Connecting Through Spirituality: Insights from Filipino and Islamic Traditions

The Hello Frequency Podcast acknowledges the Tainui people of the Waikato region, where it was recorded. Respects to elders past, present, and emerging. 

In this heartfelt episode, I welcome back Rafiqah for the second time to delve deeper into the realms of spirituality and empathy. Drawing from her rich Filipino and Islamic heritage, Rafiqah shares profound insights on how understanding empathy through a spiritual lens can deepen our connections with others. We explore concepts like Pwera Usog, Tabi Tabi Po, Lamang Lupa, Diwata, Sadaqah, and Zakat, and how these traditions shape her worldviews and how she connects with others and nurtures relationships in and with solidarity. I also share my experiences and reflections, highlighting the similarities between these concepts and the non-organised, indigenous Hindu philosophies that resonate with me. This episode feels like a true collaboration, and I am deeply grateful to Rafiqah for sharing this platform with me. Her positive words about my podcast, a passion project that nourishes my life and, as the comments suggest, many others as well, mean the world to me. Join us as we listen to the hello frequency again and again ;), and embark on a journey of spiritual understanding and empathy. Rafiqah generously shared the following description to help us better understand the concepts discussed in this episode. Salamat po, Rafiqah! You are a wonderful soul💖
Pwera usog: is a belief to counter bad elements/spirits, essentially a shield against bad intentions through hexes. Babies are often the targets of bad elements so it has become a norm to say that to infants. Tabi tabi po: meaning “excuse me” or “may I please pass?". You say this in the forest or natural area, incase that you accidentally step on a duwende (dwarf), engkanto (elemental) or any one of the many beings inhabiting the forest. It's the ultimate sign of respect for the natural and spiritual world. Lamang lupa: beings that inhabit the earth. Diwata: Nature spirits or faeries. Coming from the Sanskrit phrase "Devata" meaning “goddess.”  Beng are a Mende ethnic group from the Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire. Jinn: According to Islam are any of a class of spirits lower than the angels. Capable of appearing in human and animal forms and influencing humankind for either good or evil. Lihi: While is a condition of pregnancy food craving. Lihí also encompasses a folk belief that whatever a woman craves during pregnancy will imprint characteristics on the child. This concept reminds us about protecting and caring for pregnant women and people. Sadaqah: In Islam, these are voluntary acts of charity that showcase generosity, love and compassion guided by faith. Whether giving a hug, a compliment food, or donations. Sadaqah can be either small or big. There is no compulsion. Zakat: An obligatory act of charity. Mandated as one of the five pillars of Islam. Focuses on compassion as well as giving to the needy. It's like almsgiving, often collected by the Muslim Ummah (community). Kulam: While associated with black magic, it's also a form of hexing rather than cursing (sumpa). Connects to the ideas of retribution and justice through a Filipino spiritual lens. In an unjust society, Kulam can be used as a defence mechanism. Mystical creatures ( kapre,  Tyanak,  Aswang/ Managgal) serve a purpose in Filipino society to remind people of the importance of sticking together and looking out for one another and the importance of respecting, protecting, and maintaining a positive relationship with the environment.
Copyright and Citation

© Abdullah, R. & Divakalala, C. (2024). Connecting Through Spirituality: Insights from Filipino and Islamic Traditions. The Hello Frequency, A Lifestyle Podcast.