MUSLIM RELIGIOUS LEADERS TRAINED TO PROMOTE BIRTH REGISTRATION IN THE BARMM

A significant initiative aimed at boosting birth registration rates in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recently concluded with a training program for Khatibs (male religious leaders) and Muhadarat (female religious leaders) on delivering effective Khutbahs (sermons) focused on the importance of birth registration from an Islamic perspective.

The two-day training, held on May 16-18, 2025, in Datu’s Hall, Pagana Kutawato Native Restaurant, Cotabato City, brought together 15 religious leaders from different Islamic organizations of Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Parang, and Matanog. Organized by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), in partnership with UNICEF-UNHCR under Output 3 of the Initiative for Promoting Digital Birth Registration—Birth Registration Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations to End Childhood Statelessness (BRAVE). The training equipped participants with strategies to effectively integrate birth registration advocacy into their Khutbas and Muhadarahs.

Sheikh Talal A. Sabpa, Islamic Researcher at the Fatwa Division of Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta—BARMM, highlighted the Compatibility of Children’s Rights (UNCRC) with Children’s Rights in Islam, the Role of Muslim Religious Leaders, and How Birth Registration is a crucial step in safeguarding a child’s legal identity and access to essential services aligned with the International Children’s Rights on Protecting Children and ensuring their well-being.

Highlights of the Sermon on Parents’ Responsibilities Towards Children, Marriage Requirements and Conditions, and the Right of Children’s Upbringing and Education Rights from an Islamic Perspective. Equipping participants with the knowledge to address common misconceptions and concerns regarding birth registration within their communities, imparted by Sheikh Marhan M. Borhan, Focal Person, Committee on Da’wah and Masjid Affairs.

The art of delivering a khutba involves more than just reciting a sermon; it’s a skillful blend of eloquent speech, compelling storytelling, and a deep understanding of Islamic teachings and a genuine connection with the audience, a meaningful message from Sheikh Abdulkahar Musa, Deputy Secretary General for Media and Public Affairs, Hay-ato Ulama Al-Muslimin in the Philippines.

A workshop on delivering Khutba and Muhadarah was conducted to assess participants’ persuasiveness, vocal clarity, sincerity, structured sermon delivery, and use of relatable examples and stories to effectively incorporate advocacy for birth registration in their congregations. The Khatibs also quoted relevant verses from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, emphasizing the importance of protecting children’s well-being.