It is known that all are bound to the Almighty and were made to submit to Him. All spirits were made to submit to Allah as well as to Adam, the vice-regent of His power on earth. But there was one that did not. In his arrogance and envy he refused to bow down and even repent for his insolence.

The jinn tempted Adam and his wife and because of this was condemned to eternal suffering, but Saytan’s sentence was stayed until the last day of judgement.

And so, he waits.

And so, he plots.

There was a time when Adam, the Datu’ of the land was faced with a matter regarding his children. Five were his sons, and afterwards a sixth child was born. This offspring was not like the rest: it had no mouth, no eyes, no hands, no feet and no ears. It was like a lanzones fruit that could only roll.

Adam was perplexed. What was this thing that he had begotten? Why was it so different from his other children? What could be done about it?

His son, Jibrail learned about this strange occurrence and went to his father to see for himself. Jibrail asked what had his mother given birth to and Adam could only reply that it was different from him and his other siblings.

Adam told his son that he did not know what to do and Jibrail told him not to worry. This problem would land on Jibrail’s shoulders and he told his father such.

Jibrail returned home and, after rest, he appealed to God and sat in a tahayat* manner. God replied and asked why He had been invoked.

Jibrail bowed before the Immaculate one. He told Him of the sixth offspring of Adam. How the other children were like everyone else, but this thing was like a lanzones fruit.God commented that He had never encountered such a thing and left Jibrail to wonder. Jibrail asked God what should be done with the offspring.

God decreed that Jibrail should go back to his father and plant the offspring. Jibrail obeyed and told his father what God had decreed.

Adam obeyed and planted it.

And so, he waited.

After a week, Adam noticed that there were things that resembled needle tips growing from the ground.

After ten nights, he found that it had sprouted.

After fifteen days, green leaves were all around it.

After a month there were two robust budsthat had branches.

After two months the lower and middle parts of the bud had become smaller.
Two and a half months had passed when Datu’ Saytan appeared in the garden. He rejoiced at the plant. Unbeknownst to the Datu an unseen companion** had heard him celebrate the growth of the plant.

After a long time had passed Datu’ Saytan returned to his home and the companion went to see Adam. The companion told Adam about how Datu’ Saytan rejoiced in the garden, saying the plant was his.

Adam scoffed at Datu’ Saytan’s arrogance. He would never accept that Saytan could take the plant away from him even going as far as saying if he sees Saytan in the garden he would cut him alive in two with a sword. More time had passed and Adam and Datu’ Saytan had found each other in a quarrel, both claiming ownership of the plant. In the midst of the fight the skin of the plant’s fruit had turned light yellow.

After learning of his father’s fight with Saytan, Jibrail went to see Adam. Jibrail was told that each side had taken ownership of the plant and Jibrail’s words were thus, “Do not fight with each other. Settle this amicably.” Adam replied and agreed with him.

Once again Jibrail consulted God’s wisdom. He told the Almighty about the trouble Datu’ Saytan was causing and God’s decree was, “We will judge them. Tell Adam to bring grains of the plant in his right hand and have Datu’ Saytan bring some grains in his left hand.”

Jibrail met with both Adam and Datu’ Saytan and told them of God’s decree. Both agreed to stand before God and be judged at the portals of heaven.
An angel was sent to fetch the two and both made their case before the Almighty. Saytan stood firm in his assertion that the plant was his and Adam replied with his own case that it was God himself that ordered him to plant his sixth offspring.

God said to Datu’ Saytan, “Will you open your left hand?
What is in it, Datu’ Saytan?”

Saytan opened his hand and nothing but chaff was in it.

God then said to Adam, “You, too, open yours.”

Adam opened his hand and in it was a multitude of husked grains.

God’s judgment was clear: Datu’ Saytan had lost, his lies were revealed in his hands.

Datu’ Saytan asked God, “What is that plant? The world is already complete.***”

And God replied, “Rice.”

Saytan then said that he must have a share of it and when Jibrail asked him how he would have his share Saytan said that the people of earth would cultivate the plant and when that happens the owner of the crop should not partake of the rice until it has been used in performing the devotional prayer. It should also not be placed on the weighing scale. Whatever is left must be used for the prayer and that would be Saytan’s.

And Jibrail replied, “This means that for any rice seedlings left, a small amount of it should be used as an offering to God.”

And thus ends the story of how rice came to be.

——————————————————————————

This narrative was originally narrated by Mullung (Muhammad Absari Salahuddin), a Tausug storyteller.

Mullung’s philosophy (as explained by Maduh Damsani, a relative of his) is “Kata piya-awn sin Tuhan bunnal katan” – “All that is created by Allah is true”. Stories are a creation and because creation belongs to Allah, and Allah is true, therefore his stories are true.

His narration of this kaawn (creation story) is perceived by Mullung’s inner spirit and does not fit to the letter of the Qur’an.

*Tahayat refers to the ninth essential position for prayers, a sitting position in which the right foot is inserted behind the left knew and the buttocks touches the left foot.

**The companion is called Sahabat, a term of Arabic origin and often refers to a companion or follower of the Prophet.

***Implied here is the question, “Why add one more species?”

Written by Karl Gaverza

Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Story adapted from In Kaawn sin Pây – The Creation of Rice, Narrated by Mullung in Voices from Sulu: A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions pg 34-47.

The Devil (Datu’ Saytan) Illustration by Leandro Geniston

FB: That Guy With A Pen

Colors by Catherine Chiu

FB: Wildling Child

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*Note this story is in Ilocano

“Mama, padengan nak man ti maysa a namayat a sarsarita ket haan nak makaturog.”

“Sige, umuna agidda kan garod sadiay pagiddaam, balong.
Insaritak ba kanyamon diay istorya dagiti aanghel ti Sitti Maryam?”

“Haan pay, mama.”

“Ket isu, agdenngeg ka ngarod a nalaing.

Idi naibati a agmaymaysa ni Sitti Maryam sadiay kabakiran tapno padakkelen na daytoy nagasat ket napili a propeta a Nabi’ Isa, haan met taltalga imbati iti Diyos isuna a agmaymaysa. Iti Diyos ket nagipatulod ti pitopulo ket pito (77) a babbai a angheles tapno maiyadayo daytoy a propeta iti dakes ken danes, ken diay lider ket addaan ti nagan a Tuwan Putli. Isuna ket maysa a napintas a anghel nga addaan to met ti nakapinpintas a pay-yak. Is-isunan to met laeng ti makasarsarita ken Sitti Maryam ta ibaga na dagiti ubraen to dagiti aanghel.

Imbaga na nga tumalaw to iti pito pulo a anghel no dumteng to ti ika-siyete a aldaw malpas maiyanak ni Nabi’ Isa, ket ninto Tuwan Putli ken innem a kakadwa na ket mangkita ken Nabi’ Isa iti uppat a pulo ket uppat a aldaw sadanto agpangato sadiay ti langit. Ni Tuwan Putli ket nasimpet ken nasiyaat, ken haan nanto pulos kayat a adda ti madi a mangyari kenni Nabi’Isa.

Dagiti aangheles ken ni Sitti Maryam ket addaan sadiay kabakiran ti maysa a isla ken addaan ti mangsirsirpat kanyada a kinadakes, manipud dagiti nauuyong nga animales ingana kadayti saytan nga aggigyan sadiay kaykayo kada batbato. Dagiti aangheles ket addaan latta ti grasya ken silaw nga mang-protektar kanyada nga agina. Nagaramid pay isudan ti pagyanan tay ubing ket silsilawan da latta ti pagpagnaan da sadinno da man mapan.

Dimtengen iti makauppat a pulo ket uppat a aldaw, kinasaritan ni Tuwan Putli ni Siiti Maryam nga kasapulan dan ti tumalawen. Dagiti pito a aanghel ket nagpakadan ken jay ubing ken jay ina na, ngem ammo da metten nga nalpas ti ubra dan. Maysa ken maysa, nagna dan mapan sadiay bullalayaw a mangitudo dalan mapan langit.

Nabatin ni Sitti Maryam a agmaymaysa kadwa na tay ubing ngem isuna met ket nabatiyan iti adal, sirib ken pammagbaga nga ni Apo Diyos ket addaan ti namaymayat a plano paran to kanyada.

Binitbit na ket inarakop na tay ubing ket nakita na jay sumangbay a mapasamak kanyada. Kimmararag a naulimet isuna kadagiti pito pulo a aangheles nga timmul-tulong kanyana kadagiti amin a nadadakes ken nasisipnget a oras na ken imbaga na met a naidumduma unay ni Tuwan Putli’. Ammo ni Sitti Maryam sadiay kauunegan a parte puso na nga dagiti aangheles ket addaan latta sadiay langit a mangbuybuya kanyada manipud palang idi.”

“…………………………………..”

“La ngarod iturog mon, bassit a anghel ko. Addidog pay ti al-aldaw a sumangbay para kanyata.” Ϫ

English Version

“Mama, tell me a story. I can’t sleep.”

“Alright, let me take you to bed now, child.

Have I ever told you the story of Sitti Maryam’s* angels?”

“Not yet, mama.”

“Well listen closely,

When Sitti Maryam was left alone in the wilderness to raise the great prophet Nabi’ Isa, God did not leave her alone. He sent 77 female angels to help keep the child out of danger, and their leader was none other than Tuwan Putli’. She was a beautiful angel with great wings. She was also the only one who spoke to Sitti Maryam to tell what the angels would do.

She bade 70 angels to leave the seventh day after Nabi’ Isa was born and she and six other angels stayed for 44 more days before ascending into heaven. Tuwan Putli’ was kind and gentle, and would always seek to make sure the baby was unharmed.

The angels and Sitti Maryam were in the wilderness of the island and there were many dangers lurking around, from wild animals to the saytan living in the trees and rocks. The angels protected their charge with grace and light. They made him a cradle and guided the light towards them.

On the forty fourth day, Tuwan Putli’ told Sitti Maryam that the angels had to go. All seven angels gave a sad farewell to the baby and his mother, but they knew that their work was done. Each angel stepped onto a rainbow that guided them to heaven.

Sitti Maryam was left with her baby and also with the wisdom that God had a greater plan for her that was still to come.

She cradled her child in her arms and saw a future for them. She said a silent prayer to all the 77 angels that helped her through her darkest times and she said a special one for Tuwan Putli’. Sitti Maryam knew in her heart of hearts that the angels would be watching over her from that day on.”

“………………..”

“Sleep well my little angel. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

————————–————————–————————––

*Sitti Maryam and Nabi’ Isa are the Tausug names for Mama Mary and Jesus Christ

*Ilocano is the third most-spoken local language of the Philippines.An Austronesian language, it is related to such languages as Malay (Indonesian and Malaysian), Tetum, Chamorro, Fijian, Maori, Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Paiwan and Malagasy. It is closely related to some of the other Austronesian languages of Northern Luzon, and has slight mutual intelligibility with the Balangao language and the eastern dialects of the Bontoc language.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Ilocano translation by Jerald James G. Montgomery
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Jerald James G. Montgomery

Inspired by “Sitti Maryam. Lady Mary.” in Voices from Sulu A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions. Rixhon. 2010. and Aida Gaverza

Tuwan Putli’ Illustration by emirajuju
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Watercolor by Catherine Chiu
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*Note this story is in Bicol

Gabos iniisip na istorya lang an mga birradali. Dai lang kami nagpapahalata, pwera sa sarong okasyon, sarong oras, saro sa mga kaibahan mi an nagtuga. Aram nindo, kaming pitong magturugang, inbababa namun an bahaghari sa kinaban para tangkason an samuyang plata na pakpak, magpahuway nan magkakarigos sa burabod.

Sarong aldaw, may isad na tawo an nakahiling kan pakpak namun sa doot. Pighadlok niya kami na aagomon niya. Kami na anom na pinakamagurang sa magturugang may dunong na kaya pigtago namun an pakpak namun sa harani. San nagpapaduman na sa amun an tawo, insul-ot uli namun an pakpak nan nagluyap na kami pabalik sa kalangitan. Alagad an pinakabatit namun na tugang, indudulag an pakpak niya kaya naagaw lugod nan nakalit kan lalaki.

An biraddalli dai basta nagpapadaog. Sa una, naging halas an tugang mi, nagkakamang padulag alagad an lalaki sarong paradakop kaya nadakop niya an halas nan nilaom sa kulungan. Sunod, naging saro siyang uyang asin nagtago sa irarom kan ingod kan kadlagan. Alagad malinawon an mata kan lalaki kaya nahilingan siya na nagigibo agihan pairarom.

Sunod, naging saro naman siyang aluhipan, nagpapahitaas sa mga sanga kan puno para makatakas. Pero makaskas an lalaki, pinondo siya sa saro na sanga. Sunod, wara na kan iba na magigibo an tugang namun kay habang wara sa iya an pakpak, padiit diit man na manluluya an kapangyarihan niya.

Nagtugot na lang an tugang namu na maging agom kan lalaki. Nag-upod siya sa lalake alagad pig-aabangan pa man niya an pagkakataon na makuha liwat an plata na pakpak nan magluyap pabalik sa bahaghari, paduman sa kalangitan. Kaming mga ate niya dai matugot na duman lang siya sa kinaban kaupod an lalaki.

Inlilikayan namu na madakop man kan lalaki. Kaya naghuring kami sa hangin, nagsasarig na an saro sa samuyang mga hinuring makaabot sa tugang namun.

Huminuring kami manungod sa kadlagan nan mga puno. Pigtaram mi sa iya na nilubong kan lalake an saiyang plata na pakpak sa irarom kan puno na kaabay san salog. Huminuring kami manungod sa katalingkasan asin paglaom. Huminuring kami na nalalangkag na kami sa iya.

Sarong aldaw, nabati niya kami. San wara an lalaki sa harong, tuminakas sya asin nagdalagan paduman sa kadlagan. Dai pa nagkaigwa san mas makaskas na briddali, asin dai pa naaraman san maski sino na anghel kun nano an nguya kan katalingkasan.

Gabos mahona na leyenda asin inimbento lang an mga briddali, niyan na aram na namun kung nano na karaotan an kaya san mga tawo. Dai nanggad na may maski sino na makaagaw samuya kan sa among pakpak. Dai na nanggad magkakaigwa san saro samuya na makaaram kan kahadlokan kan pagkabihag sa kinaban. Dai na nanggad na maski saro samuya magkaaram kan padusa na lain kami kompleto.
Magigin buhay kami sa mga leyenda kan mga tawo nan sa gayon kan bahaghari. Niyan, magpasano pa man.

English Version

Everyone thinks the biraddali are myths on earth, we’re just too careful to let ourselves be seen. Except for one occasion, one time when one of us let our guard down. You see, us seven sisters take the rainbow down to earth to remove our silver wings and relax and bathe in the fresh mountain springs.

One day, a human saw our wings on the ground and threatened to make us his wives. We eldest sixsisters were wise enough to keep our wings close and when he got near, we put on our wings and flew back to the heavens. But the youngest sister kept her wings further away and the man stole them from her.

A biraddali will not back down. The youngest sister changed into a snake at first, slithering away, but the man was a hunter and trapped the snake in a cage. The youngest then changed into a scorpion and hid amongst the forest floor, but the man’s vision was great, so he saw her scuttling away. The youngest then changed into a centipede, going up the tree branches to escape his advances, but the man was quick, he stopped the centipede at a branch. Finally, the youngest had no choice, without her wings the biraddali’s power was fading.

The youngest acquiesced to being the man’s wife, and she stayed with him, waiting for the day she could get her silver wings and fly back on the rainbow towards the heavens. We elder sisters would not let the youngest remain on earth with the man.

We did not want to risk getting captured by the man ourselves, and each one of us was scared of getting our wings clipped, so we carried our whispers on the winds, hoping that one would reach our trapped sister.

We whispered of the forest and of the trees, telling her that the man buried her silver wings under a tree beside the river. We whispered of freedom and hope. We whispered that we missed her.

And one day, we were heard. The youngest sister escaped the man’s house while he was away and dashed towards the forest. Never had there been a swifter biraddali, and never had any angel knew what freedom had meant.

Everyone will think the biraddali are myths, for we know the cruelty that man can possess. Our wings will never be taken from us. Never again will one of us know the fear of being shackled to the earth. Never again will the rest know the misery of knowing that we are not complete.

We will remain alive in the myths of men and in the beauty of the rainbow. For now, and forever.

————————–————————–———————–

*The Bikol languages or Bicolano languages are a group of Central Philippine languages spoken mostly in the Bicol Peninsula in the island of Luzon, the neighboring island province of Catanduanes and the island of Burias in Masbate. There is a dialect continuum between the Visayan languages and the Bikol languages; the two together are called the Bisakol languages.

The Tabaco-Legazpi-Sorsogon (TLS) dialect is spoken in the eastern coast of Albay and the northeastern part of Sorsogon. TLS is the dialect that has been most influenced by the Inland Bikol languages.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Bicol Translation by Krishna Shai Azurin
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Krishna Shai Azurin

Inspired by “The Seven Angels.” in Sulu Studies 2. Rixhon ed. 1973.

The Seven Biraddali Sisters Illustration and Colors by Elise Mendoza.

*Note this story is in Tandaganon

“Nay, pwede bakaw magsugilanon kanak?.Dili sagud ako katurog”.

” Sige, dali, ngadto kita sa imo higdaanan nak”.

“Gihisgut ko na ba sa imo ang mahitungod sa mga angheles ni Sitti Maryam?”.

” Wara pa raba nay”.

“Na hala, tul-id, tarong paminaw”.

” Sa dihang nanamkon pa si Sitti Maryam siang usa ka bantugang propeta, si Nabi’ Isa, wara gayud siya gibiyaan sa Dios. Gipadaa’ kanaan (Dios) ang iyang sitenta’y syete ka mga angheles nga mga bubay aron magproteksyon siang bata gikan sa kadaot. Ug si Tawan Putli amoy yanguluhan sa mga angheles. Madayaw kanaan itsura ug may mga badihi na mga pako. Siya lamang ang bugtong makaistprya kang Sitti Maryam unoy pagabuhaton sa mga angheles.

Iya pagamandaran ang sitenta (70) ka mga angheles na mubiya sa ikapito na adlaw human gipakatawo si Nabi’ Isa. Yagpabilin siya ug ang yabilin na unom ka angheles sulod sa kwarentay kwatro (44) dias usa pa yasaka sa langit. Buotan ug kalamado kaayo nga anghel si Tawan Putli ug sigeg natay sa bata para masiguro ang kaluwasan niini.

Yangadto ang mga angheles ug si Sitti Maryam sa mingaw na isla ug arangi katalagman ang gapalibot sa ilaha gikan sa mga ihas na mamang ngadto sa mga daotan na yagpuyo sa mga kahoy ug kabatohan. Ginaprotektahan sila (Sitti Maryam ug ang bata) sa mga angheles pinaagi sa grasya ug kahayag. Gibuhatan nila siya ug kadang ug amoy yaggiya sa kahayag na yaon sa ila.

Sa miabot na ang ika kwarentay kwarto na adlaw, giistoryahan ni Tawan Putli si Sitti Maryam na mobiya na sya ug ang mga anghel. Subo nga nanabiya sila sa bata ug sa iyang inahan pero yakasayod sila na ngahi da gayud taman ilaha trabaho. Ug nanagtamak isa isa ang mga anghel sa bangaw nga amoy mugiya padung langit.

Yabilin si Sitti Maryam ug ang bata ug nabinlan sila ug kaalam na may badihi pa nga plano ang Diyos kaniran nga muabutay pa.

Busa gikugos ni Sitti Maryam ang bata ug iyang nakita ang kaugmaon nilang duha. Ug ni ampo siyag hilom sa sitentay syete (77) ka mga angheles na yatabang sa iya bisan sa kalisod na panahon uc lahi kaayo ang iyang pag ampo kang Tawan Putli. Ug yakahibawo siya sa iyang (Sitti Maryam)kasing kasing sa mga kasing kasing na yagbantay ang mga anghel sa iya sukad yadtong gibantayan siya.”

“…………………………………………”

“Katurog na akong gamay na anghel; may ato pa adlaw silom”

————————–————————–————————–———–

English Version

“Mama, tell me a story. I can’t sleep.”

“Alright, let me take you to bed now, child.

Have I ever told you the story of Sitti Maryam’s* angels?”

“Not yet, mama.”

“Well listen closely,

When Sitti Maryam was left alone in the wilderness to raise the great prophet Nabi’ Isa, God did not leave her alone. He sent 77 female angels to help keep the child out of danger, and their leader was none other than Tuwan Putli’. She was a beautiful angel with great wings. She was also the only one who spoke to Sitti Maryam to tell what the angels would do.

She bade 70 angels to leave the seventh day after Nabi’ Isa was born and she and six other angels stayed for 44 more days before ascending into heaven. Tuwan Putli’ was kind and gentle, and would always seek to make sure the baby was unharmed.

The angels and Sitti Maryam were in the wilderness of the island and there were many dangers lurking around, from wild animals to the saytan living in the trees and rocks. The angels protected their charge with grace and light. They made him a cradle and guided the light towards them.

On the forty fourth day, Tuwan Putli’ told Sitti Maryam that the angels had to go. All seven angels gave a sad farewell to the baby and his mother, but they knew that their work was done. Each angel stepped onto a rainbow that guided them to heaven.

Sitti Maryam was left with her baby and also with the wisdom that God had a greater plan for her that was still to come.

She cradled her child in her arms and saw a future for them. She said a silent prayer to all the 77 angels that helped her through her darkest times and she said a special one for Tuwan Putli’. Sitti Maryam knew in her heart of hearts that the angels would be watching over her from that day on.”

“………………..”

“Sleep well my little angel. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

————————–————————–————————––

*Sitti Maryam and Nabi’ Isa are the Tausug names for Mama Mary and Jesus Christ

*Tandaganon (also called Tinandag, Naturalis, Tagon-on) is a closely related variety of Surigaonon spoken in the central Surigao del Sur municipalities of Tandag City, San Miguel, Tago, Bayabas, Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin, and most of Lianga. It can be classified as a separate language or alternatively as a southern variety of Surigaonon. There are about 100,000 speakers.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Tandaganon Translation by Jasser
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Jasser

Inspired by “Sitti Maryam. Lady Mary.” in Voices from Sulu A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions. Rixhon. 2010. and Aida Gaverza

Tuwan Putli’ Illustration by emirajuju
IG: https://www.instagram.com/emirajuju/

Watercolor by Catherine Chiu
FB: Wildling Child
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The air was thick with perfume as the winged pair went on with their duty. The mourners had gone to their homes, the imam had recited the prayers, the body had been lowered to the grave, yet one more thing still had to be done.

Theirs was a tedious task, death was ever present with life. It was something to do with the Almighty’s design. They wouldn’t concern themselves with theological philosophy. They needed to do their duty, and when that was done, they would do their duty again, until the day of judgment had passed.

They had been to the graves of paupers and kings, of the faithful and the faithless and it was there they learned of humanity’s frailness. Without the tulkin the dead would not be able to answer them, and even with the tulkin there were those that refused to answer their questions.

They had seen seemingly pious men and women tortured for their failures and they had given blessed sleep to those that others would deem hard of heart.

Faith and death were their domains. Together they would stand beside the recently passed and rain the Almighty’s judgment upon them.

It was a burden they were both willing to bear.

As they approached the grave the dead awoke and took its position. The pair asked their questions and the dead replied without hesitation.

The pair was satisfied with his answer. They let the dead continue his rest and it was not long before they were called again.

This time the grave didn’t need much earth to cover it. They could tell that many tears were shed for this one, but they were steadfast in their duty.

The dead rose and faced the Almighty’s investigators.

They asked their questions and hoped that they would receive the proper answers. If they were asked, they would do their duty, but they took no pleasure in pursuing the Almighty’s will, especially on one such as this.

Before she would answer their questions, she asked them one of her own:

“Why would the Almighty let this happen to me?”

The angels would not answer her. It was not their place to speak for the Almighty. They were there to do their duty and nothing more. They asked their questions again and she answered them, as one that died in the faith.

They left her with blessed sleep and ascended into heaven. Again, they were called down onto earth to do their duty.
This time they were met with hostility. The dead did not respect his faith in life and closed his ears during the tulkin. The screams of the dead echoed in his grave, but there was no one there to help him. Such was the price of ignorance.

Again they ascended and again they were called down. They did not measure their duty in time, for what was time to those such as them?

Through it all they remembered each soul, each one that continued their sleep until the day of judgment and each one that faced tortures in the realms of hell.

They faced their duty as angels should.

All for the will of the Almighty.

*The Tulkin the set of special instructions in preparation for the dead’s investigation toward his or her final judgement

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Story inspired by the descriptions in Munabi. Narrated by Mullung.Voices from Sulu A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions. Rixhon (ed). 2010.

Nakir Illustration by emirajuju
IG: https://www.instagram.com/emirajuju/

Fatima’ clutched her hijab tight. The waiting was starting to get to her. She knew she would get scolded by her mother if she kept fidgeting, so she tried to think of other things to calm her mind.

It had only been a few hours since Munabi had passed and they were preparing his body with the rituals. His was a peaceful death. He had been sick for a long time and God the merciful had finally decided it was time for him to go to the hereafter.

Fatima’ quietly thought to herself about the five rituals observed after death. * She wondered if the same would be done to her when she passed, though she brushed those thoughts aside. Fatima’ reminded herself that she was too young to think about death. All things would come in their time and she hoped that hers would be far into the future.

They were starting with the ligu’un siyam, the nine bathings. The imam said that this was to cleanse the nine bodily orifices of all dirt and polluting matter. “At least the dead will be clean when they go to heaven,” Fatima’ smiled at the thought.

Tradition was important to her, as it was with everyone in her village. Uncomfortable as she was with the idea of death, there were at least some things that she could appreciate in the ceremonies.

————————–————————–————————–——-

“I order you to get the dead.” A booming voice came from everywhere and nowhere at once.

“We will go and investigate, as is our duty.” Wings stretched out and headed across the infinite.

Two figures raced like shooting stars from the firmament, both headed towards the earth.

————————–————————–————————–————-
It was time for the sa’putun, where the dead would be wrapped in a single seamless white cloth. Fatima’ was still unsettled. Soon it would be the sambahayang, the recitation of prayers. She would be with the procession since Munabi was a relative of hers.

She never saw him much while he was alive, one regret that would stay with her throughout the day. They were cousins, but he was much older and there was nothing that connected them other than blood. Fatima’ told herself that she would pray for him, it was the least she could do.

Throughout the sambahayang Fatima’ stayed alert. She listened intently to the imam’s words and breathed in the perfume. Munabi’s mother was crying a few feet away from Fatima’ and this made thoughts of the future weigh heavy on the young girls mind.

“If I died tomorrow, what would happen?” Fatima’ thought.
Would my friends cry for me as Munabi’s mother did? What would happen to the people I would leave behind? Would they still think of me?

Fatima’ shook off the thoughts plaguing her mind. She concentrated on the ritual happening before her. It was time for the hikibul, the lowering of the dead into the grave itself. Her father told her that the hole needed to be dug with a niche running north to south so the body would be facing Mecca, as you would in prayer.

As the sun started to set and the imam recited the teachings of Islam, Fatima’ wondered if this would be the way she would be ushered into the afterlife. She imagined her future would be with a family of her own. They would be feeling the pain of loss, yes, but also the happiness of having had a life with her.

She thought to what her husband would be like. Fatima’ wished he would be a kind man and a good father to their children. She thought of what she might name them, if her firstborn was a boy she wanted to name him Maduh, after her grandfather and she hadn’t yet decided a name if she was a girl.

There would still be time for her to live her life, she had to remind herself. For now, it was time to remember Munabi’s.

The grave was closed and the imam threw a handful of soil onto the boards, all the people did the same and when it was Fatima’s turn she lingered for a moment. Her eyes looked not at the grave but at the people surrounding it.

She could see faces of pain and sadness, devastated by a loss they would bear their whole lives. She saw quiet faces locked in contemplation, thinking about deaths long passed or, like herself, deaths yet to come. She could also see those few whose brows were heavy with questions.

Fatima’ breathed in deep and threw her handful of dirt on the grave. In the end no one will need more than the space of a small wooden box.

“Pray in death as you would in life,” her thoughts were louder now as silence filled the burial procession, only broken by one voice.

It was time for the tulkin, preparation of the dead’s investigation towards their final judgment. Abdulla was the man under whose direction the grave was dug, and thus the responsibility fell to him. Fatima’ craned her neck to give a better view of him whispering into the ear of the dead.

This part was to give the dead instructions to prepare the dead for their visit with the investigators of God. The whispers were the answers to the questions that will be asked of the dead. Fatima’ knew the answers, like any faithful person should, but she couldn’t help repeating the questions in her own head.

“Who is your God?”

“Who is your prophet?”

“What is your religion?”

“In what direction should you pray?”

“Who is your guide?”

“Who are your brothers?”

She could feel her body shiver when she remembered that wrong answers to these questions would result in torture in the tomb as well as more tortures in hell. But she didn’t need to worry, Munabi was a pious man, she reminded herself. He would be able to answer the questions, even without the need for preparation.

Fatima’ was startled away from her thoughts when her mother gripped her arm. “It is time to go, inda.”

The sun bathed the fields in a brick red glow and Fatima’ and the rest of the procession returned to their homes to ruminate.

Fatima’ tried to chase her chaotic thoughts. She didn’t know why Munabi’s death affected her so much, maybe it was a sign that everyone was growing older. She would probably have to hear the rituals in the future, maybe sooner rather than later.

She curled herself onto her bed. She sighed as she carried these thoughts into the land of dreams.

What Fatima’ didn’t know was that at that moment, two figures approached Munabi’s grave, ready to carry out their mission.

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*In rural Jolo there are five rituals observed immediately after death.

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Story inspired by the descriptions in Munabi. Narrated by Mullung.Voices from Sulu A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions. Rixhon (ed). 2010.

Munkal Illustration by emirajuju
IG: https://www.instagram.com/emirajuju/

*Note this story is in Tagalog

Maraming nag-iisip na kathang-isip lang kami sa daigdig na ito, ngunit nag-iingat lang kami upang ‘di makita ng iba. Puwera na lang noong isang pagkakataon, isang sandaling kami’y nagpabaya. Alam niyo kasi, kaming lahat na pitong magkakapatid na babae, pumapanaog kami mula sa langit tungo sa lupa gamit ang isang bahag-hari. Sa tuwing kami’y maliligo sa malalamig na batis sa bundok, hinuhubad namin ang aming mga makikislap naming pakpak upang guminhawa.
Isang araw, nakita ng isang tao ang aming pakpak na sa lupa, at saka kami binantaang gawing kaniyang mga asawa.

Marunong kaming mga mas nakatatandang kapatid na madaliang abutin ang aming mga papak upang agad na makalipad patungong langit. Ngunit ‘di ito napagtanto ng aming bunso, at inilapag niya ang kaniyang pakpak nang malayo sa kaniya. Ninakaw ito ng lalaki.

Hindi basta bastang susuko ang mga biraddali. Nagpalit anyo ang aming bunso, una’y bilang ahas upang makagapang ng mabilis papalayo. Ngunit mangangaso pala ang lalake, at nahuli niya sa isang hawla ang aming bunso. Sunod nama’y nag-hugis alakdan ang aming bunso, at nagtago sa mga nagsihulog na dahon sa gubat. Ngunit matalas ang mata ng lalaki, at nakita siyang tumatakas. Nagpalit anyo muli ang bunso namin upang maging alupihan, at madaling inakyat ang mga punong-kahoy nang ‘di mahuli. Ngunit matulin ang lalake’t naabutan siya sa isang sanga. Sa huli, walang nagawa ang aming bunso. Unti-unting humihina ang kaniyang kapangyarihan dahil ‘di niya suot ang kaniyang mga pakpak.

Bumigay ang aming bunso sa nais ng lalake na siya’y maging asawa. Nagsama sila, ngunit ang aming bunso’y tahimik lang na nag-aantay na makuha muli ang kaniyang mga makikislap na pakpak upang makalipad at umuwing muli sa langit. Hindi kami makapayag na mga ate niya na hayaang maiwan ang aming bunso sa lupa kasama ng taong iyon.

Ngunit nag-iingat kaming ‘di mahuli ng lalaking ito. Takot kaming makuhanan ng aming mga pakpak, kaya’t ipinahatid namin sa hangin ang aming mga bulong, nawa’y umabot sa aming nahuling bunso ang aming mensahe.

Binulungan namin ang gubat at ang lahat ng mga puno, upang ipaabot sa aming bunso na inilibing ng lalaki ang kaniyang mga pakpak sa ilalim ng isang puno, sa tabi ng ilog. Pag-asa’t paglaya ang laman ang aming mga bulong. Ibinulong din naming nangungulila kami para sa kaniya.

Sa wakas, narinig niya kami. Sa sandaling umalis ng bahay ang lalaki, tumakas ang aming bunso. Humangos siya tungo sa gubat. Walang briddali ang mas mabilis pa ang kaysa sa aming bunso, maging mga anghel, ‘di matatalos ang halaga ng nadama niyang paglaya.

Maraming mag-aakalang kathang-isip lang ang mga briddali. Pero ito’y dahil alam namin ang kalupitan na kayang iparanas ng tao. Hindi na maaring may kumupit muli ang aming mga pakpak. Hindi na muling mararanasan ng isa sa amin ang pagdurusa ng pagiging ‘di buo.

Mabubuhay na lamang kami sa kathang-isip ng tao, at sa likas ng kariktan ng bahag-hari, mula ngayon, at magpakailanman.

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English Version

Everyone thinks the biraddali are myths on earth, we’re just too careful to let ourselves be seen. Except for one occasion, one time when one of us let our guard down. You see, us seven sisters take the rainbow down to earth to remove our silver wings and relax and bathe in the fresh mountain springs.

One day, a human saw our wings on the ground and threatened to make us his wives. We eldest six sisters were wise enough to keep our wings close and when he got near, we put on our wings and flew back to the heavens. But the youngest sister kept her wings further away and the man stole them from her.

A biraddali will not back down. The youngest sister changed into a snake at first, slithering away, but the man was a hunter and trapped the snake in a cage. The youngest then changed into a scorpion and hid amongst the forest floor, but the man’s vision was great, so he saw her scuttling away. The youngest then changed into a centipede, going up the tree branches to escape his advances, but the man was quick, he stopped the centipede at a branch. Finally, the youngest had no choice, without her wings the biraddali’s power was fading.

The youngest acquiesced to being the man’s wife, and she stayed with him, waiting for the day she could get her silver wings and fly back on the rainbow towards the heavens. We elder sisters would not let the youngest remain on earth with the man.

We did not want to risk getting captured by the man ourselves, and each one of us was scared of getting our wings clipped, so we carried our whispers on the winds, hoping that one would reach our trapped sister.

We whispered of the forest and of the trees, telling her that the man buried her silver wings under a tree beside the river. We whispered of freedom and hope. We whispered that we missed her.

And one day, we were heard. The youngest sister escaped the man’s house while he was away and dashed towards the forest. Never had there been a swifter biraddali, and never had any angel knew what freedom had meant.

Everyone will think the biraddali are myths, for we know the cruelty that man can possess. Our wings will never be taken from us. Never again will one of us know the fear of being shackled to the earth. Never again will the rest know the misery of knowing that we are not complete.

We will remain alive in the myths of men and in the beauty of the rainbow. For now, and forever.

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Written by Karl Gaverza
Tagalog Translation by Ruiz Act
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Translation Copyright © Ruiz Act

Inspired by “The Seven Angels.” in Sulu Studies 2. Rixhon ed. 1973.

The Seven Biraddali Sisters Illustration and Colors by Elise Mendoza.

Everyone thinks the biraddali are myths on earth, we’re just too careful to let ourselves be seen. Except for one occasion, one time when one of us let our guard down. You see, us seven sisters take the rainbow down to earth to remove our silver wings and relax and bathe in the fresh mountain springs.

One day, a human saw our wings on the ground and threatened to make us his wives. We eldest sixsisters were wise enough to keep our wings close and when he got near, we put on our wings and flew back to the heavens. But the youngest sister kept her wings further away and the man stole them from her.

A biraddali will not back down. The youngest sister changed into a snake at first, slithering away, but the man was a hunter and trapped the snake in a cage. The youngest then changed into a scorpion and hid amongst the forest floor, but the man’s vision was great, so he saw her scuttling away. The youngest then changed into a centipede, going up the tree branches to escape his advances, but the man was quick, he stopped the centipede at a branch. Finally, the youngest had no choice, without her wings the biraddali’s power was fading.

The youngest acquiesced to being the man’s wife, and she stayed with him, waiting for the day she could get her silver wings and fly back on the rainbow towards the heavens. We elder sisters would not let the youngest remain on earth with the man.

We did not want to risk getting captured by the man ourselves, and each one of us was scared of getting our wings clipped, so we carried our whispers on the winds, hoping that one would reach our trapped sister.

We whispered of the forest and of the trees, telling her that the man buried her silver wings under a tree beside the river. We whispered of freedom and hope. We whispered that we missed her.

And one day, we were heard. The youngest sister escaped the man’s house while he was away and dashed towards the forest. Never had there been a swifter biraddali, and never had any angel knew what freedom had meant.

Everyone will think the biraddali are myths, for we know the cruelty that man can possess. Our wings will never be taken from us. Never again will one of us know the fear of being shackled to the earth. Never again will the rest know the misery of knowing that we are not complete.

We will remain alive in the myths of men and in the beauty of the rainbow. For now, and forever.

————————–————————–———————–

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Inspired by “The Seven Angels.” in Sulu Studies 2. Rixhon ed. 1973.

The Seven Biraddali Sisters Illustration and Colors by Elise Mendoza.

“Mama, tell me a story. I can’t sleep.”

“Alright, let me take you to bed now, child.

Have I ever told you the story of Sitti Maryam’s* angels?”

“Not yet, mama.”

“Well listen closely,

When Sitti Maryam was left alone in the wilderness to raise the great prophet Nabi’ Isa, God did not leave her alone. He sent 77 female angels to help keep the child out of danger, and their leader was none other than Tuwan Putli’. She was a beautiful angel with great wings. She was also the only one who spoke to Sitti Maryam to tell what the angels would do.

She bade 70 angels to leave the seventh day after Nabi’ Isa was born and she and six other angels stayed for 44 more days before ascending into heaven. Tuwan Putli’ was kind and gentle, and would always seek to make sure the baby was unharmed.

The angels and Sitti Maryam were in the wilderness of the island and there were many dangers lurking around, from wild animals to the saytan living in the trees and rocks. The angels protected their charge with grace and light. They made him a cradle and guided the light towards them.

On the forty fourth day, Tuwan Putli’ told Sitti Maryam that the angels had to go. All seven angels gave a sad farewell to the baby and his mother, but they knew that their work was done. Each angel stepped onto a rainbow that guided them to heaven.

Sitti Maryam was left with her baby and also with the wisdom that God had a greater plan for her that was still to come.

She cradled her child in her arms and saw a future for them. She said a silent prayer to all the 77 angels that helped her through her darkest times and she said a special one for Tuwan Putli’. Sitti Maryam knew in her heart of hearts that the angels would be watching over her from that day on.”

“………………..”

“Sleep well my little angel. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

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*Sitti Maryam and Nabi’ Isa are the Tausug names for Mama Mary and Jesus Christ

Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza

Inspired by “Sitti Maryam. Lady Mary.” in Voices from Sulu A Collection of Tausug Oral Traditions. Rixhon. 2010. and Aida Gaverza

Tuwan Putli’ Illustration by emirajuju
IG: https://www.instagram.com/emirajuju/

Watercolor by Catherine Chiu
FB: Wildling Child
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wildlingchild/