Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ Executive Director and Grand Mufti Abdulrauf Guialani during the pre-Ramadan symposium on March 7, 2024 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City. (Morsid Kadir/BIO)
A man with strong faith in Islam, dignity, and integrity, and unassuming demeanor—this is how Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, the new Grand Mufti of the Bangsamoro, was described by various Bangsamoro Islamic jurists.
Guialani is the successor of the late and then-Grand Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan, who passed away in 2023. His passing prompted the Islamic religious sector in the Bangsamoro region to deliberate for the next Mufti, a figure who not only embodies spiritual leadership but also carries the torch of wisdom and guidance for the community.
Under Section 53 of the Bangsamoro Administrative Code, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) is mandated to strengthen Islamic preaching and guidance, and utilize knowledge and social capital of the Ulama for the common good, and is headed by the Mufti.
The Bangsamoro Mufti holds several key powers and duties, including convening sessions to issue religious decrees, declaring the start and end of Ramadan and other Islamic holidays in the region, and advising the Chief Minister on religious matters.
Who is the new Bangsamoro Mufti?
Guialani is of Maguindanao-Iranun descent, the third son of Guialani Baraguir Guiamblang and Kumpas Puwa Adim, who have six children together. He is a resident of Tamontaka Mother Barangay in Cotabato City.
At a young age, he completed his elementary education at Madrasaton Nahda in the same town in 1980 as valedictorian, and his secondary education at Mahad Kutawato in 1987.
He received a Top 2 diploma in vocational studies in 1990 from Kulliyatu Mutawassita li I’dadid Duat wal Mualimeen, Pagadian City, through Turoq-Tadris (the method of instruction).
In 1995, he completed his undergraduate studies in Islamic Shari’ah at the Islamic University of Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After completing his college degree, the Saudi Arabian Embassy appointed him as a Da’iah (Preacher) from April 21, 1995, to the present, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise.
He became a judge in the Shari’ah Court in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from 1996 to 2014. Later, he was appointed as the director of Mahad Alil Amir Al-Islamie, Cotabato City, from March 12, 1996, to Dec. 14, 1998. From February 1998 to 2018, he served as the President of Madrasah At-Taibeen Al-Islamie, in the same city.
Guialani had also been able to work alongside the three previous Muftis of Bangsamoro, such as Sheikh Sabila Hadji Saleh Ranggal (1996–2002), Sheikh Omar Pasigan (2002–2015), and Sheikh Abuhuraira A. Udasan (2015–July 2023), back when he was a jurist in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Darul-Ifta.
The chosen one
Sheikh Ibrahim Norodin Tahir, member of Darul-Ifta’ and Secretary of Arabic said, “I’ve been with Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani for 18 years. We chose him as our new Mufti because we know him well in his moral values – with dignity and integrity, trustworthiness, and dedication to Islam.”
Dr. Mohammad Nadzir Ebil, Chairperson of Shariah Supervisory Board and Islamic jurist, described Mufti as a humble man and has been loyal to the MILF since then.
Ebil said they had known each other since 1991 when they met at Madina Islamic University as students. Despite being ahead in school, Mufti Guialani was often visited by his acquaintance at his house.
“A man with a very low profile, without any pride, he usually decided in consultation and is very loyal to the MILF struggle,” Ebil stressed.
According to Maha Guiaman Enok, BDI Administrative Officer IV and designated as Human Resource Officer, the new Mufti has always been prudent with his actions and decisions.
“I have known Sheikh Abdulraof Guialani since he was appointed as deputy Mufti. He’s always careful with invitations that could jeopardize the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’,” Enok said.
“What I like most about Mufti Abdulrauf is that he always encourages us to ask about jurisprudence. He loves to preach and give Muhadhara,” she added.
BDI Islamic Jurist Sheikh Kamarudin Baulo said the Mufti is a trusted man and diligent in his work.
“We selected him before as the Deputy Mufti and when Mufti Abuhuraira Udasan left us, with the good moral value he possesses, we firmly selected him as the new Mufti,” Sheikh Baulo further emphasized.
On Dec. 7, 2023, he was appointed as the new Bangsamoro Mufti by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim after he was endorsed by various Islamic jurists in the region.
Mufti Guialani’s strong faith and tireless dedication to the welfare of the Bangsamoro community establish him as a genuine guiding light and leader in the region. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
