The Forgotten Royalty of the Philippines: A Legacy of Islamic Sultanates

By Muslim in Manila (@musliminmanila)

When we think of Philippine history, many narratives begin with Spanish colonization in the 16th century. However, long before foreign powers reached these shores, sovereign Islamic kingdoms thrived across the archipelago, establishing sophisticated systems of governance, trade networks, and cultural traditions that continue to influence Filipino society today.

The Birth of Islamic Monarchy in the Philippines

The story of Islamic royalty in the Philippines began in 1450 when Sayyid Abu Bakr Siddiq, an Arab-Muslim explorer and religious leader from Hadramaut (in present-day Yemen), arrived in Sulu. Far from being a simple traveler, Abu Bakr—also known by his honorific title Sharif ul-Hashim—was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Hussein.

Upon arriving in Sulu, Abu Bakr married Paramisuli, the daughter of Rajah Baginda, who was the local ruling chief. This strategic marriage united Arab Islamic tradition with local power structures, transforming the existing sociopolitical landscape. Abu Bakr established himself as the first Sultan of Sulu, introducing a new system of governance based on Islamic principles while respecting indigenous customs.

Under his leadership, the Sultanate adopted the Diwan Kharajat (Royal Court), established Islamic law alongside customary law, and implemented a sophisticated political structure that divided power among various royal offices. This governance system would survive for over five centuries.

Beyond Sulu: The Rise of Multiple Sultanates

While the Sulu Sultanate is perhaps the most well-known, it wasn't the only Islamic monarchy in the Philippines. The Maguindanao Sultanate emerged in the early 16th century in central Mindanao, founded by Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuwan, another Arab-Muslim missionary who married into local nobility.

Other notable Islamic kingdoms included:

• The Sultanate of Buayan in the southern Mindanao region

• The Sultanate of Lanao around Lake Lanao

• The Rajahship of Manila (which had converted to Islam before Spanish arrival)

These Islamic states weren't isolated entities but formed part of a broader network of Southeast Asian Islamic kingdoms, maintaining diplomatic relations with the Sultanate of Brunei, the Sultanate of Malacca, and other regional powers.

Centers of Power, Trade, and Culture

The Sultanates weren't merely political entities—they were economic powerhouses that connected the Philippine archipelago to global trade networks. The Sulu Sultanate, strategically positioned between China, the Malay archipelago, and the Spice Islands, became especially prominent in maritime commerce.

The royal courts controlled impressive trade networks that exported:

• Pearls from the Sulu Sea, highly prized across Asia and Europe

• Exotic spices including cinnamon, cloves, and pepper

• Bird's nests for Chinese imperial tables

• Handwoven textiles including the intricately designed pis syabit (royal cloth)

• Slaves captured during raids (a controversial but significant aspect of their economy)

In return, they imported Chinese porcelain, Arab glassware, Indian textiles, and other luxury goods. Archaeological excavations at royal sites have uncovered Chinese porcelain dating back to the Ming Dynasty, evidence of the Sultanates' extensive foreign relations.

This trade wasn't just economically significant—it demonstrated Filipino sovereignty and sophistication centuries before Western colonization. The Sultans maintained their own diplomatic corps, exchanged ambassadors with foreign powers, and negotiated treaties as independent monarchs.

Cultural and Religious Contributions

The Sultanates were also centers of Islamic learning and culture. They established madrasas (Islamic schools), constructed ornate mosques, and preserved knowledge through written manuscripts in Arabic script called Kirim.

They developed unique cultural expressions that blended Islamic traditions with indigenous Filipino elements:

• Architecture: Royal palaces (astana) and mosques featured distinctive designs combining Middle Eastern influences with local materials

• Music: Royal ensembles played the kulintang (bronze gong sets) during ceremonies

• Literature: Epic poetry like the Darangen celebrated royal genealogies and heroic deeds

• Clothing: Royal regalia including the pis syabit (royal headcloth) became symbols of authority

• Craftsmanship: Metalworking traditions created distinctive weapons like the kris (wavy dagger) that symbolized royal power

These cultural contributions remain vital elements of Muslim Filipino identity today.

Resistance and Resilience

The arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century marked the beginning of a centuries-long struggle for the Sultanates. Unlike the rest of the Philippines, which fell under Spanish control relatively quickly, the Muslim kingdoms fiercely defended their independence.

The Spanish-Moro Wars (1565-1898) represent one of history's longest colonial conflicts, with the Sultanates successfully resisting complete subjugation. Spanish chronicles grudgingly acknowledged the military prowess of the Sultans' forces, particularly their naval capabilities.

Sultan Kudarat of Maguindanao (r. 1619-1671) famously rallied his people against conversion with a powerful speech: "The Spaniards would have done to you what they have done to the Tagalogs and Visayans, whose nobles now carry their burdens. They would have you pull their oars in their galleys as they have made the others do."

This resistance preserved Islam and traditional governance structures in southern Philippines even as the north underwent Hispanization. However, the Sultanates faced increasing pressure after the Spanish-American War when American colonial authorities implemented new strategies to incorporate Muslim territories into the colonial state.

The Final Sultans

By the 20th century, the political power of the Sultanates had significantly diminished, though they retained cultural and religious influence. The Philippine government under President Ferdinand Marcos made one final official recognition of a Sultan in 1974 when Mohammad Mahakuttah Kiram was acknowledged as the 29th Sultan of Sulu.

Sultan Mahakuttah's reign continued until his death in 1986, after which competing claims to the throne emerged. While no Sultan has received official recognition since, several royal houses maintain their claims to this day, including:

• The Kiram family, descendants of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II

• The Shakiraullah family, claiming descent from another branch of the royal line

• Various claimants to the Maguindanao Sultanate

Despite lacking official political power, these royal families continue to serve as cultural leaders and symbols of Muslim Filipino heritage.

Legacy and Modern Significance

Today, the Philippine government acknowledges the historical significance of the Sultanates as part of the nation's pre-colonial heritage. Historical markers stand at sites of former royal palaces, and museums display royal regalia, manuscripts, and artifacts.

The legacy of the Sultanates manifests in several ways:

• Legal recognition: The 1987 Philippine Constitution acknowledges traditional laws in Muslim areas through the Code of Muslim Personal Laws

• Political structures: The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (now Bangsamoro Autonomous Region) reflects, in part, the historical autonomy of these regions

• Cultural celebrations: Annual festivals commemorate Sultanate history, including Sulu's Agal-Agal Festival

• Educational curriculum: Philippine history textbooks increasingly include sections on pre-colonial Islamic kingdoms

Most importantly, the history of the Sultanates reminds us that Filipino history is far more complex than narratives centered on colonization. It's a story of indigenous governance systems, of sovereignty exercised long before Western powers arrived, and of cultural resilience that survives to this day.

The Continuing Story

The royal legacy continues to influence contemporary issues, including the 2013 Lahad Datu incident when followers of a Sulu Sultan claimant attempted to assert historical claims over parts of Sabah, Malaysia—territory once part of the Sulu Sultanate.

For modern Muslim Filipinos, the Sultanates represent not just history but living heritage. Traditional royal ceremonies are still performed during significant events, royal titles continue to carry respect in local communities, and ancestry from royal lineages remains a source of pride.

As the Philippines continues to navigate its multicultural identity, the story of its Islamic royalty provides important perspectives on sovereignty, cultural diversity, and the depth of Filipino history before colonization.

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!