THE BALIK-ISLAM PHENOMENON: FILIPINO MUSLIM REVERTS – BETWEEN THE GULF COUNTRIES AND THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Islam arrived in the Philippines long before Christianity. However, today, at most, only 11% are Muslim in this largest Catholic country in Asia. Muslims comprise mainly of the Moros residing in the Southern parts of the country – Mindanao, Palawan, the Sulu Archipelago – and the Balik-Islam. The Balik-Islam are primarily former Christians who have converted or “returned” (Balik) to Islam. Many amongst the Balik-Islam are former expats or migrant workers who embraced Islam in the Gulf countries and have returned to the Philippines. Their understanding and practice of Islam have been greatly influenced by the stricter, more orthodox Salafi and Wahhabi versions practised by their former “arbaab” (boss or master). This paper delves into the Balik-Islam phenomenon; primarily exploring the reasons for Filipinos converting to Islam, the relationship of the Balik-Islam with the Moros, and their place in the history of the Muslims of the Philippines.