Islamic

Created @December 15, 2024 6:03 PM

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Islamic Art
How did the Islam influence art before the coming of the
Spaniards?
Before the Spaniards arrived, Islam significantly influenced art in the Philippines,
particularly in Mindanao and Sulu. This included the construction of mosques, the
use of Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns, and symbolic designs in textiles,
metalwork, and grave markers. Islamic aesthetics emphasized non-figurative
forms, blending spirituality with indigenous traditions to create a unique cultural
identity.

Karim Al Makhdum
In 1380, Karim Al Makhdum 1st Arabian trader who brought Islam to the
Philippines.

He reached the Sulu archipelago and introduced Islam to the local population
and from there spread the faith to other parts of the island of Mindanao.

He built the first mosque on Simunul island in the present day province of
Tawi-Tawi, heralding the coming of Islam to the islands.

Sheik Karimal Makhdum Mosque

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 oldest mosque in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.

found in Tawi-Tawi.

Sayyid Abubakar
his arrival became the significant turn of events

Sayyid Abubakar’s arrival in Sulu marked a turning point as he established the

Sultanate of Sulu, unifying local leadership under Islamic rule.

By blending Islamic law (Shariah) with local customs (adat), he strengthened

the spread of Islam, fostering cultural growth in education, arts, and
governance.

His leadership also enhanced Sulu’s regional influence through trade and
diplomacy, laying the foundation for resistance against Spanish colonization
and cementing Islam as a core aspect of identity in the region.

Rajah Baguinda
As a ruler of Sulu, Rajah Baguinda facilitated the spread of Islam, providing the
foundation for Islamic governance in the region and laying the groundwork for the
establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu.

Princess Paramisuli
Her marriage to Sayyid Abubakar united local leadership with Islamic rule, playing
a key role in the establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu and blending local and
Islamic traditions.

Islam was embraced as a religion and as a way of life

by the people of Mindanao.

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 What are the main beliefs of Islam that influence the
ways art is made and interpreted?

Monotheism - The belief in one God (Allah) which promotes non-figurative art
to avoid depicting living beings.

The prohibition of idolatry - Encourages abstract forms and calligraphy rather

than human or animal imagery.

The sanctity of the Qur’an - Influences the use of Arabic script as a

decorative element.

Spiritual symbolism - Art serves as a reflection of the divine, emphasizing

geometric patterns and vegetal motifs that symbolize the infinite nature of
God.

Doctrine of Tahwid
central to the Islamic faith.

Muslims refer to god as Allah.

Notion of Tahwid in Art

Do not use religious icons.

Architectural Design

Inclination to Upward Direction

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Masjid al-haram
Masjid al-Haram, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the largest and holiest
mosque in Islam.

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 It surrounds the Ka’bah.

Ka’bah
Abraham and Ishmael raised its foundations.

Cube-shaped structure in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is

the holiest site in Islam.

It is the focus of the Hajj pilgrimage and the center of Islamic worship.

The most sacred structure in Islam, and is the central site for the Hajj
pilgrimage.

It is considered the House of God (Allah) and the direction (Qibla) towards
which Muslims around the world pray.

Black Stone
The Black Stone, or Hajar al-Aswad, is a revered Islamic relic located at the
corner of the Ka'bah in Mecca.

It is believed to be a remnant from the original Ka'bah and is kissed or touched

during the Hajj pilgrimage as a symbol of purification and unity.

INCLINATION TO UPWARD DIRECTION

Burraq
horse with the head of a woman

“carries the Prophet in his ascension to heaven”

Transition of Islam to Spanish colonial period

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 As Spaniards first arrived in the 1500s, the were dismayed to find such strong
Muslim presence.

Spaniards had recently expelled Moors (describes muslim people) from their
country after 800 years of conflict.

Spaniards quickly converted much of the Philippines to Christianity using the

sword quite liberally.

Spain was struggling to push South as the Moros fiercely resisted the Spanish
attempts on dominance over Sulu and Mindanao.

“…if it were not for the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for 333 years, the
country, would have been a Muslim State like its Southeast Asian neighbors.”

-John Leddy Phelan

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