Bichara: Moro Chanceries and Jawi Legacy in the Philippines

This book explores the written heritage of Muslims in the Philippines, including the historical constitution of chancelleries, the production of official letters, and the Moro involvement in Southeast Asian Islamic civilization. It connects the development and personality of the Philippine sultanates to the regional context of local communities that adopted an international faith.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the rich tapestry of Muslim heritage in the Philippines, exploring the historical constitution of chancelleries within the Islamic sultanates, as well as the art of producing official letters for local and international diplomacy. While the prevailing narrative often focuses on the political and armed struggles within the region, two crucial aspects remain overlooked: the cultural and intellectual flourishing of the sultanates, and the significant contribution of the Moro people to Southeast Asian Islamic civilization. By seamlessly integrating the development and personality of the Philippine sultanates into the broader regional context of local communities that embraced an international faith, this book offers a fresh perspective on the intricate web of cultural, political, and religious interactions.

Political alliances and religious missions played a pivotal role in shaping the ethnolinguistic groups, introducing them to the Word of God, the Quranic message, and the Arabic script. The influence of customary orality and Adab, known as the Bichara, permeated every aspect of life, shaping a way of being and acting that mirrored the ideals of the Islamic civilization.

In particular, this book delves into the Moro Letter as a cultural artifact with profound political significance. It examines the intricate craftsmanship and symbolic meanings embedded within the Moro letters, shedding light on their role in shaping the political landscape of the region. Additionally, the book explores the rich Jawi heritage in the Philippines, highlighting the preservation and transmission of this Islamic script across generations.

To support its findings, the book provides a comprehensive catalogue of Jawi manuscripts sourced from the National Archives of the Philippines. This appendix serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Philippines.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of Muslim heritage in the Philippines, shedding light on the overlooked aspects of cultural, intellectual, and political development within the Islamic sultanates. By exploring the Moro Letter and Jawi heritage, it provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between religion, culture, and politics in the region, contributing to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Philippine history and society.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 217 x 154 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811908200
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023