Azim ud-Din I of Sulu facts for kids

Muhammad Azim ud-Din I (also known as Muhammad Alimuddin) was a powerful Sultan of Sulu. He ruled from 1735 to 1748, and again from 1764 to 1774. He was also known by his Christian name, Don Fernando de Alimuddin, after briefly converting to Catholicism. However, he later returned to Islam and remained a Muslim until his death.

Early Life of Sultan Azim ud-Din I

As a young boy, Alimuddin first studied with his father, Badar ud-Din I. Later, he traveled to Batavia (now Jakarta) in the Dutch East Indies to finish his education. There, he became very good at speaking Arabic and Malay. He also gained a deep understanding of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.

First Reign as Sultan of Sulu

Azim ud-Din I became Sultan in 1732 after his father stepped down. He officially took full power in 1735 when his cousin, Nasar ud-Din, gave up his claim to the throne. One important event early in his rule was signing the Treaty of 1737.

The Treaty of 1737

Sultan Azim ud-Din I sent two representatives, Datu Mohammad Ismael and Datu Ja'far, to Manila. They signed a peace treaty in January 1737 with the Spanish Governor-General. This treaty had five main points:

• It promised lasting peace between Sulu and Spain.
• Both sides agreed to help each other against any enemies.
• They allowed free trade between their lands.
• Each side would be responsible for breaking the peace.
• They agreed to exchange prisoners and return any stolen church items.

Why Sultan Azim ud-Din I Abdicated

In 1744, Philip V of Spain asked the Sultan for permission to send missionaries to Sulu. These missionaries from the Society of Jesus wanted to spread Christianity. When the Sultan's religious advisors, called panditas, found out he agreed, they strongly opposed it.

A group led by the Sultan's brother, Prince Bantilan, formed to remove the missionaries and the Sultan. Fighting grew, and a civil war seemed likely. Bantilan even tried to hurt the Sultan with a spear. Because of the danger, the missionaries had to leave Jolo. Sultan Azim ud-Din I, feeling defeated, left Jolo with his family. He went to Zamboanga to ask Spain for help against Bantilan, who had taken over.

Conversion to Christianity

In 1749, Azim ud-Din I traveled to Cavite and then to Manila. The Spanish Governor-General, Juan de Arechederra, welcomed him like a prince. Instead of immediately discussing his throne, the Sultan said he wanted to learn about Christianity. He wanted to be baptized.

In 1750, he was baptized and took the Christian name Fernando de Alimuddin. He was also known as Ferdinand I. The new Governor-General, the Marquis of Brindisi and Ovando, promised Ferdinand I that Spain would help him get his throne back. They also promised to punish Bantilan and his pirates. It is not fully clear if Ferdinand I truly believed in Christianity or if it was a political move.

Second Reign and Return to Islam

Before leaving Manila in 1751, Ferdinand I wrote a letter in Arabic. This letter was for the Sultan of Maguindanao. However, the letter was badly translated into Spanish. This led to accusations that he had planned treason. Because of this, he was arrested and spent ten years in prison.

Ferdinand I stayed in prison until 1762. That year, the Kingdom of Great Britain captured and occupied Manila during the Seven Years' War. The British then helped him return to his throne in Sulu. After the British left Manila in 1763, attacks by Sulu pirates on the city increased.

Reversion to Islam

After Sultan Bantilan died, Bantilan's son, Azim ud-Din II, took power. When Azim ud-Din II also died, Ferdinand I returned to Sulu. His people welcomed him back. He returned to Islam and remained a Muslim until his death. In November 1773, he gave up his throne to his son, Israil.

Legacy of Sultan Azim ud-Din I

Azim ud-Din I is remembered as one of Sulu's most respected rulers. He was known as a man of peace and a reformer. He faithfully followed the Treaty of 1737 during his rule. He also started minting money, organized an army, and tried to create a navy for Sulu.

His people saw him as a great authority. He earned the title "Chief of Pandita" because he could explain the Qur'an so well. He updated the sultanate's laws and justice system. He also began translating parts of the Qur'an and other religious texts into the local language. He strongly encouraged his government to follow their religion. He wanted all panditas to learn Arabic and started creating a list of Islamic terms. This was a step toward making Arabic the official language of Sulu.

See also

• History of the Philippines