The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) on Wednesday hailed the first-ever nationwide observance of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day on Nov. 7, calling it a milestone for national unity and inclusivity that recognizes Muslim heritage as an integral part of Filipino identity.

“This momentous day is a symbolic shift that ushers in an era of national inclusivity, solidifying Muslim heritage as a foundation of Filipino identity,” NCMF Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim said in a statement ahead of the commemoration.

Abdurahim said the observance provides an opportunity for Filipinos to honor the country’s multicultural roots and the lasting legacy of Islam in Philippine history.

He urged government agencies, educational institutions, and citizens to hold educational and cultural activities highlighting Muslim heritage and unity.

“The NCMF stands committed to ensuring that the legacy of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum and the importance of Islamic civilization are permanently and prominently recognized in the history of the Republic,” Abdurahim said.

The national holiday is made possible through Republic Act (RA) 12228, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 9, 2025.

The law permanently declares Nov. 7 as Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Day, a special national working holiday throughout the country to commemorate the establishment of the Philippines’ first mosque – the Masjid Sheikh Karimul Makhdum in Tubig Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi – and the introduction of Islam in 1380 by Sheikh Karimul Makhdum.

RA 12228 directs the state to “instill inclusivity to all regardless of religious beliefs” and to recognize “the indispensable contributions of Muslim Filipinos in the development of Philippine culture and civilization.”

The measure complements RA 10573 enacted in 2013, which declared the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque a national historical landmark. (PNA)