervousness. Sulu is commonly perceived as dangerous, war zone, home of the barbaric Abu Sayyaf, and unsafe place. I cannot blame you if you have this perception because seemingly all news coming out from this Island contain if not bombing or kidnapping, an encounter with the AFP and the Moro rebels and the beheadings.

I was in Sulu last July 20-23, and 29-30. It was in this period that Australia issued travel advisory  in which they  "strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of terrorist attack kidnapping, and violent crime. Armed clashes between Philippine security forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or other armed groups could occur anywhere, anytime in central and western Mindanao."I neglected the advsisory. I'm not an Australian.

To my amazement, I've discovered many beautiful things in Sulu which were not mentioned in the news. The island is very rich in agricultural products and fish of different kinds. The people are kind and very hospitable. Let me share to you some of the pics taken there.    

The Sulu Provincial Capitol. It's where the office of the Provincial Governor Sakur Tan is located.  During the mid-15th century until the 19th century, Sulu is being led by the Sultans in an Islamic Sultanate. Sultans "office" or its palace is called Astana. So from "Astana" to "Capitol". There are still Sultans in the area , the descendants of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II. They still have the influence, though  not as strong and as wide as before. And I mean "they" because there are four or more  who claim that they are the right and lawful Sultans.

Mount Carmel: The Christian cemetery located in Jolo. Though majority are Muslims, the Tausug respect the Christians. Christians and Muslims live harmoniously in Jolo.

The  Majestic Tulay Masjid: The largest and tallest structure is situated at the heart of Jolo (the capital). The Sulu architecture should remind us that they are not backward people, but civilized people influenced by the advent of Islam in    12h century.  Islam is more than an influence; it's their life.

We have our own wrong conceptions and biases against Muslims and the Sulu people. One way to eliminate these is to be with them, talk, and eat with them. Then we'll realize that we have much more similarities than our differences. Planning to visit Mindanao? You may consider Sulu. Just make sure you have friends/contacts when you visit the Island. Surprise visit is not advised.

My Hope For Peace by Jehan Sadat

I love reading books with personal insights. Like this one, it seems we are talking with each other in one room while she was explaining her concept of peace in the Middle East, founded on his husband's principles on how to attain it. This can compliment your reading on Jimmy Carter's. The husband of the then President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, she now takes her stand in continuing the struggle to achieve peace in the Holy Land. As a woman, she emphasizes the significant role of women to play in the peace process. Jehan Sadat continues to share her hope for peace in the world because she believes this is attainable.

Mindanaoreader notes:

Weapons alone are easy for all men to have, yet claws alone do no make a lion brave.-Al Mutanabi

 Peace. This word, this idea--this goal--is the defining theme of my life.-p.1

Fear is a most effective tool in killing the soul of an individual---and a people.-Anwar Sadat.p23

Without the correct intention, a religious devotion is meaningless; with intention, even the most ordinary activity is transformed into an act of worship.p33

This seems a clear indication of something most Arabs know: a state shaped according to Al Qaeda's vision of Islam is profoundly unappealing, and the means by which they promote their agenda--indiscriminate murder--are unacceptable.p.43

If you have God for a friend and establish a bond of mutual love between you, you will always have peace of mind whatever the circumstances.p55

She believed in me when all others disbelieved; she held me truthful when others called me a liar; she sheltered me when others abandoned me; she comforted me when others shunned me; and Allah granted me children by her while depriving me of children by other women.-Hadithp.133

 If we women fail to support each other, choosing instead to retreat from the battle for our own emancipation, everything we have accomplished will fall into decay, and then, as we say in Arabic, "Only our own eyes will weep for us."-p.172

I will always hope for peace. I will always pray for peace. And so I say to you, As-salaam aleikum, Peace be upon you. p.190

We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land by Jimmy Carter

photo source: wikipedia.com

I visited the Bookshop last Tuesday and found this book for P45 ($1). Having interest in peace and conflict resolution, I bought it. It's a personal narrative and view of 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Jimmy Carter on what's happening in the Middle East specifically the Israeli-Palestinian relations. It enlightens me in the complexity of their situation. Relating it in the Mindanao conflict, I could say that the Mindanao conflict is easier to solve compared to Israelis. It's not worth comparing at all, but we can learn from them. In Mindanao, the major players (GPH, MILF, MNLF, Abu Sayyaf) are domestic with some international presence (International Monitoring Team, Malaysian facilitator, foreign observers) while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involve countries like Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, US, EU, and other Arab countries. 

mindanaoreader notes: 

Everyone who engages in the Middle East peacemaking is bound to make mistakes and suffer frustrations. Everyone must overcome the presence of hatred and fanaticism, and the memories of horrible tragedies. Everyone must face painful choices and failures in negotiations. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the time is ripe for peace in the region.-Introduction

Perhaps the most important overarching decision for the Palestinians is whether to seek equal citizenship within a single nation instead of continuing their frustrated struggle for separate statehood. The Israelis will have to provide the ultimate response.p.170

"The blood of Abraham, God's father of the chosen, still flows in the veins of Arab, Jew, and Christian, and too much of it has been spilled in grasping for the inheritance of the revered patriarch in the Middle East. The spilled blood in the Holy Land still cries out to God---an anguished cry for peace." It is time to replace anguish with joy and celebration. -p.182

The Long Road to Peace by Salah Jubair

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Muslims in the Philippines by Cesar Adib Majul

I'm currently reading this book by University of the Philippines Professor Cesar Adib Majul. It digs deeper the Muslim history and its various versions in the Philippines. Now that the Philippine Government is  having  peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, this book could give us a historical glimpse on why the Bangsamoro people are struggling for their right to self-determination.This book is in authority when it comes to Muslim History in pre-Spanish until Spanish period in the Philippines as it makes use of the primary sources which includes correspondence made by the various priests and sultans. The author himself went to Mindanao to do an intensive investigation and  interviewed the heirs of Sultan. From first Muslims in the Philippines, to the Sultanates, including the Moro wars fought between Moros and Spanish with the "Indios" in between, this book is a must-read to all the Muslim youth as well as to the Christians.

mindanaoreader notes:

In brief the establishment of the Sultanate was based on the consent given to it by a generally Islamized people. p.7

 In general, Islam has always propounded obedience to authority as long as no danger to the faith exists. p.10

Saleeby's date of 1450 for the arrival of the Sharif Ul Hashim can be taken as plausible estimate...p.13

Qudarat was also entitled Nasir ud-Bin and around 1650's had become the most powerful Muslim ruler in the Philippine Archipelago. His declaration of the jihad (holy war) around this time could have endeared him so much to the ulama of the different Muslim sultanates, including the moluccas, that they could have included him in their prayers. After all, there was a heightened consciousness of Islam during this time that transcended regional and dynastic loyalties.

 When Legazpi arrived in Philippine waters in 1565, the process of Islamization was already manifested in varying degrees, in both extent and kind in the various parts of the country.p.36

 With regard to the time element, Manila at the arrival of Legazpi was still at a stage which Maguindanao and Buayan had already passed more than half of a century before.p.37

There existed during the last quarter of the thirteenth century if not earlier a Muslim settlement or community in Sulu. This probably consisted of foreign traders, some of whom married members of the ruling families or even played some political role. Tuan Masha'ika and Tuhan Maqbalu belong to this stage. Men like them brought the first elements of Islam and raised Muslim families.p.63 

 The establishment of Muslim political institutions, more specifically the Sultanate under the Sharif ul-Hashim by middle of the 15th century... The acceptance of the sultanate institution by the coastal chiefs suggest that Islamic consciousness must have been quite widespread among them. Organized religion instruction became common.p.63

 It was common knowledge among Spaniards during Legazpi's time that the ruling family of Manila was not only related to the Bornean Sultan but was of Bornean origin. The famous Rajah Sulayman of Manila a nephew of Rajah Matanda, was also reported to have married a daughter of a Borneo Sultan and to have been Bornean origin.

Mindanaoreader starts reading