Today, ARMM celebrates Sheikh Makhdum Day!
Sheikh Karimul Makhdum is credited as among the pioneers in spreading Islam in the country.
He is also associated with the first mosque in the Philippines, whose four original structures can still be found in a mosque bearing his name in Bohe (Tubig) Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. This structure is a provincial, regional and national landmark.
In 2009, the Lower House approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 99, known as an “act declaring the Sheikh Karimul Makdum mosque, as the first and oldest Muslim house of prayer in the Philippines at Tubig Indanan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi province, as a national shrine.” The bill was principally authored by Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara. [1]
Like Simunul, a municipality without potable water source save the rain; Sheikh Makhdum weather the initial reluctance to spread the message of Islam. The persistence of these pioneers led to the conversion of about 13 ethno-linguistic and indigenous groups in Mindanao to the fold of Islam. Today, the message of Islam is embraced by more than a billion adherents worldwide.
Sec Jamar Kulayan enourages ARMM constituents to include in their daily prayers a prayer for the peaceful repose of Sheikh Makhdum and to include a line of gratitude for his pioneering effort.
According to RG Mujiv Hataman, the commitment and pioneering spirit of Sheikh Makhdum are the very values require to continue the ARMM reform and improve delivery of public services in the region.
Source:
[1] Sheik Makhdum mosque a national landmark - http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/14106-Sheik-Makhdum-mosque-a-national-landmark.html
