History of Asia

What are the influences of Arabs to Philippined?

Political Influences:

- Legal Codes: The first legal code in the Philippines, the Code of Kalantiaw, is thought to have been influenced by Islamic laws and customs

- Rulers and Dynasties: In some Southern Philippine regions, pre-colonial rulers were referred to as "sultans" and "rajahs," titles inspired by Islamic nobility

- Tribal Politics: Arab Muslim traders are believed to have mediated disputes and alliances among local tribes in the Southern Philippines

Socio-Cultural Influences:

- Social Structure: Some Southern Filipino communities practice matrilineal systems similar to those found in Islamic societies, where property is inherited through the female line

- Art and Architecture:

-- The intricate designs of brassware, textiles, carvings, and metal works produced by indigenous Muslim groups resemble Islamic art

-- The design of mosques in Southern Philippines incorporate elements common in Islamic architecture

Language and Education:

- Arabic Influence in Southern Philippine Dialects: Arabic words have made their way into certain Southern Philippine dialects (e.g., "salamat" [thank you] from "salaam")

- Islamic Schools: Islamic schools, locally called "madrasah," were established to provide education rooted in Muslim religious teachings