Eid al-Fitr, which accurately means the “Vacation of Breaking the Quick” is the primary of two official holidays noticed by Muslims worldwide. The vacation marks the top of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. Within the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month of the 12 months, and their holy month of fasting, which lasts from daybreak to sundown. This 12 months, Eid al-Fitr will happen on the night of Wednesday, April 10, 2024 to Thursday, April 11, 2024 within the Philippines.
Whereas traditions could range in several international locations, Eid al-Fitr normally options a number of days of celebrations, together with particular morning prayers held in mosques or masjid, the place of worship for Muslims. In international locations with giant Muslim populations, together with the Philippines, Eid al-Fitr has been declared a nationwide vacation. Colleges, places of work and companies are closed to present the Muslim neighborhood an opportunity to assemble and luxuriate in celebrations with their household, associates and neighbors.
In keeping with this Muslim observance, let me take you on a visible tour of a number of the most stunning mosques in Mindanao, the place lots of our Muslim neighbors can be gathering for prayers earlier than they break their quick.
The Grand Mosque of Cotabato Metropolis, formally generally known as Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, is the second largest mosque within the Philippines, and among the many largest in Southeast Asia. As of 2023, the Marawi Grand Mosque is now the biggest after it underwent renovations following the Marawi Siege of 2017.
This gorgeous Islamic landmark for worship occupies 5,000 sqm of land space and options 14 majestic gold domes and 4 minarets hovering as much as 40 meters excessive. The mosque has a capability that may accommodate as much as 15,000 worshippers at a time.
The Grand Mosque, designed by the Filipino architect agency Palafox Associates, takes inspiration from the trendy and classical masjids in Turkey, Dubai, and the Arabian Gulf whereas incorporating architectural parts from Filipino Muslim tradition.
The mosque is called after the Sultan of Brunei who donated over 40 million US {dollars} for the constructing to assist the rising Muslim inhabitants in Southern Philippines.
Often known as the oldest mosque in Western Mindanao, the Taluksangay Mosque is situated within the coastal village of Taluksangay in Zamboanga Metropolis.
Constructed by Hadji Abdullah Maas Nuno in 1885, this masjid with its hanging purple domes is claimed to be the primary heart of Islamic propagation within the Zamboanga Peninsula, with Muslim non secular missionaries from Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo flocking to this village by means of the years.
The Taluksangay Mosque is about on the banks of a river within the outskirts of Zamboanga Metropolis, but it attracts vacationers from throughout. Apart from being an Islamic place of worship, the mosque itself has change into a vacationer landmark in Zamboanga Metropolis for voyagers of various faiths for its historic significance.
Apart from the Taluksangay Mosque, Zamboanga Metropolis is dwelling to a different notable and comparatively new mosque proper inside the metropolis heart. The Masjid Al-Islamia, also called the Rainbow Mosque, might be present in Brgy. Sta. Maria, Tumaga Highway, which is alongside the freeway.
Someday after the Marawi Siege of 2017, the unique inexperienced and white mosque was repainted as a tribute to fallen heroes and to represent peace and goodwill.
The dome and minaret now sport vibrant colours of the rainbow, whereas each the outside and inside partitions of the mosque function intricate particulars and distinctly Maranao designs with okir patterns. Okir or okil is the time period for plant-based designs, people motifs, and Arabic geometric figures used primarily by the Maranao.
Native media shops report that the seven colours of the dome symbolize the completely different cultures, religions, traditions, and beliefs of the residents of Zamboanga Metropolis, who handle to reside collectively in concord. The colours additionally replicate the picture of Zamboanga as a colourful and multi-cultural vacation spot.
The Pink Mosque, also called Masjid Dimaukom, is an Islamic place of worship that may be present in Datu Saudi-Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur. The mosque’s design was mentioned to be initiated by the late Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom to alter the picture of Maguindanao.
Constructed again in 2014, the Dimaukom Mosque stands on the outdated property of then-Mayor Dimaukom. Painted remarkably pink, which attracts vacationers from throughout, the mosque’s rosy shade is supposed to represent peace and love.
The locals envision the mosque to be a logo of unity and interfaith brotherhood for the entire Maguindanao area. Each Muslims and Christians helped construct this place of worship, additional emphasizing the unity of various faiths.
The Sheik Karimol Makdhum Mosque in Tawi-Tawi is taken into account the oldest mosque within the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. It’s situated in Barangay Tubig Indangan on the distant island of Simunul, roughly 12 km by boat from Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi. In response to native folklore, it was constructed by an Arab dealer named Sheikh Makhdum Karin in 1380.
Whereas the pillars discovered inside the current mosque have been initially believed to this point again to 1380, current research from the Nationwide Museum of the Philippines confirmed that they date again nearer to the seventeenth century as remnants of a reconstruction. As we speak, as a result of its lengthy historical past spanning 400 years, the 4 pillars are thought of sacred and have excessive standing in Philippine tradition. They’re presently the oldest recognized Islamic artifacts in your entire Philippines.
In 2012, the Nationwide Historic Fee of the Philippines (NHCP) acknowledged the Sheik Makhdum Mosque as a Nationwide Historic Landmark, listed as one of many Philippines’ oldest current Muslim Homes of Prayer. It has additionally been designated a Nationwide Cultural Treasure by the Nationwide Museum.
Whereas these mosques are primarily locations of prayer and worship for Muslims, they’ve additionally change into locations for folks of all faiths due to their historic and cultural significance.
Non-Muslim guests can go to these gorgeous mosques to fulfill Muslim neighborhood members, study extra in regards to the tradition, and admire Islamic structure once they journey round Mindanao any time of the 12 months.
NOTE: A model of this text was first printed in The Philippine Star’s Property Report part on March 31, 2023.
Journey suggestions when visiting mosques
- Entrance to mosques are normally free, however donations are appreciated.
- Be respectful and quiet when visiting mosques.
- Whereas some mosques are thought of historic landmarks, they’re primarily a spot of worship and never vacationer sights.
- Don’t disturb worshippers who could also be praying.
- Non-Muslims ought to keep away from getting into a mosque throughout occasions of prayer.
- All guests are suggested to put on modest clothes that covers shoulders and knees.
- Girls could also be required to put on hijabs and burka to enter a mosque. Girls additionally have to cowl their hair with a headband.
- In a number of the bigger mosques (like Cotabato’s Grand Mosque), you may lease a burka and hijab close to the doorway for P100.
- When you’re planning to go to mosques in additional distant areas, be sure that to deliver your individual scarves and head coverings.
- Take away your footwear earlier than getting into a mosque. Don’t eat or drink inside.
- Taking pictures outdoors a mosque is usually allowed, however you should definitely ask permission earlier than taking photos or taking pictures video footage inside.
