The Bangsamoro government has teamed up with Islamic preachers to promote medical services and dispel misconceptions and superstitions about scientifically accepted health procedures.
The Ministry of Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) announced Saturday, October 4, that regional officials and Muslim scholars jointly launched on Tuesday, September 30, seven health care modules developed with the help of Islamic theologians.
The symbolic launch, led by Health Minister Kadil Sinolinding Jr., marked a collaboration between physicians, public health experts, and Muslim clerics.
‘These modules will not only foster better understanding and acceptance of health messages, but also reinforce the spiritual and moral responsibility of caring for one’s health – as a form of Ibadah (worship),’ Sinolinding said.
The modules highlight the importance of medical treatment, disease prevention, and healthy living in far-flung Bangsamoro communities, covering Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi, and Cotabato.
Members of BARMM’s Darul Iftah (Islamic House of Opinions) said Muslims have a religious duty to help save lives – whether those in need are sick, injured, or victims of conflict – regardless of faith or background.
Sheikh Abdulrauf Guilani, a veteran Islamic missionary, said the new modules address seven key areas: diet and exercise, clean environments, immunization, mental health, responsible use of medicines, reproductive health, and injury prevention.
Guilani added that superstition-based practices contradict Islamic teachings, emphasizing that faith and science should work together in protecting lives.
Sinolinding said Muslim religious leaders will help educate communities about the contents of the Islamic-compliant health modules.