Eid al-Fitr, which literally means the “Holiday of Breaking the Fast” is the first of two official holidays observed by Muslims worldwide. The holiday marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month of the year, and their holy month of fasting, which lasts from dawn to sunset. This year, Eid al-Fitr will take place on the evening of Tuesday, April 9, 2024 to Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Philippines.
While traditions may vary in different countries, Eid al-Fitr usually features a few days of celebrations, including special morning prayers held in mosques or masjid, the place of worship for Muslims. In countries with large Muslim populations, including the Philippines, Eid al-Fitr has been declared a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed to give the Muslim community a chance to gather and enjoy celebrations with their family, friends and neighbors.
In line with this Muslim observance, let me take you on a visual tour of some of the most beautiful mosques in Mindanao, where many of our Muslim neighbors will be gathering for prayers before they break their fast.
The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City, officially known as Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, is the second largest mosque in the Philippines, and among the largest in Southeast Asia. As of 2023, the Marawi Grand Mosque is now the largest after it underwent renovations following the Marawi Siege of 2017.
This stunning Islamic landmark for worship occupies 5,000 sqm of land area and features 14 majestic gold domes and four minarets soaring up to 40 meters high. The mosque has a capacity that can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers at a time.
The Grand Mosque, designed by the Filipino architect firm Palafox Associates, takes inspiration from the modern and classical masjids in Turkey, Dubai, and the Arabian Gulf while incorporating architectural elements from Filipino Muslim culture.
The mosque is named after the Sultan of Brunei who donated over 40 million US dollars for the building to help the emerging Muslim population in Southern Philippines.
Known as the oldest mosque in Western Mindanao, the Taluksangay Mosque is located in the coastal village of Taluksangay in Zamboanga City.
Built by Hadji Abdullah Maas Nuno in 1885, this masjid with its striking red domes is said to be the first center of Islamic propagation in the Zamboanga Peninsula, with Muslim religious missionaries from Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo flocking to this village through the years.
The Taluksangay Mosque is set on the banks of a river in the outskirts of Zamboanga City, yet it attracts travelers from all over. Aside from being an Islamic place of worship, the mosque itself has become a tourist landmark in Zamboanga City for voyagers of different faiths for its historical significance.
Aside from the Taluksangay Mosque, Zamboanga City is home to another notable and relatively new mosque right within the city center. The Masjid Al-Islamia, also known as the Rainbow Mosque, can be found in Brgy. Sta. Maria, Tumaga Road, which is along the highway.
Sometime after the Marawi Siege of 2017, the original green and white mosque was repainted as a tribute to fallen heroes and to symbolize peace and goodwill.
The dome and minaret now sport bright colors of the rainbow, while both the exterior and interior walls of the mosque feature intricate details and distinctly Maranao designs with okir patterns. Okir or okil is the term for plant-based designs, folk motifs, and Arabic geometric figures used primarily by the Maranao.
Local media outlets report that the seven colors of the dome represent the different cultures, religions, traditions, and beliefs of the residents of Zamboanga City, who manage to live together in harmony. The colors also reflect the image of Zamboanga as a colorful and multi-cultural destination.
The Pink Mosque, also known as Masjid Dimaukom, is an Islamic place of worship that can be found in Datu Saudi-Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur. The mosque’s design was said to be initiated by the late Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom to change the image of Maguindanao.
Built back in 2014, the Dimaukom Mosque stands on the old property of then-Mayor Dimaukom. Painted remarkably pink, which attracts tourists from all over, the mosque’s rosy color is meant to symbolize peace and love.
The locals envision the mosque to be a symbol of unity and interfaith brotherhood for the whole Maguindanao region. Both Muslims and Christians helped build this place of worship, further emphasizing the unity of different faiths.
The Sheik Karimol Makdhum Mosque in Tawi-Tawi is considered the oldest mosque in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. It is located in Barangay Tubig Indangan on the remote island of Simunul, roughly 12 km by boat from Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi. According to local folklore, it was built by an Arab trader named Sheikh Makhdum Karin in 1380.
While the pillars found within the present mosque were originally believed to date back to 1380, recent studies from the National Museum of the Philippines confirmed that they date back closer to the 17th century as remnants of a reconstruction. Today, due to its long history spanning 400 years, the four pillars are considered sacred and have high status in Philippine culture. They are currently the oldest known Islamic artifacts in the entire Philippines.
In 2012, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) recognized the Sheik Makhdum Mosque as a National Historical Landmark, listed as one of the Philippines’ oldest existing Muslim Houses of Prayer. It has also been designated a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.
While these mosques are primarily places of prayer and worship for Muslims, they have also become destinations for people of all faiths because of their historical and cultural significance.
Non-Muslim visitors can visit these stunning mosques to meet Muslim community members, learn more about the culture, and admire Islamic architecture when they travel around Mindanao any time of the year.
NOTE: A version of this article was first published in The Philippine Star’s Property Report section on March 31, 2023.
Travel tips when visiting mosques
- Entrance to mosques are usually free, but donations are appreciated.
- Be respectful and quiet when visiting mosques.
- While some mosques are considered historical landmarks, they are primarily a place of worship and not tourist attractions.
- Do not disturb worshippers who may be praying.
- Non-Muslims should avoid entering a mosque during times of prayer.
- All visitors are advised to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- Women may be required to wear hijabs and burka to enter a mosque. Women also need to cover their hair with a headscarf.
- In some of the larger mosques (like Cotabato’s Grand Mosque), you can rent a burka and hijab near the entrance for P100.
- If you’re planning to visit mosques in more remote areas, make sure to bring your own scarves and head coverings.
- Remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Do not eat or drink inside.
- Taking photos outside a mosque is generally allowed, but be sure to ask permission before taking pictures or shooting video footage inside.
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