Islamic Burial Held for OPM Icon Freddie Aguilar
FREDDIE AGUILAR – The Filipino music legend was laid to rest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, just a few hours after he passed away.
His burial followed the Islamic traditions he adopted when he converted to Islam in 2013. Freddie embraced the Muslim faith upon marrying his then 16-year-old partner, Jovie Albao. He was given the Islamic name Abdul Fareed at the age of 60.
Freddie Aguilar died at the age of 72 due to multiple organ failure. In keeping with Islamic burial customs, his body was washed, wrapped in plain white cloth (called kafan), and laid to rest without a coffin. This process honors the dignity and privacy of the deceased, as taught in Islam. One important aspect of Islamic burial is that it must be done within 24 hours after death. Thus, his remains were promptly brought to the Manila Islamic Cemetery for interment.
The burial was led by Datu Johnny Guiling of the Muntinlupa City Muslim Affairs Office, who also shared a video of the burial on his Facebook page. Muslim Filipino Ngayon also provided details of the burial process, noting that all Islamic rites were carefully followed. These included the ritual washing (ghusl), wrapping of the body, and the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah).
The Muntinlupa City Muslim Affairs Office expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the respectful and peaceful burial. They acknowledged the efforts of Brother Delfen “Amla Omar” Gayatao Jr., National President of the Balik-Islam Consultative Assembly, Inc., along with Manila Islamic South Cemetery Director Arshad Musa and Solemnizing Officer Imam Termizie Jawali. Their teamwork ensured that all religious procedures were properly completed. The office also thanked Mayor Ruffy Biazon for his continued support of the Muslim community.
The announcement included the Islamic phrase: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” meaning, “Truly, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return”—a common expression of faith during times of loss. Freddie Aguilar is the fourth OPM icon to pass away in 2025, following Pilita Corrales (April 12), Nora Aunor (April 16), and Hajji Alejandro (April 21).