Islam in the Philippines

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Islam in the Philippines: A brief, easy-to-understand overview

Islam is the second-largest religion in the Philippines and the country’s oldest monotheistic faith. It began in the 14th century when Muslim traders and settlers from Malay and Arab lands reached the Philippine archipelago. Over time, Muslim communities formed powerful sultanates in the south, especially on Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

History at a glance
- Early spread: Islamic faith arrived via maritime trade networks. The first mosque in the Philippines was built in Simunul, Mindanao, in the 14th century.
- Centers of power: From the 15th century, Muslim rulers built sultanates such as Maguindanao and Sulu. Trade and marriage links with Brunei and other Muslim states helped strengthen Islam in the region.
- Contact with Spain: When the Spanish arrived in 1565, Muslims in the south resisted, while Catholicism became the dominant religion in much of the country. Islam continued as a significant minority in Mindanao, Sulu, and nearby areas.
- Modern era: Muslim communities have persisted, adapting to changing political and social conditions. In recent decades, there have been efforts to address autonomy and peace in the Bangsamoro region.

Where Muslims live in the Philippines
- Most Muslims live in Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, and Palawan, an area collectively known as Bangsamoro (or the Bangsamoro region).
- The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is the area with its own regional government. It includes provinces such as Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao (North and South), Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, plus several cities.
- Population figures vary by source. The 2020 census counted about 6.98 million Muslims in the country (about 6.4% of the population). Some estimates put the share higher, around 11%, reflecting different methods and definitions.

Beliefs and practices
- The vast majority of Filipino Muslims are Sunni, with the Shafi‘i school being the most common. A minority follow Hanbali or other schools.
- Sufism (mystical Islam) is present through various orders and communities.
- Indigenous Islam (“Ilmu kamaasan” or similar terms) blends Islamic beliefs with local traditions in some remote areas.
- There are also smaller communities connected to Shi‘ism, Tabliqi Jama‘at (revivalist efforts), and other movements such as Salafism in certain areas.

Islamic thought and organizations in the Philippines
- Sufism: Historic and current Sufi orders (tariqas) are active, including centers in Zamboanga, Taguig, and other cities.
- Ash‘ari and Maturidi theology: The mainstream Sunni schools of thought are represented in the Philippines, with several institutions teaching these approaches.
- Tabliqi Jama‘at: A revivalist, traveling movement focused on mosque-based practice and regular gatherings.
- Nurcu and Hizmet: Movements inspired by Said Nursi have some presence, with education and publishing activities in various cities.
- Ahmadiyya and related groups: Perceptions of these movements vary; they are smaller and often viewed differently by other Muslim communities.
- Balik Islam: A notable pattern in the Philippines is Balik Islam, where former Christians or adherents of other faiths convert to Islam. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos has estimated millions of converts since the 1970s, with numbers cited in the past as around two million (as of 2014) from various sources.

Bangsamoro Region and self-governance
- BARMM represents the largest concentration of Muslims and has its own government within the Philippines.
- The region is important for its cultural and religious history, as well as for ongoing peace and governance initiatives.
- In recent years, there have been discussions about regional autonomy, local governance, and how best to balance national and local interests in Mindanao.

Cultural heritage and history
- The Bangsamoro region has a rich cultural heritage, including significant Muslim manuscripts and art.
- A notable example is the Maradika Qur’an of Bayang, which was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2014.
- Traditional crafts and music, such as Kutiyapi (a boat-shaped lute) and other regional arts, reflect the deep history of Islam in the Philippines.

Key terms
- Moro: The name used for Filipino Muslims, especially in Mindanao and the Sulu area.
- Bangsamoro: The broader Muslim region and people in Mindanao and surrounding areas.
- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM): The autonomous regional government area for Muslim-majority provinces and cities.

Contemporary issues
- The Bangsamoro peace process and the push for greater autonomy have been central to politics in Mindanao.
- Historical tensions, including conflicts and disputes related to territory and governance, continue to shape the relationship between Muslim communities and the Philippine state.
- The Sabah dispute (Sulu’s historical claims) and other regional matters have also featured in discussions about Bangsamoro identity and rights.

In summary
Islam in the Philippines is a diverse and enduring part of the country’s history and society. It arrived centuries ago through trade, built its own centers of power in the south, and remains a major cultural and religious force, especially within the BARMM. While it faces modern challenges, the faith remains a vital part of the country’s religious landscape, with a rich heritage and ongoing efforts toward peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding among Philippines’ many communities.