A Tribute to Minister Mohagher Iqbal: The Pen, the Page, and the Patient Journey
In the journey towards peace and self-determination in Muslim Mindanao, certain individuals stand out. They are molded with the quiet strength of intellect, perseverance, and profound conviction. One such men is Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a figure whose contributions extend far beyond the negotiating table, echoing in the very essence of his character.
Minister Iqbal is, in many ways, a testament to the power of the mind and the enduring wisdom of the ages. It is said that he prefers to have a pocket on his shirt, not for a smartphone or a wallet, but for his pen or reading glasses. This small detail speaks volumes. It paints a picture of a man ever-ready to engage with ideas, to capture a thought, or to delve into the depths of a printed page. It is a subtle yet powerful symbol of his commitment to knowledge and reflection in a world often distracted by the fleeting and the superficial.
Indeed, his good habit of reading is not merely a pastime but a defining characteristic. In the complex and often turbulent landscape of peace processes, the ability to absorb, analyze, and articulate is paramount. Minister Iqbal’s deep engagement with texts, ideas, and histories undoubtedly informs his strategic thinking and his unwavering dedication to the Bangsamoro cause. He is a leader who understands that true progress is built on a foundation of informed understanding and intellectual rigor.
Perhaps the most poignant reflection of his philosophy lies in his belief in Confucius’s timeless adage: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This isn’t just a proverb for Minister Iqbal; it is a guiding principle that has underpinned the MILF’s long and arduous pursuit of peace. The path to self-determination has been fraught with challenges, setbacks, and moments of despair. Yet, through it all, Minister Iqbal and his colleagues have consistently embodied this wisdom, recognizing that monumental change is achieved not in grand leaps, but through consistent, deliberate, and often painstaking small steps. Each negotiation, each dialogue, each agreement, no matter how incremental, has been viewed as that crucial “single step” on the thousand-mile journey.
Minister Mohagher Iqbal stands as a beacon of intellectual fortitude and steadfast resolve. His preference for a pen over fleeting technology, his dedication to reading, and his profound belief in the patient, step-by-step approach to monumental tasks are not just personal traits; they are reflections of the very spirit required to navigate the complexities of peace-building. He reminds us that even the longest and most challenging journeys are conquered, one thoughtful, deliberate step at a time. (Note: This article is shared with the permission of Abdullah “Junn” P. Salik, Jr., the Director General of Basic Education of MBHTE, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
