The Qur'Anic Concept of Umma and Its Function in Philippine Muslim Society

The present study deals with the Islamic concept of umma and its significance for today's Muslim population of the Republic of the Philippines. Father De Casa shows the political and universalistic potentialities of the term for defining the position of a Muslim community in a religiously pluralistic society. By showing the relevance of the word umma for other human societies, the study also offers material for a sociological study. Of particular interest are the derivative meanings the author registers among contemporary authors and also in the history of South-East Asian Muslim groups.