The Tausug hopes for good news in 2011

Last 6 December 2010 the Muslims in the entire Ummah were through with their respective wishes on the first Muharram 1432. Tonight 31 December 2010 is another wishful night for other citizens of the world. All people wishes nothing but all what is good for life, family, business, relationship, power, good health and many more.

According to The World Book Encyclopedia of 1984, volume 14, page 237 states: "The Roman ruler Julius Caesar established January 1 as New Year's Day in 46 BC. The Romans dedicated this day to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January was named after Janus, who had two faces - one looking forward and the other looking backward." This suggests that New Year's celebrations are founded on pagan traditions. This day was christened as the beginning of the New Year by Pope Gregory as he designed the Liturgical Calendar.[1]

Despite of the origin of this event, many people in Muslim countries were also celebrating New Year more than theirs, unfortunately. This is not to say that they already embrace the teachings which spread by the founder of this event. But because most of Muslim countries today were composed of many non-Muslims dwellers and with that, this event regarded by some as universal occasion.

In most capital cities around the world hugely celebrate New Year together with their national artists to wait for the countdown till midnight with their fans. Unluckily, most of the time, this sort of event ushers people particularly young ones to commit crimes, drink liquor, taking drugs, and all other vices. Hopefully, the crime rates on this New Year will decrease compare to the previous year.

In the past, New Year was an incomparable event for the young ones in Malaysia. By that time all the things such as pills, liquor, marijuana, syabu, cocaine, were bought earlier from drug pushers. Enable that the New Years Eve would really meant a lot to them. The worst was by that time there were young ladies involved in that merriment drank liquor, taking syabu and perpetrated sexual activity.  In the morning, you can see most youngsters unconsciously sleeping on sidewalk and on the ground. That’s why in Malaysia the police assigned on the New Years Eve were as many as young ones –if possible - so that the celebration would not be disturbed with indecorous situation.

So much for that, I wish on the year 1432 and 2011 the oppressed people of the world –particularly the people of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam - attain their complete freedom. I also wish that the conspirators who coined continuous suffering for the Sulu people would replace their cruel deeds to a good one – should it be hard for you [Pesident Noy-Noy Aquino and President Barack Obama] just withdraw all Philippine armed forces and the American soldiers from Sulu Archipelago; because the presence of Balikatan in Sulu is not a good news to the good people of Sulu. The Tausug are well aware that the presence of American in Sulu is not for humanitarian purposes but for the black pearl found in the womb of Sulu Sea.

Let us leave according to what has been endowed to us. Stop your napsu Kabasi’ (pumpkins desire] in the year 2011. Only with this, the plight of the downtrodden Tausug will be answered.

Happy New Year!

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year's_Day

The Sulu Sharif

In previous days I often ask myself and colleagues about the Sharif in Sulu. Yet clouds of ignorance still the number one hurdle that drives me to pause thinking of it for a while.  What has with the Sharif? Why I should care about it? That’s the questions always flash in my brain.

One of the Makhdum arrived in Sulu

As blogging become today’s bandwagon, I frequently encountered about the Sharif issue. On and off the net, most issues related to Sulu always have the presence of Sharif. The popular on the net is the first Sultan of Sulu – Sultan Shariful Hashim Sayyid Abubakar and the Makhdum. While off the net, there were many Tausug bearing this noble title in spite of difficulties in tracing their roots down to the two grandsons of Prophet Muhammad SAW.  Unlike the Sayyed and Sharif from Malaysia and Indonesia do have clear understanding of their lineage. In fact, in tracing the genuineness of lineage the Habaib from those countries put several test before to confirm whether a person belongs to ahlul bait of Rasulullah or not according to Dzul Asree Hajad when he visited to a group of Habaib in Indonesia sometimes last year.

In Sulu, the process of knowing Sharif lineage has two ways: firstly, based from the existing family bearing the Sharif title, secondly, through a foresight of a sufi master or a Tausug mukali’. Despite of this process still few from among the Sulu Sharif could able to trace their lineage? Even there are perhaps only them who really possessed the family trees that have good understanding of their backgrounds. In most cases, the problem which connected to this is the failure of most Sharif to write their family trees in the past.   

Sulu, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Patani were the favorite landing grounds of the Ahlul bait missionaries in the past and at present.  In Sulu the popular among them were the Makhdum, Sayyid Abubakar, Shari Alawi, Sharif Balpaki, Sharif Ali Barakat, and others. The Makhdum according to the articles found in Wikipedia, were descended from Hazrat Abbas (RA), the uncle of Prophet Muhammad SAW. It is believe the descendants of this Sharif and Sayyid were scattered around Sulu and in the world. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the popular ahlul bait is the Alawiyyin which known in their cognomen, Ba’alawi.

The Makhdum Mosque in Tubig Indangan Sulu

Nowadays, the service of the progenies of the prophet from outside Sulu still badly needed. Be it in Sultanate of Sulu and other parts of the Muslim world. Though in Indonesia and Malaysia the present of the Habaib is vividly seen, in Sulu most Tausug seldom hear about them. Hopefully as the Sharif in Sulu slowly to realize the value of preserving their lineage, a habaib from Yemen, Indonesia and other part of the world will revisit the land of Sulu as what their ancestors did in sowing the seed of Islam in the “garden of the east”.

Currently, the title Sharif is slowly emerging in Sulu. Hopefully, thorough research needs to be done for this matter enable to make all fuzzy clearer.

Should you have any additional info or comment just leave on the comment box below.




- Sharif Aliazer Sharif Abdurajim -

Think of Good things on the day of Ashura

Late last night, I had browsed many sites to find good articles to read. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any write ups that could satiate the longing inside. While browsing, I encountered a network discussing about Ashura. Suddenly, it came to my mind this month is Muharram. As I checked the Muslim calendar widget at this blog sidebar, it tells 10 Muharram 1432.

After reading all the discussions on that network, I searched the book of Dr. Sixto Y. Orosa, (The Sulu Archipelago and Its people). I found Dr. Orosa hashed out on his book about Ashura, as one of the Muslim festivals celebrated yearly by the Tausug in entire Sulu.

In Tausug custom, Ashura is celebrated differently from other Muslims in other parts of the world. As had been traditionally practice, Ashura is celebrates in a form of duwaa salamat [Prayer for safety]. It is a part of Tausug custom, should there any duwaa salamat conducted even just a platter of foods they would prepare enable to make a jamu [charity thru giving food] in any events. The jamu usually conducted at the mosque. This is to ensure after the Imam and his congregation done with duwaa salamat they can automatically proceed to eat.

In the entire Ummah, Muslims are usually fast on the 9^th or 10^th of Muharram. This is congruent with the hadith of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam relates by Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (Radiyallahu anhu): I heard the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." [Sahih Muslim].

In another hadith Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim][1].

Among the historical significance falls on 10 Muharram or the day of Ashura such as:

On this day: Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam ('Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise; Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his companions in the ark; Allah extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim ('Alaihis-Salaam) was thrown by Nimrod; And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) spoke directly to Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the Commandments. On this same 10th of Muharram, Sayyidina Ayyub ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored to health (from leprosy); Sayyidina Yusuf ('Alaihis-Salaam) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam); Sayyidina Yunus ('Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the day when Sayyidina Dawud ('Alaihis-Salaam) was forgiven; the kingdom of Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored; Sayyidina Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah and Sayyidina al-Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Prophet’s, Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.[2]

I believe there are still lot of important things happened on this day. But as a matter of discussion, in Sulu there were also many memorable incidents happened to the Tausug especially the massive massacre at Bud Bagsak, Bud Dahu, Bud Talipao, Pu’ Patiyan, Pu’ Pata, and other wars happened between Tausug defenders and the Americans, and Filipino soldiers. These incidents will always present in the hearts of every Tausug who love their country [Sultanate of Sulu], race [Tausug] and religion [Islam] in any times.

Tausug Defenders with Panglima Hassan

Furthermore, even there’s no formal annual commemoration for these noble defenders, at least on every 15^th day of Sha’ban (the month of tai’tih) their spirits are always in the prayers of their descendants throughout the world.

The progenies of Prophet Muhammad in Sulu [the Sharif] and the Tausug generally, will never stop until Islam will rise again in Sulu. Today is your game, tomorrow is ours Insya’Allah!

Lastly, the day of Ashura is the day that brought goodness to the noble people in the past. I wish with the blessing showered by Allah to them on this day the Tausug will always with His forgiveness and steadily defend the rights; fight in any forms for the brighter future of their country, Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. Ameen.

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[1] The hadith quoted were taken from this site. http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/fasting/ashura.htm , 16 December 2010

[2]  These are mentioned as what scholars have determined as the specialties of that day in Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, Sayyidina Abdul Qadir al-Jilani. Source: http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/fasting/ashura.htm

Sh. Yazir Rajim

Wear Turban: signifies the love of the Tausug

I had with hundred Muslims in a Friday congregation at Darussalam Mosque, Sandakan on 10 December 2010.  As the “Khatib” stood at the pulpit I noticed he was wearing a white turban. By that moment, my mind was busy with question as why the Tausug wear turban after performing hajj. Whereas the other Muslim nowadays who were also gone to Makkah for hajj just wearing a “kuffiya” (head cup); there are some none at all. All these had quite disturb me in a moment before the khatib deliver a sermon. Although many were from among the congregation wearing the turban most especially the Jamaatut Tabligh, the thing which I was curious about, why only after gone for hajj some Tausug like to wear turban? What do they have in minds?

To wear turban is not only applicable to a Muslim. There are societies believe to wear turban is a part of their culture and social status. Such as some people in India, Arabia, Africa and other countries.  Although currently wearing turban received negative impression from some non-Muslims especially after 9/11, this shows that to wear turban has no link at all to terrorism.

In Islam, to wear turban is a Sunnah. The authenticity of this claim can be referred to the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad compiled in many books.   

As have mentioned by Maulana Fazlur Rahman in the book Turban Thowb and kufi (pp. 34) Ibn Abbas (RA) reports that Rasulullah(SAW) said “Adopt the Turban as it will increase your Hilm ( good character, intelligence, patience).”

Habib Umar Al-hafiz

Another hadith can be found on Mishkat vol. 1 (pp.630), which says “The holy Prophet (SAW) used to wear a Turban and he said that the angels also wear it in the heavens and the turban protects the head and adorns the face.”

Also in other hadith cited by Hakim in the book Mustadrak Hakim vol. 34 (pp.540), Aisha (RA) reports on the occasion of the battle of the trench a man came to Rasulullah (SAW) wearing a Turban and when she asked Rasulullah(SAW) about this man he  informed her this was Jibraeel.

With these we can see the wearing of turban, though a sunnah, have a deep emphasis over life of a Muslim. That’s why the Muslim clerics such as the Habaib from Yemen and other parts of Muslim countries are wearing turban. This ahlul bayt (households of the Prophet) show the neatness and coiffure in winding the turban.

According to Murtada al-Zabidi in his Ithaf al-sadat al-muttaqin (3:253.)

“The turban is desired on Fridays for both the imam and the congregation, and Nawawi said that it is desired for the imam to beautify his appearance (i.e. more than everyone else), wear the turban, and wear a rida’ (jubba, a loose outer garment or robe). The application of the Sunnah consists in winding the turban on the head or on top of a qalansuwa (kufi). It is preferable to wear it large, but it is necessary to define its length and width by what fits the wearer’s custom according to his time and place. To add to this is disliked by the Law.”

In the Tausug milieu, to wear turban without gone to hajj will become a cause of shyness to an individual. To them the one who put a turban on his head must be excellent in character, knowledgeable and pious. The Tausug regarded going to Makkah for hajj is unlike to travel somewhere for a tour. It is believe, the one who return from hajj is like a newly born baby free from sin.  

To Tausug and other Muslims in Likusantara (Southeast Asian region) to wear turban symbolizes a person has been performing hajj to Makkah. Perhaps, they have in mind once a person gone to Makkah for hajj that is the time he must fully follow the sunnah of the Prophet. The Tausug ought not to be an Arab by wearing a turban, but to devotedly follow some lifestyle, if not at all, left by a Prophet of Allah.   

A Tausug pious

With the wearing of turban, we can see the strong symbol of unification among Muslims in the ummah. Nevertheless, the Tausug from the dawn of Islam in Sulu never abandoned this symbol of love to the Prophet (SAW) and unity among the Muslims. For it is welded in their minds, Islam is the only reason why until now they are still alive; it is also the reason they became fervent in their stand to defend what they believe is true for many years. No matter their blood would be spilled from their veins as long as the religion sowed by the descendants of Prophet Muhammad - such as Karimul Makhdum, Sultan Shariful Hashim, Sharif Alawi, Sharif Balpaki, the wali 7, Timhar Maqbalu, and other ahlul bayt missionaries - could not be extracted from the land of Sulu.

With the wisdom brought by turban wearer, Islam arrived to Sulu not by means of war and coercion. Hopefully, the second rise of Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam will be headed by a turban wearer and adhere by followers whose hearts as soft as a cotton to spread the truth; as hard as a metal to defend the truth from falsehood.

Turban still wears by Tausug in Sulu as a symbol of hajj and a sign of peaceful man living in peaceful place disturbed by the enemies. No matter what reasons do have other people to wear turban the most important the turban wearer in Sulu show their reverence to the peaceful religion of the world – ISLAM.    

A Wish for Tausug on the 1st of Muharram 1432

Sultanate of Sulu flag 

All over the Ummah, the Muslims were celebrating Amun Jadeed (Muslim New Year) on the 6 December 2010 which falls on 1 Muharram 1432. This special occasion regarded as a month which has great influence to the lives of the Muslims because the foundation of this historic event lies in the first migration of Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alayhi wasallam) from Mecca to Medina. This migration is dubbed as “Hijra” in Arabic language. That is why the calendar of the Muslims was named after this event – called “Hijra Calendar”.

On this precious day, I’ve been with my fellow amateur researchers talked about our favorite topic – Sulu Sultanate, Tausug/Suluk and other issues related. Perhaps, Allah has indeed planned that on 1^st day of Muharram we would be able to see each other.  With this meeting I had seen the momentum of Tausug struggle for identity and beloved homeland. As I noticed before the term Tausug, which today we regarded as a race of the people dwelling within Sultanate of Sulu, was covered by ideas that it is just a mere tribe of the people living in Jolo.  By now the Tausug have slowly releasing themselves from that obscure idea.

Another confusing is the issue of Suluk and Tausug. To some inhabitants of Sabah, Suluk is different from Tausug. According to these confused fellows, Suluk has been for long time in Sabah and they don’t have any connections with the Tausug from Sulu. Suluk is from Malaysia and Tausug is from Sulu exclaimed by these Sabahans. Sad to say these persons speaking Tausug language as good as mine; well educate about history but their very own identity were vague to them.

Suluk is derived from the word Sulug.The term Suluk is mistakenly pronounced by the Malay tongue. According to Mohammad Syahizwan, the Laum Suba’ (Sungai) of Sugut, Sabah, called the Tausug as Sulug. While the Maguindanao and Bisaya from Mindanao, added by Sh. Julhan Sh. Radjan, were also called Sulug if they are referring to Tausug. Hence, there’s no such thing as Tausug is different from Suluk. Tausug is a collective race of the people living within the territory of Sulu Sultanate. The ethnics such as Yakan, Bajau, Sama, Jama Mapun, Molbog, kalibugan, Buranun,Bangingi’, Kalibugan, and other were called as Tausug since the existence of Sultanate of Sulu in 1405.

Should we like to promote harmony, peace and justice among the people living on this planet we should at least put things according to its respective history. Let us not decrement this influential race to a mere tribe. The Tausug had been asserting the Independence of Sultanate of Sulu enable to continuously exercise their sovereignty and to defend their identity.

I wish the Tausug on this special day will continue to love their race enable that it can’t be easily erase by their foes.  Tausug, Suluk, Sulug, Soolook are like fruits of the same tree. 

Sh. Aliazer Sh. Abdurajim

JUST AN IDEA: A World without War

Photo Source

In this part of the world there is an abode couldn’t be disturbed by war. It is a space where peace and harmony truly dwelt. There lies the beginning of goodness as well as the end of all crookedness. It’s an abstract domain; vivid through action with its appointed time. From there emanates all handsome attitudes and the nobility of men.  Its populace is not composed of one color and a face but encompasses all human crawling on the earth surface.

A world without war of words but dominated by love and peaceful words. It is shrouded with mystery but surrounded with Shangri-la’s sound every day. It’s a blessed world for a blessed people. Only few distinguish it all. All prophets, messengers, and saints were sent to sow in every hearts of the people.

In the past it can’t be entered easily, at present many have claimed it’s easy. The key is everywhere but only few can actually see the beauty of the peaceful world. Only the chosen authorized to view.

Believe in the Kalimatut Tawhid and the Shahada. Should you want to find the abode of peace? Connect these two words and make action, Insya’Allah you’ll find what you looking for.

Seek not with doubts. Erase them until it completely vanished. Sits with gnostic not with pretender to guide you on your way. There’s no way, there’s no world to seek, except what you have now. Contemplate in the saying “BE YOURSELF”.

The world without war is where all words end.

 *A personal reflection out of this chaotic world.

Sh. Aliazer Sh. Abdurajim

Who will be chosen a Sultan?

The demise of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II was the beginning of many Sultans’ heirs rose from their slumbers grappling for Sulu throne. At the start of course, most of them were with their noble intentions but at the end most of them were ended to a trap set by satan which lies in their hearts.  Not to include the trammel set by the Philippine government enable that they can easily control all the existing heirs aiming to free Sulu Sultanate. There are multitude write ups concerning the devious means used by the Filipino politicians over the heirs of the Sultans of Sulu. However, no need to elaborate further on this article because our concern is not about Filipino dirty tricks but re the choosing of real Sultan of Sulu – a Sultan who would be able to support the Assertion of Independence last 17 November 2010. At least, if there’s a real Sulu Sultan willing to support the United Tausug People’s plan, the dream of the Sultanate of Sulu Rumah Bicara would be easily materialize.

One of the fears of the Tausug in general, if most of the heirs who claimed themselves as Sultan will not come along.  If it happens, to some it is a failure, while to the United Tausug People legal counsel it is not. Should all the claiming Sulu Sultans will not attend, the throne of the Sulu Sultanate will be entrusted to the UTC Sultan Datu Ladjamura Bin Datu Wasik Aranan. But if it happen all heirs have attended but failed to produce a Sultan from among the datus the tendency would be is to let the people to resume the government without the de jure Sultan. Hopefully, the current Rumah Bichara of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam has a brilliant mechanism to settle the affair of choosing a Sultan of Sulu.

These are the expected heirs who’ll be invited to attend the choosing of a Sultan:

1. Sultan Fuad Kiram
2. Sultan Esmail Kiram II
3. Sultan Bahjin Shakirullah
4. Sultan Aidal Aliuddin
5. Sultan Ali Kuyung Waliul haq (Aranan)
6. Sultan Pitico
7. Sultan Ajibul Pulalun
8. Datu Ladjamura Bin Datu Wasik Aranan a.k.a Sultan Bantilan Muizuddin II
9. Sultan Agbimuddin
10. Raja Muda Muedzul Lail Kiram
11. Sultan Rodinood Kiram
12. Sultan Jamalul Kiram III
13. Rukayya Alfad a.k.a Dayang (claiming to be the rightful heir but doesn’t want to become a Sultan but she prefer Khalifa instead)
14. Yang Mulia Sultan Dr. Ben Kadil of Tubu’ Sug Mindanao
15. Sultan from Shandong, China (the descendant of Sultan Shariful Hashim)
16. Heirs of the Sultan of Sulu in Bolongan
17. Heirs of the Sultan of Sulu in America
18. And other heirs scattered around the world

The people of Sulu have been waiting for this kind of gathering to happen. Hopefully this time all the mentioned and unmentioned name above will be attended the special event sometimes in next year. For the goodness and welfare of the people of Sulu, forget about Philippines first, all the heirs should support the call for unity and to solve the long ravel problem of the Sultanate of Sulu.

The Tausug people are now exercising the sovereignty of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, right after the Assertion of Independence. The only lack is the Sultan.

The ulamas, sheikhs of different Tariqa, professionals should also attend to give more ingredients to this event.


We'll wait for the official invitation coming from the Rumah Bichara of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam.


*This article is a mere idea of the author not from the Rumah Bichara of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam.


Sh. Aliazer Sh. Abdurajim

Thought on 2nd December

The unclear picture of
the founder of Sultanate of
Sulu Darul Islam

Way back in college, one of my instructors had proposed to me to conduct a research about Sultanate of Sulu issue particularly about the claim to North Borneo by the Philippines. Unluckily we failed to materialize the plan. Back then, I only have few ideas about Sultanate and zero percent about North Borneo issue. But despite of lacking information I also heard sometimes of Sultanate issue only I didn’t give much attention.

I began to give full interest with Sulu issue, when I met Tausug enthusiast about Sulu Sultanate. These guys were simple, typical Tausug personality with fervid concern over the plight of the Tausug in Sulu and in abroad.  These fellows I’m referring are the Tausug Globa Media (TGM) staffs, who considered by Abdul Samad as “Amateur Researchers” but have fervent stand towards peace, justice and the future of Sultanate of Sulu.

Almost every day since 2006 the discussion which serves as the daily nutrients of our minds is the Sultanate issue. With this topic we did hear mixed of untold and published history about Sulu; met with people who have different view of the issue; been to various places met with people who have deep concern over Tausug and Sulu. Through this experience, we did learn a lot and it taught us how difficult it is to defend a country to which you only have immature power - except the freedom to express thoughts and feelings.

In spite of our hectic schedules outside we can still immersed on the web for hours to post articles on blogs, to do research, reply comments on FB and chat boxes, chatting with friends and communicating with each other. This is 21^st century; we must strive hard to give information via internet unless we would be seen in sidewalk bringing along banners which say negative messages to the enemy. Indeed, that isn’t our rhyme, we always do things jive with our interest. We are financially insufficient but we believe in the thinking “It is not money which moves us, it is from above”.  Our capital on this endeavor is sincerity and trust in God.

Photo Source

One of these days if our lives won’t permit us to accomplish the mission, what is important we already heard the content of the Assertion of Independence read last 17 November 2010. The rest of our unfinished task, Insya’Allah, would be continued by a people like Neldy, Asree, Hassan, Bening, Alsadar and Hj. Kerry. I thank Allah for having these people; despite of our differences we did learn a lot not only about our beloved homeland, Sulu Darul Islam, but including the sweetness of friendship and camaraderie.

Until now I myself am not yet fully inform about Sultanate of Sulu. I hope the Sultanate of Sulu shall be emerged soon as a superpower state to satisfy the craving inside this innocent soul.

By now, 02 December 2010 at 12:44 midnight, as I turn 34, I wish our future on this journey would still be filled with perseverance, courage, and trust in God.

I thank you Allah for being able to reach the year 2010. Without you I wouldn’t be here now sharing this thought.  

THE TAUSUG LAMENT: Philippines Please Withdraw!

The emergence of the United Tausug Citizens as the movement of the people has shown indefatigable advocacy for the reinstallation of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam since 2007. Many from among the heirs of the Sultans exerted to work for the Sultanate cause but the status of the Sulu people as a citizen of the Sultanate of Sulu seem disregarded. In reality, even the heirs themselves discombobulated as what was the name of citizenship which their ancestors possessed. Not until the UTC introduced the TAUSUG as a citizen of the Sulu Sultanate where the people of Sulu began to realize the reality behind this issue. As Sharif Neldy said, “Tausug is the real nation whereas the Filipino is the imagine nation”.

Before the UTC egress, the sovereignty of the Sultanate of Sulu extant since it has started in 1405. However, its status as a sovereign state became misty as the scions of the Sultans mixed this “Free State” with the Republic of the Philippines every time they would conduct a program. One of the frequent mistakes done by some descendants can be found on their letter head. On the heading they put “The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, [and the address below] bringing the name Philippines. The question is can two sovereign states co-exist in one government? What kind of a joke is this? The inclusion of Sultanate of Sulu to the Philippine government was illegal. Should it is legal; the puppet scion wouldn’t have confused with their understanding of the Sultanate of Sulu status.

Undoubtedly, the current political leaders of the Philippine republic have no faults with regards to the illegal annexation of the Sultanate of Sulu to the Philippines in the past. But they only become guilty of fault as they hesitate to give earnest panacea to the suffering felt by the people of Sulu for decades. Suppose if they are really for peace and justice, they must comply now with the outcry of the Tausug People “Philippines Please Withdraw” during the assertion of independence on 17 November 2010. The Philippine republic is well aware that they have no right over the Sultanate of Sulu. Perhaps, as of now, the Philippine government is still waiting until the Tausug quarrel among them. Luckily the Tausug nowadays is more aware of enemy’s tactics than before.  

Some say, Tausug is not Suluk

The demand of the Tausug people is simple and clear. They just wanted to enjoy the resources endowed to them which currently benefited by the outsiders. Whereas, the Tausug were suffering of poverty, illiteracy, and become illegal immigrants in their ancestor’s land. They travel as far as America, Europe, Middle East and other parts of Asia to seek for good pasture. Because in Sulu, nowadays, only immaterialist and fate contented could live well, while the dreamer and the seeker of luxurious life would extremely suffer. It is an obvious reason why many Tausug striving for life in foreign land even their lives were at stake. Billions of pesos profited by the Philippines every year from the Tausug foreign workers but did the Philippine government cast even a buck of US dollar for the reconstruction of Sulu out of that money? Sad to say, only dollars from foreign aid scattered in Sulu. What is embarrassing some local politicians in Sulu attached their names on the US & AUS Aid signboard enable that the credit would be written on their names.

This is the time for the Philippine government to withdraw from Sulu territory. The Tausug is already aware of their rights and status as citizens of the Sultanate of Sulu. The deplorable experience felt by the Tausug under the Philippines would be paid when the Filipino start to draw off their de facto government from Sulu.

Think of peaceful withdrawal than the otherwise. The Sultanate of Sulu and the Republic of the Philippines are two sovereign states, therefore for better and harmonious relationship the latter should find the best answer to the current demand of the Tausug.