I remember back in 1995, a news article was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer with the title “I’d Rather Go Fishing Than Run For Governor,” quoting MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari during the last stages of negotiations of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He meant what he said but due to public pressure from the MNLF and from within the then-ARMM region, he didn’t have a choice but to run to sustain the gains of the peace agreement and to ensure its implementation.

What many don’t realize is that accepting any leadership role requires sacrifices. People often just focus on the perks, the influence, the perceived power and comfort that comes with it. However, for those whose hearts are anchored on serving the less fortunate, to champion the cause of the decades-old struggle for self-determination and autonomy, they feel a huge burden of responsibility and trust that is binding on them. They are reminded of the oath they took to do right by the Bangsamoro people, the mujahideen, the martyrs, the widows and orphans, and the future generations.

Bapah Sammy has shown what true sacrifice is. When he visited amah last December, both of them focused on talking about service for the sake of Allah SWT and the Bangsamoro people. Bapah Sammy has always been known for his humility, kindness, and good governance. His children have been raised with the same principles and are committed to the cause while being down-to-earth, principled, and honest with people and fulfilling the mandates of whatever position they are in.

I ask Allah SWT to continue to guide our elders, our leaders, the Bangsamoro people, and our Ummah towards the Right Path. As the Qur’an states, “Verily, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Qur’an 13:11) 

Let us take advantage of the rest of this blessed month to turn back to Allah SWT and hold fast to His rope that never breaks. 
“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves..." (3:103)

No matter what fitnah comes our way, we will always have a choice to accept it or reject it. What choice we make defines who we are as a person. During these challenging times, it’s best if we verify all information we read or hear, and withhold judgement in case we might wrong others.

(The message of Chairman Nur Misuari for his “Brother Sammy” written on December 27, 2024 inside one of the pages of his personal Mushaf reads: “Bismillahir Rahmaanir Rahim. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I’m so happy and grateful to receive you and your entourage. May Allah be pleased with us and our Bangsa Moro people. Biiznillah.”)