IMAGE OF THE DAY

Sharifs of Zamboanga discuss the Prophet's birthday celebration. Most of them believe that although the celebration of the Prophet's birthday is not an Islamic duty, it is a tradition and custom developed by Muslims out of love and reverence of the Holy Prophet and his family.

Sharifs in the Philippines to gather in Zamboanga during Prophet’s birthday

text & photo HADER GLANG

For the first time in history, the Sharifs or the descendants of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) from various parts in the southern Philippines will come together to Zamboanga City during the celebrations of Mauluddin Nabi, the birthday of the Holy Prophet.

More than 500 Muslims with Sharif ancestry from provinces of Zamboanga, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao are expected, said Basilan District Engineer Sharif Madzmo Hasim, who spearheads the organization of Sharif clan in Mindanao.

“The gathering will coincide with the celebrations of the Prophet's Birthday. It is aim to assemble all the Sharifs in Mindanao that rarely get together,” Hasim said. “This will be the first ever reunion or assembly of the Sharifs insha-Allah (in God’s will).”

At the gathering, the Sharifs will formally launch a foundation and will present their respective genealogy and family history records to a committee, which is tasked to make the official tarsila of Sharif clan in the Philippines.

Hasim explained that coinciding the assembly during the Mauluddin Nabi is for the sake of remembering and recognizing the greatness of the life story of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and his mission.

The gathering is steered by Habib Tupay Loong, Shariff Julabbi, Habib Muksin Salipyasin, Habib Mujahab Hasim, Sharif Maulana Cammah, Sharif Mohammad Mocsin, Sharif Lim Hasim, Jarani Dacula, Habib Apan Atari, Ustadz Abdulmasid Jamsam, Kalihan Ismi, Mustala Hairon, Habib Rasul Rasdi, Eyahiya Salipyasin Malun, Sharif Al Alhabshi, Habib Hussin, and Ismi Jadjuri.

Muslim theologians said the Sharifs trace their ancestry from Hashim ibn Abd al-Manaf, the great grandfather of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his first grandson Hassan ibn Ali. They were the traditional steward of two holy shrines in Mecca and Medina.

One of the Prophet’s descendants, Sharif Makdum, a missionary from Saudi, arrived in Mindanao to propagate Islam but it only intensified with the arrival of Sharif Mohammad Kabungsuan, a century later in 1475. He is Known as an Arab-Malay preacher from the royal house of Malacca.

Philippine historians have identified Kabungsuan as Muslim missionary and a son of Sharif’ Ali Zein ul-Abidin from Arabia who converted most of the natives. He and his brothers became the founders of great Sultanates throughout the region. (ZS)