The Philippines
Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago east of Vietnam between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. There are more than 100 ethnic groups in the country, the main ones being Tagals, Visayans, Bicolese, Ilocos, and Moro Muslims.
Islam entered the Philippines through Muslim traders from the south. Three Muslim states were established on these islands: the Islamic State of Sulu, the Islamic State of Mindanao, and the Islamic State of Maynila (Manila).
In the mid-fourteenth century, Muslim traders reached the island of Sulu and went from there to Mindanao. In 1380, people built a mosque for Sharif Karim al-Makhdum, who settled in Buanza (now Jolo), the previous capital of Sulu. Under the influence of this Arab missionary, most of the population converted to Islam. The conversion of a few local chiefs to Islam strengthened Islam in the region.
Muslims within the borders of the Philippines live mainly on the islands of Mindanao and Sulu. Muslims, who are a minority, face many political, social, and economic problems and therefore fight for a state that will solve their problems. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is an organization that leads this struggle and is recognized by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. In addition, Islamic activities are being carried out in the country by organizations such as the Union of Filipino Muslims, Ansâr al-Islâm, and the Sulu Islamic Foundation.
