02/09/2026
๐จ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐-๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
In the evolving story of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, many names rise and fall with the tides of leadership. But one name stands firm in the consciousness of many as a symbol of steadfast moral clarity: ๐ด๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ. ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, the present Mufti of the Bangsamoro.
Since his appointment as Mufti, much has been said about his qualifications, his background, and his contributions to Islamic propagation. But what remains untold are the circumstances that led to his selection as the leader of the Bangsamoro Darul-Iftaโ (BDI), and the kind of spiritual burden he carries in holding the same.
Those close to the process recall that when consultations began on who would serve as Mufti after the passing of his predecessor, Mufti Guialani ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ป๐ผ๐ apply for the role. In fact, when asked, he humbly offered the names of other Bangsamoro scholars whom he believed were more deserving than him.
But unbeknownst to him, the tide of consultation flowed strongly in his favor. The overwhelming consensus of the Ulama, scholars, and respected figures pointed to his name. It was this silent endorsement, grounded in trust and respect, that ultimately reached the leadership of BARMM. And in accordance with the Islamic principle of obeying the leader, Mufti Guialani accepted the responsibility, albeit with visible hesitation. As he often reminds others, him being the Mufti is not an honor to be sought but a trust to be carried.
The Mufti stands behind what Allah has commanded in the Quran which reads โO you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you...โ โ Surah An-Nisa (4:59)
This profound awareness of the spiritual weight of leadership is what shapes Mufti Guialaniโs approach. When the call for courtesy resignations was issued by the Office of the Chief Minister, he was among the first to submit his resignation, not out of fear or compliance with political routine, but out of sincere obedience to the Islamic principle of following the Amir.
The moment he was officially placed at the helm of the BDI, Mufti Guialani wasted no time in rebuilding and strengthening the institution. One of his first initiatives was to fill long-vacant positions within BDI, ensuring that critical functions were no longer left to strain under limited manpower. He also institutionalized the regular and prompt convening of the Fatwa sessions, reminding key personnel their legal and moral duty to remain active and responsive.
He is known to hold his staff accountable, not with anger or punishment, but with principled firmness. He frequently checks whether his office is compliant with current policies and issuances, and when necessary, reminds his team of the need for punctuality and productivity, especially as these are directives from the highest offices of BARMM.
When it comes to the recruitment, the Mufti exercises particular caution, often rejecting mere endorsements and requiring merit-based selection. He holds firmly to the belief that positions in the service of Islam must be earned and not given through influence or favor.
Under his leadership, thousands of Ulama from different parts of the Bangsamoro region were given the opportunity to be recognized and engaged as part of the government structure. Among his initiatives for the Ulama was the introduction of capacity-building programs aimed at equipping them with practical skills beyond religious scholarship, such as conducting interviews and other competencies useful in public service and community engagement.
Mufti Guialani does not speak often about his role, nor does he seek recognition. But in his quiet discipline, his fidelity to principle, and his unshakeable sense of spiritual responsibility, he remains what a Mufti should be: a guide, a light in the darkest hours, a servant of the truth.
