Socio-Political Structure

- Filipino Muslim social life is deeply influenced by their religion. It is a synthesis of indigenous practices and Islam. It is considered more than a religion. It is a way of life.

- The Muslim social set-up now slightly differs from the independent pre-Islamic social institutions that once dominated the rest of ancient Philippines. In the past, the people were classified into the nobles, the freemen, and the dependents. This social classification is mainly determined by class, status, and power. The nobles represented the ruling class while those who belong to the last two social levels were the followers.

-The numerous organized communities, which were called differently in Tausug, Samal, Yakan, and Subanun, were similar to the barangays. They functioned independently and were governed by their own laws and chieftains.

- The Islamization of the area and the introduction of the sultanate as a political authority slowly affected the community structure. The Tausugs, in particular, became aware of the sultanate as a permanent fixture of their political and social institutions. However, the power of the Sultan of Sulu was not absolute. His decision was not influenced by the powerful datus who were usually composed of the ruma bichara, an important body in decision-making.

- The hierarchy of the sultanate is based on three ethnic levels. At the uppermost of the hierarchial system are the Tausugs, the dominant group, followed by the Samals and the Yakans.

- The Tausugs represent the nobles in the social strata while the commoners refer mostly to the Samals. The lowest segment of the society consists of the "outsiders."