History of Islam in the Philippines

Sa Ngalan ng Allah, ang Puspos ng AwaSa Ngalan ng Allah, ang Puspos ng Awa
at Mapagbigay-Awaat Mapagbigay-Awa

“Kundi lamang sa pagsakop ng Espanya sa Pilipinas sa loob ng
333 taon at pagdala ng relihiyong Katoliko Romano, ang bansa ay
magiging isang Estadong Muslim katulad ng mga kapitbansa nito
sa Timog-Silangang Asya..”
John Pelan, “The Hispanization of the Philippines” (Madison:
University of Wisconsin Press, 1959)
“Noon pa mang ika-15 dantaon, ang relihiyong Islam ay umiral na
sa Kapuluang Sulu sa Timog-Kanlurang Pilipinas. Nang
kalagitnaan ng ika-16 na dantaon, dalawang Sultanado na ang
naitatag hanggang sa pinakaalayong hilagang gaya ng Maynila.”
David Wurfel, “Filipino Politics: Development and Decay”
(Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila, 1988), p. 2
Scholastic TestimonyScholastic Testimony

Kasaysayan ngKasaysayan ng
Islam:Islam:
sa Pilipinassa Pilipinas
Unang BahagiUnang Bahagi

Ang LipunangAng Lipunang
Una sa IslamUna sa Islam

Teorya sa PandarayuhanTeorya sa Pandarayuhan
Ferdinand BlumentrittFerdinand Blumentritt
1853 - 19131853 - 1913
Henry Otley BeyerHenry Otley Beyer
1883 - 19661883 - 1966
Noong 1882, si Ferdinand Blumentritt, isang Austriakong maka-Filipino at kaibigan saNoong 1882, si Ferdinand Blumentritt, isang Austriakong maka-Filipino at kaibigan sa
panulat ni Dr. Jose Rizal, ay sumang-ayon din sa pala-palagay na ito na may tatlongpanulat ni Dr. Jose Rizal, ay sumang-ayon din sa pala-palagay na ito na may tatlong
yugto ng mga dayuhang Malay na dumating sa ating mga pulo.yugto ng mga dayuhang Malay na dumating sa ating mga pulo.
Subalit si Prof. Henry Otley Beyer noong 1925, na minsang namuno sa AnthropologySubalit si Prof. Henry Otley Beyer noong 1925, na minsang namuno sa Anthropology
Department (siyensya tungkol sa tao) ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas, ang siyangDepartment (siyensya tungkol sa tao) ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas, ang siyang
nagpatanyag sa teorya at nagsanhi ng pagtanggap nito sa maraming dekada.nagpatanyag sa teorya at nagsanhi ng pagtanggap nito sa maraming dekada.
Ang maraming taong pananaliksik sa arkiyolohiya (paghuhukay pangkasaysayan) niAng maraming taong pananaliksik sa arkiyolohiya (paghuhukay pangkasaysayan) ni
Beyer ay tumalakay sa pagbuo ng mga pangyayari ng lumipas na mga kultura ng mgaBeyer ay tumalakay sa pagbuo ng mga pangyayari ng lumipas na mga kultura ng mga
pulo, na karamihan ay mula sa mga lumang kagamitan, buto at ibang labi. Angpulo, na karamihan ay mula sa mga lumang kagamitan, buto at ibang labi. Ang
kanyang mga tuklas ay nagbigay-liwanag sa pag-iral ng kultura, pulitika at ekonomya atkanyang mga tuklas ay nagbigay-liwanag sa pag-iral ng kultura, pulitika at ekonomya at
maging mga paniniwala ng mga tao.maging mga paniniwala ng mga tao.

“Java Man” Negritos or “Aetas”Negritos or “Aetas”
AustraloidAustraloid
Proto-MalayProto-Malay
11stst
Wave MigrationWave Migration
The first to arrive via the land bridges were the aborigines or first inhabitants.The first to arrive via the land bridges were the aborigines or first inhabitants.
Estimated to have come as early as 21,000 or 22,000 years ago, they were dark-Estimated to have come as early as 21,000 or 22,000 years ago, they were dark-
skinned, kinky-haired, short-statured, and primitive in styles. Among this groupskinned, kinky-haired, short-statured, and primitive in styles. Among this group
was the “Java Man”, who came first, and was followed by the "little people":was the “Java Man”, who came first, and was followed by the "little people":
Negritos or “Aetas”, Australoid, and Proto-Malays.Negritos or “Aetas”, Australoid, and Proto-Malays.
Three Waves of MigrationThree Waves of Migration
TheoryTheory

AustraloidAustraloid
Proto-MalayProto-Malay
11stst
The first to arrive via the land bridges were the aborigines or first inhabitants.The first to arrive via the land bridges were the aborigines or first inhabitants.
Estimated to have come as early as 21,000 or 22,000 years ago, they were dark-Estimated to have come as early as 21,000 or 22,000 years ago, they were dark-
skinned, kinky-haired, short-statured, and primitive in styles. Among this groupskinned, kinky-haired, short-statured, and primitive in styles. Among this group
was the “Java Man”, who came first, and was followed by the "little people":was the “Java Man”, who came first, and was followed by the "little people":
Negritos or “Aetas”, Australoid, and Proto-Malays.Negritos or “Aetas”, Australoid, and Proto-Malays.
TheoryTheory

TheoryTheory22stst
Among the next group, after the Great Ice Age, from 3,000 BC onward, wereAmong the next group, after the Great Ice Age, from 3,000 BC onward, were
people of the Indonesian stock, who came in two migratory waves by sea frompeople of the Indonesian stock, who came in two migratory waves by sea from
South Asia and settled in the country. They came by dugout canoes or plank-builtSouth Asia and settled in the country. They came by dugout canoes or plank-built
boats. These Indonesians, taller in height and lighter in skin, introduced bronzeboats. These Indonesians, taller in height and lighter in skin, introduced bronze
and the rice terraces.and the rice terraces.
Dugout CanoesDugout Canoes
Traditional Bronze Casting in Tugaya, Lanao del SurTraditional Bronze Casting in Tugaya, Lanao del SurAncient Rice Terraces of Banaue, IfugaoAncient Rice Terraces of Banaue, Ifugao

TheoryTheory22stst
Among the next group, after the Great Ice Age, from 3,000 BC onward, wereAmong the next group, after the Great Ice Age, from 3,000 BC onward, were
people of the Indonesian stock, who came in two migratory waves by sea frompeople of the Indonesian stock, who came in two migratory waves by sea from
South Asia and settled in the country. They came by dugout canoes or plank-builtSouth Asia and settled in the country. They came by dugout canoes or plank-built
boats. These Indonesians, taller in height and lighter in skin, introduced bronzeboats. These Indonesians, taller in height and lighter in skin, introduced bronze
and the rice terraces.and the rice terraces.
Dugout CanoesDugout Canoes
Traditional Bronze Casting in Tugaya,Traditional Bronze Casting in Tugaya,
Lanao del SurLanao del SurAncient Rice Terraces of Banaue, IfugaoAncient Rice Terraces of Banaue, Ifugao

TheoryTheory33stst
The third migrants, who came centuries after the Indonesians, were the brown-The third migrants, who came centuries after the Indonesians, were the brown-
skinned, medium-height Malays. They were expert navigators, potters, weavers,skinned, medium-height Malays. They were expert navigators, potters, weavers,
blacksmiths and bold adventurers. Most of the Filipinos and Moros today areblacksmiths and bold adventurers. Most of the Filipinos and Moros today are
descended from this group.descended from this group.

Migration Theory:Migration Theory:
A Dissenting ViewA Dissenting View
Additional research on the subject in the last forty years casts doubt on theAdditional research on the subject in the last forty years casts doubt on the
Beyer's assumption. The main objection to his work is that it was flawed byBeyer's assumption. The main objection to his work is that it was flawed by
inadequate evidence, dubious methodology and pure speculation.inadequate evidence, dubious methodology and pure speculation.
One of those who dissented was Dr. Fritjof Voss, a German scientist, whoOne of those who dissented was Dr. Fritjof Voss, a German scientist, who
studied the geology of the Philippines.studied the geology of the Philippines.
He said the Philippines was never a part of mainland Asia as proven in 1964-67He said the Philippines was never a part of mainland Asia as proven in 1964-67
when a scientific study was made on the thickness of the earth's crust.when a scientific study was made on the thickness of the earth's crust.

It was discovered that the 35-kilometer thick crust below China does not stretchIt was discovered that the 35-kilometer thick crust below China does not stretch
to the Philippines. On the contrary, the Philippines sits along a great earth fault lineto the Philippines. On the contrary, the Philippines sits along a great earth fault line
reaching downward to deep trenches underneath.reaching downward to deep trenches underneath.

In 1975, a Filipino anthropologist, F. Landa Jocano, also criticized the theory,In 1975, a Filipino anthropologist, F. Landa Jocano, also criticized the theory,
particularly on the issue of the Negritos as the first inhabitants of the Philippines.particularly on the issue of the Negritos as the first inhabitants of the Philippines.
He argued that the fossil remains of ancient men whom Beyer tagged NegritosHe argued that the fossil remains of ancient men whom Beyer tagged Negritos
could in no way be conclusively identified as such. He even charged Westerncould in no way be conclusively identified as such. He even charged Western
colonizers of deliberately fragmenting the population into ethnic groups to advancecolonizers of deliberately fragmenting the population into ethnic groups to advance
their colonial interests.their colonial interests.
F. Landa JocanoF. Landa Jocano

Pre-Islamic SocietyPre-Islamic Society

 The Pre-Islamic social structure was not as rigid as that of the caste system of India whereThe Pre-Islamic social structure was not as rigid as that of the caste system of India where
no one was allowed to leave the caste into which he was born.no one was allowed to leave the caste into which he was born.
 It has three classes:It has three classes:
1.1. The Datus (Chieftain)The Datus (Chieftain) - the word datu was both a political function and social status and- the word datu was both a political function and social status and
extended to the incumbent ruler and all members of the ruling elite. Generally, the right toextended to the incumbent ruler and all members of the ruling elite. Generally, the right to
rule hinged on direct descent from the ruling class.rule hinged on direct descent from the ruling class.
2.2. The Commoners or CitizensThe Commoners or Citizens - like exceptional bravery or victory in war, a commoner- like exceptional bravery or victory in war, a commoner
could become a datucould become a datu
3.3. The SlavesThe Slaves - could buy off his liberty by paying a stipulated amount.- could buy off his liberty by paying a stipulated amount.
 The prevalent method of settling conflicts was by use of force, but later on a code of lawsThe prevalent method of settling conflicts was by use of force, but later on a code of laws
evolved to provide for a more practical way of resolving disputes since warfare was aevolved to provide for a more practical way of resolving disputes since warfare was a
costly and losing enterprise, especially to the vanquished.costly and losing enterprise, especially to the vanquished.
 The economy was based primarily on agriculture, although weaving, pottery-making,The economy was based primarily on agriculture, although weaving, pottery-making,
blacksmithing and fishing were also prevalent. Lands were fertile and vast. However,blacksmithing and fishing were also prevalent. Lands were fertile and vast. However,
cultivation was mainly along, the rivers, lakes, coastal areas, plains and valleys. The use ofcultivation was mainly along, the rivers, lakes, coastal areas, plains and valleys. The use of
irrigation ditches was extensive. "Slash-and-burn" or swidden farming was popular in theirrigation ditches was extensive. "Slash-and-burn" or swidden farming was popular in the
uplands, especially in the dry season. In commerce, the barter system was in use foruplands, especially in the dry season. In commerce, the barter system was in use for
money was not yet invented.money was not yet invented.
 Before the advent of Islam, the people of Mindanao and Sulu were animists. There was noBefore the advent of Islam, the people of Mindanao and Sulu were animists. There was no
community ever reported orally or in writing to be monotheist. They worshipped stones,community ever reported orally or in writing to be monotheist. They worshipped stones,
stars, moons and other inanimate objects. Diwata and anito were essential features of theirstars, moons and other inanimate objects. Diwata and anito were essential features of their
belief system.belief system.

Coming of Islam toComing of Islam to
SuluSulu

Historians up to know do not agree on a single fact on the exact year or date when IslamHistorians up to know do not agree on a single fact on the exact year or date when Islam
reached the shores of Mindanao nor Sulu Islands.reached the shores of Mindanao nor Sulu Islands.
However, historians seem to have agreed that the coming of Islam to Mindanao and SuluHowever, historians seem to have agreed that the coming of Islam to Mindanao and Sulu
was the result of the missionary activities of Arab traders who came along the tradewas the result of the missionary activities of Arab traders who came along the trade
routes. The participation of some Muslims from the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent is alsoroutes. The participation of some Muslims from the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent is also
admitted.admitted.
The only factual account which may support the theory that Islam may have arrived muchThe only factual account which may support the theory that Islam may have arrived much
earlier is the discovery of a tombstone on the slope of Bud Datu bearing, among otherearlier is the discovery of a tombstone on the slope of Bud Datu bearing, among other
entries, the year of the death of the deceased: 710 AH, which corresponds to 1310 AD inentries, the year of the death of the deceased: 710 AH, which corresponds to 1310 AD in
the Gregorian calendar. The deceased was someone bearing the name of Tuan Maqbalu.the Gregorian calendar. The deceased was someone bearing the name of Tuan Maqbalu.
The title Tuan, said the noted Muslim scholar Cesar Adib Majul, implied that the dead wasThe title Tuan, said the noted Muslim scholar Cesar Adib Majul, implied that the dead was
a chief or person of high authority.a chief or person of high authority.
Prominent Muslim-Filipino historian, author andProminent Muslim-Filipino historian, author and
academic luminary, who founded in 1974 theacademic luminary, who founded in 1974 the
Institute of Islamic Studies in the University of theInstitute of Islamic Studies in the University of the
Philippines serving as its first dean until 1980.Philippines serving as its first dean until 1980.
Authored numerous journal articles and many booksAuthored numerous journal articles and many books
including “Muslims in the Philippines”, "Islam andincluding “Muslims in the Philippines”, "Islam and
Conflict Resolution: Theories and Practices", "TheConflict Resolution: Theories and Practices", "The
Contemporary Muslim Movement in the Philippines",Contemporary Muslim Movement in the Philippines",
and “Life of Apolinario Mabini which won 1and “Life of Apolinario Mabini which won 1stst
prize inprize in
Biography Contest in 1964"Biography Contest in 1964"
Dr. Cesar Adib MajulDr. Cesar Adib Majul
1923-20031923-2003

Tuhan MaqbaluTuhan Maqbalu, also spelled as, also spelled as Tuan MuqbaluTuan Muqbalu oror MiqbaluMiqbalu, was among the first Muslims, was among the first Muslims
to propagate the Islamic religion in Mindanao region.to propagate the Islamic religion in Mindanao region.
Based on the stages of the Islamization of Sulu by Dr. Cesar Adib Majul in his book,Based on the stages of the Islamization of Sulu by Dr. Cesar Adib Majul in his book,
“Muslims in the Philippines”, Tuan Maqbalu was part of the early Muslim traders who settled“Muslims in the Philippines”, Tuan Maqbalu was part of the early Muslim traders who settled
and established a community in Sulu.and established a community in Sulu.
The only remaining evidence of his existence was the tombstone located at the MountainThe only remaining evidence of his existence was the tombstone located at the Mountain
of Bud Dato, a few miles from Jolo. Although no direct proofs showed his significance in theof Bud Dato, a few miles from Jolo. Although no direct proofs showed his significance in the
introduction of Islam in Mindanao, the said terms can be used as basis that he was one ofintroduction of Islam in Mindanao, the said terms can be used as basis that he was one of
the noted Muslims in the 13the noted Muslims in the 13thth
century Philippines.century Philippines.
In his tombstone, an Arabic inscription which read in English transaltion:In his tombstone, an Arabic inscription which read in English transaltion:
Said the Prophet, peace be upon him:Said the Prophet, peace be upon him:
““Whoever dies far away [from his home] dies aWhoever dies far away [from his home] dies a
martyr.”martyr.”
Allah has taken away the late blessed martyrAllah has taken away the late blessed martyr
Tuhan Maqbalu on the date: The sacred, holyTuhan Maqbalu on the date: The sacred, holy
monthmonth
Of Rajab. May Allah increase its holiness.Of Rajab. May Allah increase its holiness.
The year ten and seven hundred.The year ten and seven hundred.

1. There existed during the1. There existed during the last quarter of the 13last quarter of the 13thth
century ifcentury if
not earliernot earlier a Muslim settlement or community in Sulu. Thisa Muslim settlement or community in Sulu. This
probably consisted of foreign traders, some of whom mightprobably consisted of foreign traders, some of whom might
have married members of the ruling families or even playedhave married members of the ruling families or even played
some political role.some political role. Tuan Masha’ikaTuan Masha’ika oror Tuhan MaqbaluTuhan Maqbalu belongbelong
to this stage. Men like them brought the first elements of Islamto this stage. Men like them brought the first elements of Islam
and raised Muslim families.and raised Muslim families.
ages of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. Mages of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. M

2. The existence of such a settlement, the memory of their2. The existence of such a settlement, the memory of their
leading personages, and a rise to social and politicalleading personages, and a rise to social and political
prominence of the descendants of some such personages, asprominence of the descendants of some such personages, as
in the case of the descendants of Tuan Masha’ika, demonstratein the case of the descendants of Tuan Masha’ika, demonstrate
that the native population was not only antagonistic to Islam butthat the native population was not only antagonistic to Islam but
was receptive to it. Such a receptivity explains conversion towas receptive to it. Such a receptivity explains conversion to
Islam with the arrival of the missionaries in Sulu, an eventIslam with the arrival of the missionaries in Sulu, an event
contemporaneous with the work of other missionaries in Java.contemporaneous with the work of other missionaries in Java.
This is the stage ofThis is the stage of Sheikh Karim Al-MakhdumSheikh Karim Al-Makhdum. It can be. It can be
estimated to have taken place about theestimated to have taken place about the 22ndnd
half of the 14half of the 14thth
century.century.

ages of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. Mges of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. M
According to some historians;
“Unlike the Spanish Friars, the Arab
Missionaries were mild-tempered that brought
knowledge, culture, spiritual enlightenment,
whereas the Spanish Friars destroyed the very
cultural fiber of the inhabitants of the
Philippines.”

In 1380, an Arab Missionary, alsoIn 1380, an Arab Missionary, also
known asknown as Sharif AwliyaSharif Awliya, arrived and, arrived and
converted a large number of inhabitantsconverted a large number of inhabitants
to Islam. Makhdum was responsible forto Islam. Makhdum was responsible for
the founding and building of the firstthe founding and building of the first
mosque in the Philippines at Tubig-mosque in the Philippines at Tubig-
Indangan on Simunul Island, Tawi-Tawi.Indangan on Simunul Island, Tawi-Tawi.
2. The existence of such a settlement, the memory of their leading personages, and2. The existence of such a settlement, the memory of their leading personages, and
a rise to social and political prominence of the descendants of some sucha rise to social and political prominence of the descendants of some such
personages, as in the case of the descendants of Tuan Masha’ika, demonstrate thatpersonages, as in the case of the descendants of Tuan Masha’ika, demonstrate that
the native population was not only antagonistic to Islam but was receptive to it. Suchthe native population was not only antagonistic to Islam but was receptive to it. Such
a receptivity explains conversion to Islam with the arrival of the missionaries in Sulu,a receptivity explains conversion to Islam with the arrival of the missionaries in Sulu,
an event contemporaneous with the work of other missionaries in Java. This is thean event contemporaneous with the work of other missionaries in Java. This is the
stage ofstage of Sheikh Karim Al-MakhdumSheikh Karim Al-Makhdum. It can be estimated to have taken place about. It can be estimated to have taken place about
thethe 22ndnd
half of the 14half of the 14thth
century.century.

ages of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. Mges of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. M
One of four remaining pillars inside the mosque of
Karim Al-Makhdum, Tubig Indangan, Simunul
Island, Tawi-Tawi, the Philippines

3. The coming of Muslim Malays from Sumatra at the3. The coming of Muslim Malays from Sumatra at the beginning of the 15beginning of the 15thth
centurycentury
with political implications. This is the stage represented by the coming of Rajahwith political implications. This is the stage represented by the coming of Rajah
Baguinda with a veritable group of courtiers, some of whom were believed to haveBaguinda with a veritable group of courtiers, some of whom were believed to have
been learned, possibly, in religious matters. The existence of a Muslim rulerbeen learned, possibly, in religious matters. The existence of a Muslim ruler
guarantees the preservation of the work of the missionaries and the prestige of theguarantees the preservation of the work of the missionaries and the prestige of the
older Muslims.older Muslims.

4. The establishment of Muslim political institutions, more specifically the sultanate4. The establishment of Muslim political institutions, more specifically the sultanate
under the Sharif-ul-Hashim by theunder the Sharif-ul-Hashim by the middle if the 15middle if the 15thth
centurycentury. At this time Islam. At this time Islam
spread from the coastal areas to the mountain areas in the interior of the island ofspread from the coastal areas to the mountain areas in the interior of the island of
Sulu. The acceptance of the sultanate institution by the coastal chiefs suggest thatSulu. The acceptance of the sultanate institution by the coastal chiefs suggest that
Islamic consciousness must have been quite widespread among them. OrganizedIslamic consciousness must have been quite widespread among them. Organized
religious instruction became common.religious instruction became common.

5. By the5. By the beginning of the 16beginning of the 16thth
centurycentury, increased contacts, both political and, increased contacts, both political and
commercial, with other Islamized parts of Malaysia, transformed Sulu into an integralcommercial, with other Islamized parts of Malaysia, transformed Sulu into an integral
part of an expandingpart of an expanding dar ul-Islamdar ul-Islam in Malaysia.in Malaysia.

ges of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. Mges of the Islamization of Sulu According to Dr. Ma
6. Around the6. Around the end of the 16end of the 16thth
century and in the 1century and in the 1stst
decadesdecades
of the 17of the 17thth
centurycentury, political alliances with neighboring Muslim, political alliances with neighboring Muslim
principalities against the increasing dangers of Westernprincipalities against the increasing dangers of Western
colonization and Christianization as well as the consistentcolonization and Christianization as well as the consistent
arrivals of itinerant teachers or missionaries like Alawi Balpakiarrivals of itinerant teachers or missionaries like Alawi Balpaki
further guarantee the preservation of Islam in Sulu.further guarantee the preservation of Islam in Sulu.

Islam Spreads toIslam Spreads to
MindanaoMindanao

In Mindanao, Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan, claiming to be of Hashimite descent, isIn Mindanao, Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan, claiming to be of Hashimite descent, is
credited as being mostly instrumental in the propagation of the new faith in the island. Hecredited as being mostly instrumental in the propagation of the new faith in the island. He
landed first at Malabang (now in Lanao del Sur) in the year 1515 and subsequently proceededlanded first at Malabang (now in Lanao del Sur) in the year 1515 and subsequently proceeded
to Cotabato, where he firmly planted the seed of the new creed. Out of his marital union withto Cotabato, where he firmly planted the seed of the new creed. Out of his marital union with
the local maidens, the Maguindanao sultanate and Buayan sultanate came into existence.the local maidens, the Maguindanao sultanate and Buayan sultanate came into existence.
Later on, succeeding sultanates, though of lesser status and power, claimed lineage from him.Later on, succeeding sultanates, though of lesser status and power, claimed lineage from him.
Another tradition, this time from Lanao, speaks of another Sharif Alawi who came possibly byAnother tradition, this time from Lanao, speaks of another Sharif Alawi who came possibly by
way of Maguindanao to Lanao and up to the mouth of Tagoloan River in the present-dayway of Maguindanao to Lanao and up to the mouth of Tagoloan River in the present-day
Misamis Oriental and proceeded afterwards to Bukidnon. There is scanty evidence to proveMisamis Oriental and proceeded afterwards to Bukidnon. There is scanty evidence to prove
this journey especially his missionary activities in Bukidnon, where there are pockets of Muslimthis journey especially his missionary activities in Bukidnon, where there are pockets of Muslim
communities found today.communities found today.

Islam Spreads toIslam Spreads to
Visayas and LuzonVisayas and Luzon

In many instances, global politics affected directly or indirectly the turn of events even in faraway places.In many instances, global politics affected directly or indirectly the turn of events even in faraway places.
Had not the Moors been defeated by the Spaniards in 1492. the Spaniards could not have come in 1521 andHad not the Moors been defeated by the Spaniards in 1492. the Spaniards could not have come in 1521 and
conquered the Philippines. Or had the Spaniards delayed their coming to the Philippines for just half aconquered the Philippines. Or had the Spaniards delayed their coming to the Philippines for just half a
century there would be no such thing as the "only Christian country" in Asia. There could have been ancentury there would be no such thing as the "only Christian country" in Asia. There could have been an
entirely different story to tell regarding the spread of Islam in Luzon and the Visayas.entirely different story to tell regarding the spread of Islam in Luzon and the Visayas.
There is evidence that as early as the last years of the fifteenth century, Islam was already gainingThere is evidence that as early as the last years of the fifteenth century, Islam was already gaining
headway in many places in the Philippines. It was carried directly from or via Sulu or Mindanao byheadway in many places in the Philippines. It was carried directly from or via Sulu or Mindanao by
preachers, traders or voyagers from Borneo who settled among the inhabitants of the islands. In the wordspreachers, traders or voyagers from Borneo who settled among the inhabitants of the islands. In the words
of one popular writer:of one popular writer:
... It is hard to believe that Manila was once firmly under Muslim heel, Muslims controlled the seat of... It is hard to believe that Manila was once firmly under Muslim heel, Muslims controlled the seat of
government, the wealth and the trade up and down the Pasig and around Bai lake and Batangas asgovernment, the wealth and the trade up and down the Pasig and around Bai lake and Batangas as
well as the sea lanes to Mindanao and Borneo.well as the sea lanes to Mindanao and Borneo.
The Muslims were the ruling class in Luzon, the rich traders, cultural leaders and missionaries, the ones withThe Muslims were the ruling class in Luzon, the rich traders, cultural leaders and missionaries, the ones with
the knowhow and the right connections, the literacy and what's more, the right religion.the knowhow and the right connections, the literacy and what's more, the right religion.
Aside from Manila, then known as Selurong, Islam had already gained ground in Batangas, Pampanga,Aside from Manila, then known as Selurong, Islam had already gained ground in Batangas, Pampanga,
Cagayan, Mindoro, Palawan, Catanduanes, Bonbon, Cebu, Oton, Laguna and other districts. Preachers ofCagayan, Mindoro, Palawan, Catanduanes, Bonbon, Cebu, Oton, Laguna and other districts. Preachers of
Islam, all reportedly coming from Borneo, came to teach the natives the rudiments of the new religion. SuchIslam, all reportedly coming from Borneo, came to teach the natives the rudiments of the new religion. Such
Islamic practices as circumcision, reading the Qur'an, avoidance of pork, and the use of Muslim names wereIslamic practices as circumcision, reading the Qur'an, avoidance of pork, and the use of Muslim names were
already noted among the natives of these districts.already noted among the natives of these districts.
What is Metropolitan Manila today was formerly the bastion of Islam. Manila was ruled by Rajah SulaimanWhat is Metropolitan Manila today was formerly the bastion of Islam. Manila was ruled by Rajah Sulaiman
Mahmud, jointly or assisted by Rajah Matanda, his uncle and Tondo under the rule of Rajah Lakandula.Mahmud, jointly or assisted by Rajah Matanda, his uncle and Tondo under the rule of Rajah Lakandula.
Manila was not only the commercial center but a powerful fort (cotta) was built near the mouth of the PasigManila was not only the commercial center but a powerful fort (cotta) was built near the mouth of the Pasig
River in defense of the realm.River in defense of the realm.
It was to the Islamized natives of Manila that the word Moro was first applied by the Spaniards in 1570 toIt was to the Islamized natives of Manila that the word Moro was first applied by the Spaniards in 1570 to
denote those who professed Islam. Indio first denoted the pagan natives, but was later to include even thedenote those who professed Islam. Indio first denoted the pagan natives, but was later to include even the
christianized. It was only in later years, more specifically in 1578 and after, that the name Moro waschristianized. It was only in later years, more specifically in 1578 and after, that the name Moro was
generally applied to the Muslims of Mindanao and Sulu.generally applied to the Muslims of Mindanao and Sulu.

Enlightened SultanateEnlightened Sultanate
Before the coming of Spain bringing the cross and the sword, theBefore the coming of Spain bringing the cross and the sword, the
whole archipelago is already controlled and managed by wellwhole archipelago is already controlled and managed by well
organized, civilized, and well-recognized Bustling Islamic State;organized, civilized, and well-recognized Bustling Islamic State;
the Sultunate of Sulu under Sultan Abu Bakr, the Sultanate ofthe Sultunate of Sulu under Sultan Abu Bakr, the Sultanate of
Maguindanao and Buayan under Sultan Muhammad Qudarat, andMaguindanao and Buayan under Sultan Muhammad Qudarat, and
the Kingdom of Manila, under Rajah Sulayman, the last Tagalogthe Kingdom of Manila, under Rajah Sulayman, the last Tagalog
martyr of Islam.martyr of Islam.

History of Islam in the Philippines

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History of Islam in the Philippines