A Maranao visits and cleans the grave of a loved one during Ramadan in a gesture of respect and remembrance. This tradition, observed during Ramadan and the period leading up to Eid al-Fitr, reflects the Maranao people’s deep spiritual connection and reverence for the afterlife. (Photo: PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Maranao leaders have lauded the passage of the Philippine Islamic Burial Act for advancing cultural respect and social inclusivity. Officially known as Republic Act No. 12160, the law recognizes the right of Muslim Filipinos to immediate burial, reinforcing the country’s commitment to religious diversity.
The law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on April 11, 2025, mandates the immediate release of the bodies of Muslims from hospitals and other institutions, ensuring burial within 24 hours as required by Islamic tradition.
Ustadh Abdul Jabbar Montañer, director of Al-Jalis As Salih, Inc., underscores that immediate burial is a religious duty in Islam, not just tradition. He highlights how legal provisions requiring the release of remains despite unpaid hospital fees support grieving families and uphold faith-based practices. (Photo: ADD/PIA-10)
“Sa Islam, ang mabilis na paglilibing ay hindi lang simpleng kaugalian, ito ay isang relihiyosong obligasyon. Ang paniniwala ay dapat ilibing ang yumaong tao sa lalong madaling panahon bilang pagsunod sa turo ng Propeta Muhammad (saw). Ang mga pagkaantala sa paglilibing ay maaaring magdulot ng pagkabahala sa pamilya at komunidad, dahil nakakaapekto ito sa proseso ng pagdadalamhati at mga ritwal na alinsunod sa tradisyon ng relihiyon,” said Ustadh Abdul Jabbar Montañer, director of Al-Jalis As Salih (The Good Companion), Inc., a non-profit organization that provides Islamic education and support to new Muslims.
(In Islam, immediate burial is not just customary — it is a religious obligation rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Delays in burial can cause deep emotional distress and disrupt the mourning process, which is closely tied to faith-based rituals.)
The law also prevents financial obligations from delaying the release of remains, offering support to families during difficult times.
“Ang mga probisyon sa batas na nagpoprotekta laban sa mga hadlang sa pinansyal tulad ng pagkakaroon ng obligasyon ng mga ospital at iba pang pasilidad na i-release ang mga katawan kahit na may utang ay naglalarawan ng malasakit sa mga hamon na maaaring harapin ng mga pamilya sa mga ganitong oras. Ang inclusivity na ito ay tumutulong upang alisin ang mga stressors na maaaring magpahirap sa proseso ng pagdadalamhati,” he said.
(The provisions in the law that prevent financial barriers—such as requiring hospitals and other facilities to release bodies even if there are outstanding debts—reflect concern for the challenges families may face during such times. This inclusivity helps remove stressors that can make the grieving process more difficult.)
The law includes a 14-day window for reporting a death to the local health officer or mayor’s office. It also mandates informing the family before conducting forensic examinations and requires submission of the death certificate and cause of death to the Local Civil Registrar within 30 days. Penalties for withholding Muslim cadavers include imprisonment for one to six months, fines from P50,000 to P100,000 or both.
Freedom of faith
As one of the principal authors of House Bill No. 8925 which served as the foundation of the law, Representative Ziaur-Rahman Adiong of the First District of Lanao del Sur expressed his appreciation for President Marcos’ approval of the law.
“We thank President Marcos for recognizing the importance of safeguarding the religious rights of Filipino Muslims, even in death,” he said. “This is more than a policy — it is a reaffirmation of our right to religious freedom and cultural dignity.”
Educational efforts
To support the law’s implementation, Montañer’s center in Iligan City plans to engage in educational efforts, including workshops and seminars to inform both the Muslim community and partner institutions about the law’s provisions.
The center will also collaborate with local government units and healthcare institutions to ensure an understanding of the cultural and religious needs of Muslim communities.
Aleem Aboali Cali, president of the Ulama League of the Philippines also conveyed their gratitude to President Marcos for swiftly signing the law.
Cali said the Ulama League will work hand in hand with the government and all stakeholders to push forward efforts to raise awareness about this vital legal and Islamic policy through information drives and to help clarify these legal mandates through interfaith dialogues.
“The Ulama League of the Philippines is dedicated to ensuring that this law is both respected within our community and understood by all, fostering an environment of religious tolerance and mutual respect,” he added.(APB/PIA-10)
