Before Catholicism: The Islamic Roots of the Philippines

By Muslim in Manila (@musliminmanila)

When most people think of the Philippines, Catholicism immediately comes to mind. The country is home to Asia's largest Christian population, with roughly 86% of Filipinos identifying as Roman Catholic. Spanish-era churches dot the landscape, Holy Week celebrations fill the streets, and religious imagery is prevalent throughout Filipino society. Growing up around Filipino communities abroad, as I did in Hawaii, this Catholic identity often seems inseparable from Filipino culture.

Yet before Ferdinand Magellan planted the cross on Philippine soil in 1521, another faith had already taken root in the archipelago: Islam. The Philippines has a rich Islamic heritage that predates Catholicism by over a century and continues to shape the nation's cultural landscape today. This overlooked chapter of Philippine history reveals a more complex religious narrative than many realize.

Islam's Arrival in the Philippine Archipelago

Islam reached the Philippine shores as early as the late 13th century, brought by Arab traders and missionaries who sailed established maritime routes through Southeast Asia. By the 14th century, Muslim communities had formed in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, with Islamic influence gradually spreading northward.

The first documented evidence of an Islamic settlement in the Philippines dates to 1380, when the Makdum Mosque was established in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi by an Arab missionary named Karim ul-Makhdum. This mosque, though rebuilt over the centuries, remains the oldest in the country and stands as a testament to Islam's early presence.

Islam's influence expanded dramatically with the establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu in 1450 and the Sultanate of Maguindanao in the 16th century. These powerful Islamic kingdoms developed sophisticated political structures, legal systems based on Islamic law, and extensive trade networks that connected the Philippine archipelago to the broader Islamic world.

Islamic Influence Beyond Mindanao

What many don't realize is that Islam's reach extended far beyond southern Philippines. By the time Spanish colonizers arrived, Islamic influence had spread as far north as Luzon. Manila itself was governed by Muslim rulers—Rajah Sulayman and Rajah Matanda—when the Spanish arrived in 1570. The settlement, then known as Maynilad, maintained trade relations with other Muslim kingdoms throughout Southeast Asia.

Had Spain delayed its colonial project by even a few decades, historians suggest that Islam might have become the dominant religion throughout the entire archipelago. The Spanish themselves recognized this possibility, with Miguel López de Legazpi writing to King Philip II that they had arrived "in the nick of time" to prevent the complete Islamization of the islands.

Linguistic and Cultural Legacy

The Islamic influence on Philippine culture runs deeper than most Filipinos realize, embedded in the very language we speak. Many Filipino words have Arabic or Islamic origins:

• Salamat (thank you) derives from the Arabic "salam" (peace)

• Alam (knowledge) comes directly from Arabic

• Halaga (value) has Arabic roots

• Guro (teacher) likely comes from the Sanskrit "guru" via Islamic Malay influence

• Suki (regular customer) has origins in Arabic trade terminology

Even place names bear witness to this heritage—Maguindanao means "people of the flood plain," while Lanao comes from "ranao," meaning lake. The southern city of Marawi takes its name from the Arabic word "marawi" (many mosques).

Beyond language, Islamic influence appears in Filipino cuisine, particularly in Mindanao and Sulu, where dishes like beef rendang, palapa (a spice mix), and various curry preparations reflect culinary traditions shared with other Islamic regions of Southeast Asia. Traditional musical instruments like the kulintang (bronze gong ensemble) and traditions of textile weaving such as the creation of malong and inaul fabrics also bear the imprint of Islamic cultural influence.

Muslims in Modern Philippines

Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in the Philippines. While Muslim communities are concentrated in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, significant Muslim populations exist throughout the country, including in major urban centers like Metro Manila.

The Philippine Muslim community is diverse, consisting of 13 ethnolinguistic groups collectively known as Moro or Bangsamoro people:

• The Tausug, primarily in the Sulu Archipelago

• The Maguindanaon of central Mindanao

• The Maranao around Lake Lanao

• The Yakan of Basilan Island

• The Sama (including the Badjao or "sea gypsies")

• Other groups including the Iranun, Kalagan, Kalibugan, and Jama Mapun

Each group maintains distinct cultural traditions while sharing the common bond of Islamic faith. Beyond these indigenous Muslim groups, the Philippines is also home to communities of Muslim converts and immigrant Muslims from countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and various Arab nations.

Navigating Identity in Manila

Living as a Muslim in Manila presents both challenges and opportunities. As someone who moved to the capital, I've experienced firsthand the surprise many Filipinos express upon meeting Muslims in an urban setting. Many assume that all Filipino Muslims live exclusively in Mindanao, unaware of the vibrant Muslim communities that have existed in Manila for generations.

In the bustling metropolis, Muslims maintain their faith while negotiating a predominantly Catholic environment. Halal restaurants serve the community's dietary needs, while mosques like the Golden Mosque in Quiapo and the Blue Mosque in Taguig provide spiritual centers. During Ramadan, Muslims gather for iftar (breaking of the fast) in these spaces, creating pockets of community in the urban landscape.

Muslim Filipinos in Manila often navigate multiple identities—ethnic, religious, and national—finding ways to honor their Islamic heritage while participating fully in national life. Many maintain connections to ancestral communities in Mindanao while building new networks in the capital, serving as cultural bridges between different regions of the Philippines.

Misconceptions and Challenges

Despite Islam's long history in the Philippines, misconceptions persist. Many Filipinos and foreigners alike associate Islam exclusively with the Middle East, unaware that the majority of the world's Muslims actually live in Asia. Countries like Indonesia (the world's most populous Muslim nation), Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh are home to far more Muslims than all Arab countries combined.

Filipino Muslims often face stereotyping, with media portrayals frequently linking Islam to conflict or extremism, ignoring the diversity of Muslim communities and their significant cultural contributions. Educational curricula have historically underemphasized the role of Islamic kingdoms in pre-colonial Philippines, though recent revisions have begun to address this imbalance.

Political tensions in Mindanao have sometimes complicated perceptions of Muslim Filipinos, with the actions of small extremist groups being wrongly attributed to the broader Muslim population. The reality is that the vast majority of Filipino Muslims are committed to peace and national development, with many actively working toward interfaith harmony.

Preserving Heritage While Building Bridges

Today's Filipino Muslim communities are engaged in the dual project of preserving their unique heritage while building bridges with the broader Filipino society. Cultural festivals like Eid celebrations are increasingly becoming occasions for interfaith engagement, with non-Muslims participating in or observing festivities.

Educational initiatives seek to inform the wider public about Islamic history and culture in the Philippines. Museums display artifacts from the Sultanate period, while academic programs at institutions like the University of the Philippines and Mindanao State University conduct research on Muslim Filipino heritage.

In arts and culture, Muslim Filipino traditions are gaining recognition as integral parts of national heritage. Traditional textiles like the Maranao landap and Tausug pis syabit are appreciated as national treasures, while Muslim Filipino musicians, artists, and writers contribute to the contemporary cultural landscape.

Toward a More Inclusive National Narrative

Understanding the Islamic roots of the Philippines is essential not just for historical accuracy but for building a more inclusive national identity. The narrative that portrays Philippine history as moving from "primitive" pre-colonial society directly to Spanish Catholicism erases centuries of sophisticated civilization under Islamic influence.

Recognizing that the Philippines was Islamic before it was Catholic enriches rather than diminishes the country's cultural tapestry. It acknowledges the multiple streams of influence that have shaped Filipino identity and offers a more nuanced understanding of national heritage.

For young Filipinos of all backgrounds, learning about this history provides a fuller picture of their national story. For Muslim Filipinos specifically, it affirms that they are not peripheral to Philippine society but central to its historical development and current reality.

Looking Forward

As the Philippines continues to navigate its place in an increasingly interconnected world, the Muslim Filipino community represents an important bridge to other Islamic societies. The historical connections between Philippine Muslims and other Southeast Asian nations offer pathways for cultural and economic engagement that benefit the entire country.

Within the Philippines, growing recognition of Islamic heritage contributes to national reconciliation efforts. The establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao represents not just a political accommodation but an acknowledgment of the distinct historical experience of Muslim Filipinos.

For those interested in the full scope of Philippine history and culture, engaging with its Islamic dimensions offers rewarding insights. Whether through visiting historical sites in Mindanao and Sulu, appreciating Muslim Filipino art forms, or simply learning about the Islamic principles that have influenced aspects of Filipino culture, there are many pathways to greater understanding.

Even in Manila, far from the traditional centers of Philippine Islam, opportunities abound to experience this heritage firsthand. From the Muslim quarter in Quiapo to cultural events organized by Muslim Filipino communities throughout the metro area, the Islamic thread in the Filipino cultural tapestry remains vibrant and accessible.

Want to learn more about Muslim Filipino culture and history? Follow @musliminmanila on Instagram for regular insights into this rich heritage. Alhamdulillah and thank you for reading!