Maligay

A sacred tradition has been corrupted. A young man's dream will ignite a revolution of the soul. In the vibrant, sun-drenched islands of the Sulu Archipelago, the Maligay is more than a tradition—it is a magnificent palace of food, a testament to a community's faith and generosity. But for Hasan, a young Tausug man with a watchful heart, the sacred ritual has become a hollow spectacle; a contest of wealth and pride that stands in stark opposition to the very essence of his beliefs. The feast meant to nourish the community now only feeds the egos of the powerful. Haunted by a mysterious dream of a luminous man and a powerful verse from the Qur'an that exposes the hypocrisy around him, Hasan turns his back on the competition. Guided by the forgotten wisdom of the Mukali'—the spiritual seekers of his people—and the ancient poetry of Sufi masters, he embarks on a perilous journey inward. He must learn the secret language of his culture, where a simple cake is a symbol of the eclipsed Mind and roasted chicken represents the death of the ego, to discover that the true palace is not built with hands, but discovered within the soul. More than just a spiritual quest, MALIGAY is a powerful allegory for our modern world. It is a masterful blend of rich cultural detail and universal mystical truth that challenges us to look beyond the empty rituals in our own lives. It is a story about reclaiming tradition, the revolutionary power of charity (Sadaqah), and the courage it takes to build a more just and compassionate world, starting from within. This is a book for anyone who has ever questioned the world around them and dared to believe that a more compassionate reality is possible. It is a journey to the heart's true palace—a feast for the soul.