PROPHET Muhammad's teachings place a high value on beauty because it reflects the divine and should be appreciated in all facets of life. This conviction is profoundly ingrained in Islamic culture and has motivated Muslims to produce and value beauty in a variety of forms.
Islamic art and architecture, which are renowned for their elaborate designs and breathtaking beauty, are among the most notable instances of this tradition. Islamic art reveals a profound appreciation for beauty and a desire to produce products that are not only practical but also aesthetically beautiful, from the elaborate geometric patterns adorning mosques and palaces to the brilliant colors and calligraphy of manuscripts. Islamic gardens are another illustration, which were created with peace and harmony in mind.
The Islamic heritage has also given rise to many outstanding poets and writers who have employed language to evoke the magnificence and beauty of the divine. Islamic literature is full of adoration and love for the holy and the beauty of the earth, from the lyrical poetry of Rumi and Hafiz to the philosophical writings of Ibn Arabi.
Scientific, political, and economic advancements made by early Muslim scholars have had a long-lasting impact on human development. Science, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine all experienced unprecedented progress during the Islamic Golden Age, which spanned the 8th to the 14th century. Not only that, wealth, stability, and social justice were promoted at the same time by Islamic governance and economic principles.
Bangsamoro is a Muslim-dominated region. Unfortunately, the realities in the Bangsamoro are different and far from the great achievements of Muslim scholars. We ask ourselves, why is it that Bangsamoro cannot move forward for peace and development?
In answering this question, we reflect on the different stakeholders within our communities. We learned in our Madrasah education that there are four pillars in the Bangsamoro communities. These four pillars are the following: kawasa (affluent families); miskinan (impoverished); kamal/datu (leaders); and the ulama. These four need to work together to sustain peace and stability. However, aside from these four pillars, we can add the mujahideens (commanders of moro fronts) who also play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security. If these pillars work together as one, they can achieve remarkable accomplishments.
Today, when we look at what is happening in the BARMM, these pillars are highly polarized. Each group tries to outsmart the other resulting in an endless conflict and cycle of violence. However, we cannot be pessimistic and hopeless. We must provide a light of hope for our people.
Our role as part of academia must continue to provide safe spaces for dialogue and knowledge generation. We must commit to continue to work in enriching Islamic knowledge and understanding of Mindanao history and the Bangsamoro peace process. Our aim is to use knowledge and inspire the Bangsamoro to serve as what our Prophet described as "a beauty mark upon humanity."