Featured image above which means Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) is courtesy of and thanks to Panjtanpak Graphics05 by Mohammad Shahriyar from Pixabay.
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IN MY OWN OPINION
“Crazy Moro Clan Wars”
March 7, 2026
Guest author:
- DATU LOWELL L. MACABANGEN, Opinion Writer / Moro Affairs Analyst / Activist / Businessman / Family Man
MANILA — One painful reality in Maguindanao and the Special Geographic Area (SGA), all in BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is how the sacred words “ALLAHU AKBAR” have become one of the most abused expressions in the middle of clan wars. A phrase that means “GOD is the Greatest,” which should be spoken with humility, prayer, and devotion, is sometimes shouted in the heat of armed confrontations as fellow Moros raise their guns against one another, often in the middle of civilian communities.
For me, this is deeply troubling. When the name of ALLAH (SWT) is invoked in the middle of rido, personal vendettas, and violence among brothers, it distorts the true meaning of faith. Islam does not teach us to use the name of God to justify conflict against our own people. Instead, it calls for justice, restraint, and the protection of life.
What makes this situation even more concerning is that these clashes continue to happen in populated areas where ordinary civilians are the ones who suffer most. Families live in fear while armed groups fight in the name of clan honor or political rivalry.
Ramadhan observance includes restraining of one’s ego
This reality raises a serious question for our leadership and for our society as a whole. If we truly claim to uphold moral governance and Islamic values in our communities, then we must also have the courage to condemn the misuse of our sacred words in the midst of violence. “ALLAHU AKBAR” should remind us of our submission to God, not accompany the sound of gunfire between fellow Moros.
While this is happening in our own communities, the Muslim world is already witnessing turmoil and suffering elsewhere. In the Middle East, conflicts and wars continue to devastate cities and populations, drawing global attention to the struggles of Muslim societies. At a time when the world expects Muslims to demonstrate unity, discipline, and moral leadership, it is tragic that in some places, we are still fighting among ourselves.
What makes this even more painful is that these conflicts persist even during the holy month of RAMADHAN, a time meant for reflection, restraint, forgiveness, and spiritual purification. During a month when Muslims are called to control anger, seek reconciliation, and strengthen brotherhood, some communities in Maguindanao and the SGA continue to witness the eruption of rido and war clan confrontations.
This contradiction should force us to reflect deeply. If a sacred month that teaches patience, mercy, and self-discipline can not restrain our impulse for violence against fellow Moros, then we must ask ourselves whether we have truly understood the essence of our Islamic faith.
The sanctity of Ramadan is not only about fasting from food and drink. It is about restraining the ego, ending hostilities, and restoring peace among brothers. If we can not pause our wars even during this sacred time, then something in our moral and social order is profoundly broken and it demands honest reflection, true and courageous LEADERSHIP. (/)
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Editor’s Note: The Opinion, every word is of and by the author and not necessarily by SDN.
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