16/10/2025
Darwin Absari: Preserving the Spiritual Legacy of the Tausug and Beyond
Darwin Absari, an esteemed scholar and cultural advocate, completed his Master of Arts in Islamic Studies at the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman. His academic journey reflects a profound dedication to uncovering and preserving the spiritual and intellectual traditions that shape Filipino Muslim identity.
His M.A. thesis, PAG-TUHAN: The Tausug Spiritual Tradition, delves deeply into the origins and essence of Tausug spirituality—a heritage rooted in the intertwining of indigenous belief systems and Islamic mysticism. This groundbreaking work not only highlights the resilience and depth of Tausug spiritual life but also contributes to a broader understanding of Philippine Islam as an integral part of the nation’s cultural tapestry.
Recognized for its scholarly and cultural significance, PAG-TUHAN received the 2015 National Book Development Trust Fund grant and was later published by UP Press in 2021. The book’s impact was further acknowledged when it became a finalist for Best Book in Spirituality and Theology at the 40th National Book Awards, affirming its importance in contemporary Philippine scholarship.
At present, Darwin Absari serves as an Assistant Professor and College Secretary at the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, where he teaches courses on Islamic Thought, Legacies of Islamic Civilization, and Moro Arts, History, Society, and Culture. His continuing research explores Pre-Hispanic Philippine history, Islam in Southeast Asia, and the intersections of faith, identity, and tradition.
Through his work, Absari carries forward a legacy of intellectual inquiry and cultural preservation. His scholarship bridges the past and present, ensuring that the spiritual traditions of the Tausug—and the broader narratives of Muslim Filipinos—remain a living part of the country’s evolving identity.
Darwin Absari finished his M.A. in Islamic Studies at the Institute of Islamic Studies in the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman.
His M.A. Thesis, PAG-TUHAN: The Tausug Spiritual Tradition, was a recipient of the 2015 National Book Development Thrust Fund. Its book form which was published by UP Press in 2021 was selected as finalist for the best book in Spirituality and Theology during the 40th National Book Awards.
Currently he is an assistant professor and College Secretary at the UP Institute of Islamic Studies teaching Islamic Thought, Legacies of Islamic Civilization and Moro Arts, History, Society and Culture. His other research interests include Pre-Hispanic Philippine History, Islam in Southeast Asia and many others.
