Islam

Islam is one of the oldest organized religions to be established in the Philippines. Its origins in the country may be dated back to as early as the 14th century, with the arrival of Arab and Malay traders who converted some of the native inhabitants in the southwestern Philippine islands.

It was believed that the trading activities with other countries outside the island of Philippines was the reason why Islam was introduced to early ancestors in the area of Sulu and other parts of Mindanao. Accordingly during the early period the Arab came in the Philippines not just for trade activities but also with preachers to spread out the scriptures of the Islam religion.

The early leaders in the villages were believed to be the reason why the natives embrace the said religion. During that time they believed that the wealthy Arab traders were very influential people. Hence they made an arrangement that if the Arab will help them retain there position as leaders, along with their members they will accept Islam.

Islam in Sulu

According to the old scripture- tarsila, Islam was introduced by Tuan Mashaika in Sulu. It was believed that he came in the area when the native inhabitants were still worshiping rocks and other things. Mashaika married the chieftain’s daughters and their off springs deepened and widen the religion in other parts of Sulu.

Another missionary, Karim-ulMakhdum also came and was generously accepted by Mashaika’s clan. As a distinctive individual he was also called Tuan Sharif auliya- auliya means holy.

In 15^th century Rajah Baginda arrived from Sumatra with a political knowledge and later formed a community in the area. Buwasa became the capital of Baginda’s administration. Later Sayyid Abu Bakr came in Buwasa and lived in Rajah Baginda’s place. He married the daughter of Rajah Baginda. After Baginda’s death Abu Bakr took the leadership position.

In his administration he established the Sultanate-a Muslim state that rule over the islands in Sulu. Abu Bakr was the first sultan then and known as Sultan Sharif ul-Hashim. During his term there were many masjid and madrasah constructed. Political agreement was also concurred in some other muslim communities with an intention to strengthen the Islam against the Catholicism invasion in the northern part of the country.

Islam in Mindanao

The widespread of Islam in Maguindanao was made responsible by Sharif Mouhammad Kabungsuwan. The later believed to reach Maguindanao from Samal after a surviving seafaring due to a storm. His other travel companions were believed to dock in the shores of Sumatra, Borneo and Sulu. With his stay in Maguindanao he gained an impression of being loyal and intelligent Muslim. By invading other territories and good relations of those who are not Muslims, he encouraged many supporters.

Researchers believed that this fast-stretch of Islam was due to his effort and assistance of the political leaders in Sulu. The said religion was believed to spread in Maguindanao because of the Sultanate in Sulu.

Kabungsuwan married the daughters of the chieftains indeed lay him as head in Malabang and Cotabato. Others said that he started the sultanate in Maguindanao, however he claimed himself to be a sharif instead of a sultan.

From Cotabato and Malabang the Islam reached the communities in Lake Saranggani and Gulf of Davao. Old stories said that Kabungsuwan arrived at Lake Lanao and encourages the Maranao’s to embrace the religion but others believed that Maranao accepted the religion due to their affiliation to the natives in Maguindanao.

Old narrations in Lanao also relay that Sharif Alawi introduced Islam from Cotabato to the entrance river of Tagoloan- Misamis Oriental today. From here he also reached Bukidnon and the Lake of Lanao.

Islam in Luzon

Evidence shows that during 16^th century there was already a widespread of Islam religion in different parts of the Philippines brought by the Muslim traders and missionaries. In the northern part of the country it was believed that they lived and built their community along the Manila Bay, Tundo and Laguna.