The Treaty of Hudaibiyah: A Pact of Peace
The unceasing narratives of the Daesh favoring their disparaging ideology of not engaging and having cordial relations with non-Muslims remains to be a grave sin. Quoting Surah Mumtahanah verse 1 which states that:
“O believers! Do not take my enemies and your enemies as friends. You show kindness to them, but they reject the true way that has come to you…
To the Daesh, this verse is evidence of total disassociation with non-Muslims. Entering a peace treaty with any non-Muslim nation is illegitimate and those who align themselves with non-Muslims are considered apostate. Thus, for them, the Doha agreement of Taliban and the Bangsamoro peace agreement are all unlawful.
However, there was a significant incident in Islamic history when the Prophet Muhammad and his followers entered into an agreement with the Quraysh tribe, called the treaty of Hudaibiyah. This treaty helped to resolve the conflict between the non-Muslims of Makkah and Muslims in Madinah, ensuring a 10 years peace clause which was authorized by Prophet Muhammad’s followers to come back following years in peaceful pilgrimage. The Treaty is the most important political document in the history of Islam and it also known as treaty of peace.
The most important terms of the agreement are as follows:
- Muhammad and his followers would return to Madina without performing Umra (the Lesser Pilgrimage) that year.
- There would be peace between the Muslims and the Quraysh for a period of 10 years.
- All the Arab tribes would be free to enter into treaty relations with any party.
- The Muslims would visit Makkah to perform the pilgrimage in the following year, but they would not stay in the city for more than three days, and the only weapons which they would be allowed to bring with them, would be their swords in the scabbards.
- If any Makkan entered Madinah, then Muslims would return him to Makkah, but if any Muslim from Madinah went to Makkah, he would not be returned.
To put it in a nutshell, some points of the agreement are not favoring Muslims. The Prophet’s followers became angrier when the Quraysh did not allow to include the name of Allah in the agreement and to address Muhammad as Prophet. However, the Prophet remained calm and signed the agreement which states that “ This is a treaty being concluded between Muhammad Ibn Abdillah – not as messenger of Allah-- and the people of Quraysh”. It seems that the conditions in the agreement are unfair and unjust, but when Muslims sacrificed for the sake of peace, Allah made good for them. The Muslims were able to capture the hearts of large numbers of tribal leaders and the heads of Quraysh and were able to practice their religion peacefully. The treaty made it safe for the people to mingle and become social with each other. It gave them a chance to discuss conflicts and to talk about Islam and its purposes. This could not be achieved by sword, arrows and spears.
This shows that Muslims should work with diplomacy and not war. The Prophet was determined to avoid bloodshed and stop the continuous war in his time. This is in accordance to Allah calls towards peace which was stated in Surah Al-Anfal 61: “If the enemy is inclined towards peace, make peace with them, and put your trust in Allah”. The God’s call was to achieve safety in the community through the adoption of the principle of peaceful coexistence.
Hence, the verse cited by the Daesh is far from the true interpretation of Islam. The Prophet and his followers lived with the non-Muslims and respected the lives of Makkans. When Muslims captured Makkah, the Quraysh were afraid of vengeance from Muslims because they tortured and killed many Muslims. However the Prophet stood up and said: “O Quraysh, what do you expect from me today? And they said: “Mercy, O Prophet of Allah. We expect nothing but good from you.” And He said: Today I will speak to you as Yusuf spoke to his brothers. I will not harm you and Allah will forgive you for He is Merciful and Loving. Go you are free.”
Youth Organization Highlight: Cordillera Youth Center
The Cordillera Youth Center is composed of out-of-school youth and students in the Cordillera Region. It is a non-profit network which aims to empower the youth through education and capacity building. The founders of this organization are youth coming from different indigenous communities in the Cordillera that are suffering from the loss of their culture, natural resources and indigenous practices due to commercial development. This organization brings opportunities to young individuals to take an active role in the advancement of indigenous people and their communities. Through this, their identity will be protected and it’ll help build peace in their communities.
The following are the Activities of Cordillera Youth Center:
- Educational training in the Provinces
- Cultural Exchanges
- Forums on topic relevant to youth and indigenous people such as tribal conflict
- Youth-elders exchanges for culture as a means of peace building
- Campaigns
- Networking
Cordillera Youth Center strongly believes that the present generation will be the future leaders of their communities and with proper education and training, they will be able to uphold the peace stand firmly against tribal wars.
Source: https://www.peaceinsight.org/en/organisations/cordillera-youth-center/?location=philippines&theme
Bridging thoughts through poetry
Mga Tala at Tula Community or MTTC Is another youth organization with a high presence in social media. They have been recognized in 2020 as National Awardee of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines (TAYO).
MTTC It is a group of young poets giving importance to Filipino literature and prose through meaningful and healthy thoughts translated in beautiful poems and literary pieces that are published online.
The main goal of this youth organization is to introduce the beauty of poem writing to the new generation and impart love, hope, healing through poems and creative writing.
Over the years it has launched several projects dubbed as:
Onlyan Yakapan: Kabataan sa Panitikan
Onlayn Kwentuhan: Poetry Writing and Mental Health
Tanghalan sa Tahanan: Spoken Poetry Compettion
Tulaan sa Tahanan: Virtual Poetry Reading
#WeWriteToHelpCampaign and Donation Drive
Semicolon Online Room: Dito, may Makikinig Sayo
One good thing that children and the youth could derive from this organization is a means by which they can convey their thoughts and feelings to help them cope with stress and anxiety brought about by the pandemic. This online platform can help students and the younger generation to be able to hone creativity, spark imagination and revive the love for poetry.
Their initiatives are also in tuned with the National Children’s Month theme - Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng bawat Bata Ating Tutukan. With emphasis on providing children access to a healthy environment, good education and healthcare.
We recognize that as students go back to face to face classes, some are armed with enthusiasm and joy, while others are struck with trauma and behavioral concerns. Much as mental health initiatives are being promulgated by our educators and are incorporated in our curriculum, focus on each child will never be guaranteed. Organizations like MTTC helps bridge some of these gaps by allowing children and the youth to share their experiences and thoughts on various themes and topics that are relevant to their lives and their current situations.
The Mga Tala at Tula Community may be reached through their Facebook account for collaborations and volunteers.
How AHA! Becomes an exclamation of triumph
Aha! As we know the expression could mean many things - it could either be surprise, suspicion, sudden realization, inspiration, recognition, or comprehension. It could actually be a combination of all these feelings and an overall positive experience.
In 2009 the AHA! Learning Center, a non-profit organization, was established in Makati. It offered free after school literacy programs and has, in its initial launch, benefitted 19,000 students, providing them after-school learning hours equivalent to an average of 300 hours in 6 to 8 weeks. It’s mission evolves around producing the next generation of changemakers and community leaders that will help serve the country for the better.
Eventually, the AHA! Learning Center engaged in other media forms as it has also launched its tele-radio show, ‘Ang Balitang Bata’ which airs on Sundays at 4:00 PM via DZRJ 810. The tele-radio show aims to empower the youth towards becoming community advocates that are aware and open to issues not only involving themselves but of their individual communities as well.
Consistent with the celebration of the National Children’s Month, AHA! Advocates for ensuring that children’s voices are heard. Through establishing a safe and accepting environment that recognizes children as Filipino citizens equally entitled to rights and responsibilities.
Safe spaces for children as an endeavor of the government refers not only to physical spaces but also to interventions geared towards increasing children’s access to safe environments and promoting their psychosocial well-being. Some safe spaces initiatives may focus on informal education or other needs related to children. Both are being addressed by the projects of AHA!
To date, AHA! Learning Center are looking for volunteers through their official Facebook page. They are also looking for sponsorships to help them raise funds for Christmas Baskets and scholarships for children.
National Children’s Month 2022
In observance of the National Children’s Month on November 3, the Council for the Welfare of Children will be focusing on addressing the mental health and well-being of children.
This year’s theme is “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan.”
The kick-off ceremonies will be participated by national government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and local government units.
According to Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, CWC Executive Director, this year’s theme is geared towards the World Health Organization’s statement that health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Tapales also said in a press briefing last October 25, “Many were affected during the Covid-19 pandemic. But the silent victims of the pandemic are the youth and children as there were no discussions on how the pandemic has affected them.” In addition, CWC will also review the Mental Health Law to include the welfare of the children.
Some activities lined up during the kick-off include the following:
- Ceremonial Launching of the CWC MAKABATA Helpline
- Partnership launching with the Miriam College Child Rights Advocacy Center (CRAC)
- National Play Advocacy Week (NPAW) Partners’ Play Toolkit launch
- Relaunching of the Mental Health Literary Pieces for Children: Sarilaysay Activity Book and Eroplanong Papel Comic Book
The National Children’s Month Act or Republic Act 10661 was adopted from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989. It is a month-long celebration every November with CWC, National Youth Commission, and the Department of Social Welfare Development as the lead agencies in charge of the commemoration.
Promoting Literacy through Storytelling
Super Readers Squad (SRS) is a community of reading advocates dedicated to ensuring that reading is a skill in every Filipino. It is categorized as an education website based in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Super Readers Squad was established in 2018 by teacher fellows Sam Platon, Richmond Seladores and Kim Dela Cruz as a project to help the public schools in Sta Teresita Elementary School in Angeles City, Pampanga. Back when it started, it was able to collect and source a total of 1,630 books, benefitting 200 students which were presented through 5 mobile library carts. From Pampanga, it has expanded service to schools in Baler, Aurora; Del Carmen, Siargao and many other communities.
SRS focuses on literacy programs and has been collaborating with various educational and nonprofit organizations in the fulfillment of its goals. Among its partners are Teach for the Philippines, Angat Buhay, Jesse M. Robredo Foundation, Project ALON, and numerous other local organizations and government agencies, including the armed services in some of its beneficiary locations. It has a pool of youth volunteers who facilitates the conduct of special storytelling programs and read aloud sessions.
The main goal of this organization is to help children develop a personal, more meaningful and long lasting interest in reading, along with the hope of sparking curiosity in children, as a means to keep learning and exploring the world around them.
SRS spearheaded a series of community-centered reading programs, which eventually led to an award winning national literacy initiative helping children develop a love for reading by collecting and distributing books to communities all over the country. It is guided by the principle of volunteerism among the youth in making a ‘generation of dreamers and readers who will build the nation of tomorrow.’
In 2021 it has tied up with Shopee and Adarna House to sponsor bundles of storybooks which were distributed in time for the Christmas season.
SRS only goes to show that learning does not happen inside the fur corners of the classroom. There are alternative ways of encouraging children to engage time in reading and enriching their imagination. Despite the challenges brought about by digital technology, there are still far-flung areas in the country where children are devoid of their basic right to education.
Reading and storytelling programs by the Super Readers Squad helps to spark imagination and stimulate the curiosity of children. It also encourages communities to value books and stories which will become core knowledge of children as they grow up. The Abot Ko ang Libro program by the SRS brought life to this initiative.
In many ways, reading is a life skill. It is essential that reading is developed among children at a young age in order to thrive in whatever pursuit they will do and eventually leading to sustainable societies.
This Children’s Month, it would be good to revisit this basic foundation of literacy. Let us allow children’s imagination to wander and become part of stories. Let us help them widen their horizons and associate books and reading with positive experiences.
Become part and volunteer to become storytellers or donate and fund book drives. The Super Readers Squad may be reached through their Facebook page.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for the Future Generation
Creating a better future perhaps would be the biggest challenge the New Reality world is facing. In the global community with the emergence of a multigenerational population - propelled mainly by Millennials and Gen Zs, varying causes, advocacies and a more united voice emerges as well.
But how do we simplify these rather general concepts, more popularly known nowadays as DEI. Diversity speaks of all the ways in which people differ - race, age, nationality, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, physical and mental ability, education, experience, beliefs, political views, citizenships, location, marital status, socioeconomic status, and the list goes on. A deeper meaning of diversity however would not delve on what makes people different, rather more about understanding, accepting and valuing those differences. Equity is about creating fair access, opportunity and advancement for all people despite their differences. Inclusion is the extent to which people feel a sense of belongingness and value within a given setting.
How do we promote these concepts to children?
In terms of diversity, we know that young people are born without the cultural biases we carry as adults. It is important that in their formative years, they are able to recognize and respect people’s differences. When they notice differences such as appearance, abilities and preferences of other people, it would be necessary to provide responses to inquiries without biases, emphasizing that differences make each individual special and that together could build stronger teams and societies. It is also recommended to provide logical and objective historic or cultural background as a foundation of a child’s understanding.
Accepting diversity will eventually lead children to inclusion. Even young people should be able to understand the concept that everyone’s contributions and presence are not just invited but are valued.
Teaching kids about equity is related to the culture of belonging, where diversity is respected and everyone feels included. Apart from these however, it should be a component as well that each one feels addressed.
Incidentally, efforts in addressing human needs however is not a one size fits all strategy. The goal would be that the individual can thrive and the group reaps the benefits of a contributing individual.
As we venture into the near future, we should cultivate safe places where all children will feel belonging, along with the goal of raising empowered, respectful young citizens who value people of all backgrounds.
The Voice of the Filipino Youth
During the 1st quarter of 2022, the National Youth Commission (NYC) released a compilation of Youth Development Trends. The said report is divided into major areas such as Education, Health, Economic Development, Governance, Environment, Social Inclusion and Equity, and Global Mobility.
From the concerns raised in the said report, there are 3 which may still be prevalent even in the New Normal or New Reality, as it is currently referred to.
On education, the NYC is looking into encouraging policy makers and partner agencies and organizations to prioritize public safety and well being of teachers, allied providers and students. It also advocates for improved support and guidance to students during this crisis especially as protocols have eased and face to face classes have resumed. Among the concerns raised for education of the youth is the limited to alternative delivery modes of education with the availability of modules, internet connection, technological equipment, etc. The NYC is likewise hoping that a series of consultations with partner institutions and youth-led and youth-serving organizations will be made ‘to ensure the exchange of views and effective strategic measures.’
Part of the health concerns that NYC is focusing on would be the proliferation of VAPE or e-cigarettes which is highly popular among younger adults in the ages 15 to 24 years. The young generation has to be made aware that e-cigarettes are not in any way safer than regular cigarettes. Moreover, nicotine, which is also present in e-cigarettes and VAPE, according to studies, can harm the brain, especially the part which is responsible for learning, attention, mood, and impulse control. Apart from these, vaping results in ‘diminished defenses of the respiratory system’ thereby having a direct effect on the lungs, which is the organ being mainly affected by Covid-19.
On a more macro perspective, which is global mobility, the National Youth Commission has also considered the strengthening of community relations among Southeast Asian nations. It is with the ASEAN vision of realizing a people-centered and people-oriented region. Accordingly, the youth population is currently ⅓ of the combined population of ASEAN nations and is expected to peak ‘over 220 million by the year 2038.’ The group has also recognized the role of the youth as drivers and catalysts of change, mover of advocacies, community-based initiatives, grassroot projects, spearheads of empowerment and eventually of the overall economic development in Asia. With these realizations, the NYC is looking forward to more collaborative and relevant projects, along with multi-sectoral and inclusive activities in support of good governance which will help address diversity in the Southeast Asian region as a start.
Reference:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mrujpgda073AlIVbTOrpxuOU_uLIDgCo/view
Germany funds peace-building projects for Mindanao youth
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH or simply the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) signed a pact with the Philippine government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on March 11, 2022 for the implementation of Strengthening Youth for Peace and Nonviolence in Mindanao (YOUCAP). The project received a funding of 4 million Euros or approximately P230M.
The YOUCAP’s primary target is to strengthen the approaches deployed in formal education institutions towards youth-oriented peacebuilding efforts, gender sensitivity, cultural awareness, nonviolent conflict resolution, to name a few. It also aims to enhance the capability of government institutions to uphold strategies for youth development and peace-building programs.
GIZ Country Director Immanuel Gebhardt said that they have been working with the OPAPRU to push for these initiatives particularly on conflict vulnerable areas in Mindanao. He added that ‘the YOUCAP Project is highly committed to the young people as change agents to get sustainable, inclusive peace now and in the future.’ The OPAPRU has affirmed that the fund is targeted to benefit youth members from the region including Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and BARMM.
Gebhardt also mentioned that the project hopes to give the Mindanao youth hope and resilience to keep them away from armed conflict, focusing on the fact that stability is the only way people can enjoy prosperity.
Germany has been advocating for worldwide peace and stability with the aim of expanding partnerships with the Philippine government due to its growing relevance in the political and economic sphere.
To date, Germany has funded around 70 different organizations in Mindanao. Apart from peacebuilding in the region, they have also provided financial support in various sectors dealing with climate change, human rights, livelihood, disaster risk reduction and land rights.
As Filipinos, we should be thankful for our first world brothers who are willing to extend their helping hand in support of advocacies not only relative to economic development, but more so in alleviating the conditions of the youth and underprivileged population in our society. Our hopes are high that these funds will not go to waste and will serve its real purpose. The national government should take this as a challenge to prove that we are a country worthy of their support and that the Filipino youth is the pillar of the nation’s future.
Sources:
Jolo Twin Blast Survivors on the Way to Recovery through the partnership between the OPAPRU and the Notre Dame of Jolo College
The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported in September that 50 survivors of the twin blasts in the cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu are now slowly recovering and rebuilding their lives through psychosocial healing sessions by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
The OPAPRU, through its Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office (SHAPEO), partnered with the Notre Dame of Jolo College to capacitate 25 local counselors and carry out 10 healing sessions among the blast victims.
The impact of the SHAPEO was also narrated by one of the blast survivors, Delia Hoe:
“For the past two years, I have been full of anger, fear, hatred for the perpetrators, hiding myself, not going to church, sad and undergoing self-pity because I bore the pain and trauma as a victim of the twin bombings in the cathedral.”
After attending 10 healing sessions, Hoe said she has come to terms with what happened and is now ready to move on to the next chapter of her life.
“I learned to be enlightened about the tragedy that no matter what happened to me, I stand with a sincere heart because there are many who love me. First of all, God, because I am still alive and so are the people around me" Hoe said.
The PNA also stated, one of the counselors, Alton Jurah, said the journey was not easy.
He added that the struggle was re-learning the methods and ways of effective counseling sessions.
Jurah also said he was touched to see the trust and respect that had been established among counselees during the healing sessions.
“We know how brave you were to share your traumatic experiences with us. It’s not easy but you opened the doors for us to help you,” Jurah told Hoe, adding that he will continue being a frontline responder to the counselees and victims of other traumatic events.
Additionally, the PNA reported, the 11th Infantry Division chief, Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio noted that "our challenge really is how to sustain the gains we have now achieved."
He said through the collaborative efforts of all peace stakeholders, the people of Sulu are now enjoying relative peace and security since the bombings.
"We will continue to perform our mandate to secure this region so that incidents such as another bombing will not happen again. Security really is a shared responsibility and ‘yung tulong ng (the help of the) stakeholders really play a great role in achieving sustainable peace in the province," Patrimonio said.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. who attended the completion ceremony of the psychosocial healing sessions last Aug. 27, assured its peace partners agency that it will continue to implement peacebuilding initiatives in the province.
"This is not the end of our peacebuilding efforts here in Sulu. The OPAPRU shall continue to work closely with our peace stakeholders to sustain and build on the gains of peace in the province," he added.
He also said under the Marcos Administration’s "banner of unity", the OPAPRU, in collaboration with its peace partners, is determined to create the conditions where long-lasting peace and sustainable development can take root and flourish.
As part of the culmination program, the OPAPRU and Ministry of Social Services and Development provided the beneficiaries with in-kind socio-economic assistance.
Galvez noted that academic institutions such as the Notre Dame of Jolo have played a significant role in sustaining local peace initiatives.
He said the OPAPRU is also intensifying efforts in the implementation of Executive Order 570 through the adoption of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAP PCVE).
Galvez said through the NAP-PCVE, the national government will effectively address the factors that contribute to radicalization and violent extremism in the Philippines
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1183539