Muslim students participating in one of the program’s activities. Photo by Joseph Nasser

“As salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu (may the mercy, peace and blessing of Allah be with you)”, was how Jade K. Halilio, a Muslim faculty member of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) greeted the audience as he formally opened the Post Eid’l Fitr and Musabaqah celebration yesterday, July 15, 2016, 4pm at the Arrupe Hall of the said school.

The Al Qalam Instute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue in Southeast Asia in cooperation with the Society of Atenean Leaders and Advocative Muslims (SALAM) organized the said celebration where Muslim students of AdDU and representatives from the University of Mindanao (UM) participated in the program.

Activities held during the event included the Islamic Quiz Bowl, the Poster Making Competition, the Adhaan (call for prayer) contest, and the Qira’a (Qur’an Recitation).

The aim of the event was to enhance and measure the students’ knowledge about the Islamic faith, promote camaraderie, and develop friendship among Muslim students of the university.

Guests from the Mercy Islamic Center such as Ustadz Ibrahim Datumanong and Ustadz Abul Khayr Tampuso, together with other invited visitor including Ustadz Janor Balo, Sir Abubacar Ali and Sharifudin Tucao Mastura were served as judges for the different events.

The winners of the various competitions were announced and awarded during the closing ceremony. Mohammad Junaide Ibrahim topped the Adhaan contest while Madyan Mohammad Nor Maulana won the Qur’an Reading competition. The group of Fatima Star Lamalan, Hanina Dagadas, Prince Salik, Jam Ramos, Mariamme Abu and Nam Alilian ranked first place for the Poster Making competition. The champions for the quiz bowl were Abdulfatah Sadic and Madyan Maulana.

Uztad Janor Balo, the program coordinator, shared his thoughts about the outcome of the program.

“Just like last year, the event was truly a success. Our Muslim brothers and sisters were able to have fun and bond. At the same time, they were able to engage in the different levels of competitions and share their skills. This kind of event shows that Muslim Ateneans can engage freely in university activities and that they have brothers and sisters here in Ateneo de Davao,” he said.