Browsing by Author "Abdul M. Lantong"

Using the framework of Islamic doctrine of peace and war, this study examines and analyzes the role of Shaykh Salamat Hashim in the Bangsamoro armed resistance in Southern Philippines as well as the significance of his views on peace and war in Islam. Understanding these issues is of paramount significance in understanding the nature and course of the Bangsamoro armed resistance movement. Shaykh Salamat Hashim played vital roles in the present Bangsamoro armed resistance in Southern Philippines. He was the founding leader, amer and ideologue of the armed resistance movement. In these capacities, Shaykh Salamat Hashim was able to transform the resistance movement so that it was not only an armed revolutionary organization, but also a vehicle and vanguard of Islamic revivalism in the area by formulating its Islamic ideological foundations, agenda and methodology based on the Qur'an and Sunnah (Traditions) of Prophet Muhammad. As an Islamic scholar, Shaykh Salamat Hashim viewed peaceful means, not war, as the primary basis of policy in resolving the Moro-Filipino conflict. For him, war comes as a last resort in achieving the objectives of eliminating injustice, oppression and aggression in the Bangsamoro society. Viewed in this context, the chance of peaceful resolution of the Moro-Filipino conflict is within reach. Consistently with this view, however, a peaceful and negotiated political solution must necessarily be based on justice, equality and mutual respect. The data gathered are based on primary sources such as the khutbah(s) (religious sermons), speeches, lectures, press releases and interviews of Shaykh Salamat Hashim. These data are supplemented by the results of key informant interviews (KII) and the articles written about him.

This study examines the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the contemporery Islamic movement in South Philippines. It analyzes the movement`s historical background, origin, ideology, objectives, means to achieve its objectives, programs and activities, its influences to the Moro people, and characteristics. The study used exploratory and critical analysis. And, the major sources of data are Salamat Hashim`s published works in English, press conferences, sermon (khutbah), speeches and lectures in Maguindanaon language which are recorded in audio tapes as well as the movement`s monthly publications. Furthermore, secondary sources like books, journals, news papers, magazines and internet articles which are relalted to the MILF are allso consulted. The MILF is currently leading the Moro jihad against the Philippine government. Its major aim is to make the word of Allah Supreme. Since 1970s, the MILF has been working for the independence of Mindanao, revival of Islam and establishedment of an Islamic state. It emerged as the continuation of the centuries-old Moro resistance againsty foreign domination and colonialism to maintain their religious belief, freedom and independence. It was originated by the young Moro students abroad led by Salamat Hashim, now and `alim, who firmly adheres to an Islamic ideology based on the concept of tawhid. Using da`wah and jihad as means to achieve tis goals, the MILF has been able to change the outlooks of many of the Moros into Islamic line. It has revived the spirit of jihad among the Moro youths, and Islamic order and government become the common aspirations of many of the Moro people. The MILF as an Islamic movement can be characterized as an advocate of Iislamization, having strong organization, military power, an self-reliance to reach the aim of Islamic revival. Using the Qur`anic guideline and the Prophetic experiences in dealing with his enemies, the MILF tends to be a pragmatic movement in dealing with the challenges posed by the Philippine government. Its policy is to fight the enemies if they fight and to incline with peace if they want peace until the goal is finally achieved.