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 Tuesday, April 9, 2024 to Wednesday, April 10, 2024 within the Philippines.
Whereas traditions might fluctuate in numerous nations, Eid al-Fitr normally options a couple of days of celebrations, together with particular morning prayers held in mosques or masjid, the place of worship for Muslims. In nations with massive Muslim populations, together with the Philippines, Eid al-Fitr has been declared a nationwide vacation. Colleges, workplaces and companies are closed to provide the Muslim neighborhood an opportunity to assemble and luxuriate in celebrations with their household, mates and neighbors.
In keeping with this Muslim observance, let me take you on a visible tour of among the most stunning mosques in Mindanao, the place a lot of our Muslim neighbors will probably be gathering for prayers earlier than they break their quick.
The Grand Mosque of Cotabato Metropolis, formally referred to 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 most important 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 components 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.
Generally 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 putting purple domes is alleged to be the primary heart of Islamic propagation within the Zamboanga Peninsula, with Muslim spiritual 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 turn into a vacationer landmark in Zamboanga Metropolis for voyagers of various faiths for its historic significance.
Apart from the Taluksangay Mosque, Zamboanga Metropolis is residence to a different notable and comparatively new mosque proper throughout the metropolis heart. The Masjid Al-Islamia, also referred to as the Rainbow Mosque, will be present in Brgy. Sta. Maria, Tumaga Street, 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 shiny colours of the rainbow, whereas each the outside and inside partitions of the mosque characteristic 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 retailers 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 dwell collectively in concord. The colours additionally replicate the picture of Zamboanga as a colourful and multi-cultural vacation spot.
The Pink Mosque, also referred to as 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 stated to be initiated by the late Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom to vary the picture of Maguindanao.
Constructed again in 2014, the Dimaukom Mosque stands on the previous 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 accordance with native folklore, it was constructed by an Arab dealer named Sheikh Makhdum Karin in 1380.
Whereas the pillars discovered throughout the current mosque had 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 consequence 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 the whole 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 turn into locations for folks of all faiths due to their historic and cultural significance.
Non-Muslim guests can go to these gorgeous mosques to satisfy Muslim neighborhood members, be taught extra in regards to the tradition, and admire Islamic structure after they journey round Mindanao any time of the 12 months.
NOTE: A model of this text was first revealed in The Philippine Star’s Property Report part on March 31, 2023.
Journey ideas 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 coming into a mosque throughout instances of prayer.
- All guests are suggested to put on modest clothes that covers shoulders and knees.
- Ladies could also be required to put on hijabs and burka to enter a mosque. Ladies additionally have to cowl their hair with a scarf.
- In among the bigger mosques (like Cotabato’s Grand Mosque), you may lease a burka and hijab close to the doorway for P100.
- Should you’re planning to go to mosques in additional distant areas, ensure to convey your personal scarves and head coverings.
- Take away your sneakers earlier than coming into a mosque. Don’t eat or drink inside.
- Taking images exterior a mosque is mostly allowed, however be sure you ask permission earlier than taking photos or capturing video footage inside.
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