Sharifs in Zamboanga celebrate Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday

Prof. Shariff Julabbi (2nd from rigth), chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front/Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance, leads a prayer for the Maulidun Nabi or the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

Muslims with Sharif ancestry in the different parts of Mindanao gathered Sunday, April 9, in Zamboanga City for a ceremony to commemorate the Mauludun Nabi or the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

They performed a special prayer in Maghrib (obligatory prayer in Islam, just after the sun goes down) after which they conducted a lecture on the Fatwas of Prophet Mohammad's (pbuh) birthday, his teachings and examples to mark the auspicious day.

Some verses from the Holy Quran, recounting of the Prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) life, salutations and songs in his praise were recited. Guests were served with Tausug traditional delicacy and then organizers of the occasion gave their respective messages.

Muslim theologians based in Zamboanga City in the persons of Ustadz Mujib Arip of the Ulama Council of Region 9, Ustadz Shariff Julabbi, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance, and Ustadz Zacaria Omar were the lecturers.

They made clear that Muslims are allowed to commemorate the event of the Prophet’s (pbuh) birth by performing good works that are always permitted in Islam. They said that Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion and that the Almighty Allah loves those who love the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

Basilan’s Department of Public Works and Highways District Engineer Sharif Madzmo Hasim, host of the gathering, called on all Muslims with Sharif ancestry in Zamboanga, Sulu, Basilan and other parts in Mindanao to unite to strengthen their families.

“Let us show to the whole world that we are not only Sharifs in name and blood but in good deeds,” Hasim said. “We have to protect and preserve the good name of our clan."

Sharifs in Mindanao traced their ancestry to Sharif Makdum, a Muslim missionary to the Sulu from Saudi, who arrived in the year 1380. Though the influence of Islam in Mindanao only intensified with the arrival of Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan, a century later in 1475.

Muslim scholars regarded Sharifs as descendants of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) — in particular, to descendants of his uncles al-'Abbas and Abu Talib and of the latter's son 'Ali by the Prophet’s daughter Fatimah. (ZS)

IN MEMORY OF PROPHET MOHAMMAD'S BIRTHDAY, PEACE BE UPON HIM, ZAMBOANGA SOUTHWALL IS REPRINTING HIS BIOGRAPHY. MAY THIS MATERIAL ENLIGHTENS THE READERS.

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