List of mosques in the Philippines

This is a list of mosques in the Philippines. Prior to the usage of the common Arabic style merged with modernist style mosque architecture, the vernacular mosques of the Philippines used to be the hut-style and the pagoda-style, which were very common until the late 19th century. Most of the mosques in the Philippines today have common Islamic architectures imported from Arabia, though some vernacular pagoda-style mosques can still be seen in Mindanao such as the Masjid Datu Untong Balabaran of Taviran in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. There have been proposals to put the Heritage Mosques of the Philippines into the Philippine tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration in the future. The proposals made were to input the historic mosques of the Philippines (mosque in Simunul), to input the vernacular mosques of the Philippines (langga/rangga-style and pagoda-style mosques), or to combine both and input them in the tentative list of UNESCO.[1]

Mosque Classification in the Philippines

There are two classifications of mosques in the Philippines, namely: (1) Masjid, which is associated with any place of worship and includes a bulbous dome and a minaret as an architectural element. It is a large and more permanent structure, built on foundations, often to be found near a river or body of water, where the faithful perform rituals of ablution. (2) Langgal (in Tausug) or Ranggar (in Maranao), which means “to meet”, refers to a small semi-permanent prayer structure built for the convenience of the faithful and mostly in rural areas. There is a third type which uses a pagoda-style architecture, but have been dethroned by the masjid (Arabian-style mosque).[2]

Architectural types of mosques in the Philippines

Very little is known about the architectural designs of mosque types in the Philippines. This is due to several factors: (1) much of the earliest types of mosques constructed by early missionaries were made of temporary materials like wood, bamboo, and cogon which do not last for years; (2) the remaining earlier types were either demolished, destroyed during earthquakes, or reconstructed/remodelled to suit modern architectural types based on the middle-east designs; (3) the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca radically changed all earliest types; and (4) very little has been written about the subject.[3]

According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the main cultural arm of the Philippine government, it is possible that the sampling of the mosque types in Lanao might represent the “typical” mosques in the Philippines prior to the importation of mosque architecture from Arabia, as Islam was introduced to the Sulu archipelago first, followed by Maguindanao, and then Lanao. Both Sulu and Maguindanao have lost almost all of their non-Arabian style mosque architectural knowledge, making Lanao the last area where such knowledge is still extant, although some pockets still exist in Sulu and Maguindanao. One of the earliest types of mosques in Lanao is a five-tiered building resembling a Chinese pagoda. A variation of this type is a three-tiered or seven-tiered edifice. The earliest mosque in Simunul, Tawi-tawi was initially built through the pagoda-style. Its 4 pillars are still there after more than 400 years. Another example of vernacular mosque in the Philippines is the Masgit sa Buadi Sakayo located, a mosque in Lanao that resembles a Buddhist temple with okir motifs. Other early types of mosques are found in the eastern coasts of Lake Lanao, where some mosques have okir motifs and burak (centaur) depictions some mirrors engraved on the panels of the mosque. Some early type mosques also has inverted jars on top of their domes.[3]

In Lanao, a huge drum called tabo is suspended horizontally inside the mosque and is beaten to call the believers to the mosque. Among the Yakan, a bamboo drum is used for calling people to worship. Inside the mosque, one does not find a pulpit (mimbar) but an elevated platform, a chair or a structure, where the khatib delivers his sermon. Philippine mosques do not have a sahn (courtyard) like those of Middle East mosques. Instead, they have benches outside where people sit and talk while waiting for the next prayer. According to Filipino Muslims, it is not permitted to discuss unIslamic matter inside the mosques.[3]

Overall, the types of mosque architecture in the Philippines can be divided into three, namely:

  • Langgal/ranggar - small structures for the faithful, and is usually built in rural areas (like the small chapels in Catholicism). These are the oldest form of mosque in the Philippines. The langgal/ranggar-style mosques are still being built and used in Islamic areas in the Philippines, especially in rural areas.
  • Pagoda-style Mosque - used by Muslims throughout Islamic areas in the Philippines prior to the importation of the Arabian-style mosque architecture. It is similar to the pagoda-style places of worship in Malaysia and Indonesia, specifically, Bali. The pagoda-style mosques are largely attributed to Hindu and Buddhist pasts of the current Muslim areas in the Philippines. These mosques have eight, five, or three tiers, making them look as if they are pathways to heaven. The pagoda-style mosque building is currently an endangered art form in the Philippines, as most mosques are now built in the Domed/Arabian-style.
  • Onion-domed/Arabian-style Mosque - currently the most prominent and widespread style used in building mosques in the Philippines. The Domed/Arabian-style was imported to the Philippines when Filipino Muslims began performing the hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). On their journey, they saw the mosques of Arabia and copied it, replacing the pagoda-style mosques in the Philippines.[4]

Mosques in the Philippines
Name Photo Location Year established Description
Al-Dahab MosqueManila1976[5]Known to tourists as the Golden Mosque of Manila, it is the biggest mosque in Metro Manila. The mosque is designed with colored tile artworks on its façade and stained glass paintings on some parts of its ceiling. It was built during the dictatorship era to be presented to ruler of Libya at the time, Muammar al-Gaddafi. The mosque used to have a minaret and a fountain, and was flocked by Muslims from other countries. Today, the mosque is in dire need of revitalization. The current administrators have been campaigning for the government to reconstruct the now-destroyed minaret and fountain of the mosque.[6]
Baclaran Mosque-Baclaran1994The mosque has been used from time to time by informal settlers in Metro Manila as a haven after their homes have been demolished. Due to conflicts on the ownership of land where the Baclaran Mosque is built on, the mosque was set to be relocated by the city government due to the liking of the contesting party against the mosque. In 2013, the mosque was demolished, and in its place, a belfry was established. The mosque was set to be reconstructed by 2016, but the reconstruction never commenced.[7]
Dimaukom MosqueDatu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao2014Due to its pink-inclined colors, the mosque has been dubbed by non-residents as the Pink Mosque. The color was chosen by its builders as they believed that pink represents peace and love. The entire mosque is built by both Muslims and Christians in the area.
Sheik Karimol Makdum Mosque-Simunul, Tawi-tawi1380Also known as Sheik Karim al Makdum Mosque, it is declared as a National Historical Landmark as declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Built in 1380, it is the first and oldest mosque in the Philippines – older than any Catholic church. The location of the mosque is also recognized as a National Cultural Treasure. The mosque is named after Arabian missionary Sheik Makdum, who introduced Islam to the Philippines and also supervised the construction of the mosque. His remains are buried in the mosque's premises. The remains of the original structure are no longer there, but the remains of a reconstructed version of the msoque dating to the 17th century can still be found within the present reconstruction of the mosque. Four wooden pillars of the 17th century structure still stand inside the mosque.[8]
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah MasjidCotabato City2011The largest mosque in the Philippines. Can accommodate up to 15,000 pilgrims. The mosque has gold-plated domes and minarets towering over 40 meters, all on an area of 5,000 square meters on a five-hectare land. It was partly funded by the Brunei government, with a budget of over US$40 million. The protection of the mosque is governed by the Muslims, the Christians, and the indigenous peoples of Cotabato City.[9]
Taluksangay MosqueZamboanga City1885It is the oldest mosque in Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Region), built by Hadji Abdullah Maas Nuno, a chieftain of Sama Banguingui, a Moro ethnic group. His grave can be found on the grounds at the back of the mosque. Its red domes are very symbolic for the Moro natives of Zamboanga. Saudi Arabia and Turkey have recognized the mosque as the center for Islam in the entire Zamboanga Region of the Philippines.
Masjid Datu Untong Balabaran of Taviran-Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao19th centuryAlso known as the Taviran Pusaka Masjid, it's a pagoda-style mosque built in the 19th century. It is one of the last remnants of the pagoda-style mosque architectural style in the Philippines.
King Faisal Mosque-Marawi, Lanao del SurThe biggest mosque in Marawi City. Named after the former king of Saudi Arabia, who financed its construction, this mosque in pale and dark shades of green is located within the Mindanao State University's main campus. The mosque is colored green as it is a traditional color of Islam, and the color is used to describe the state of those living in paradise according to the Quran. The main design points of the mosque include its metalwork pattern of the minaret, the painted petals on the dome, and name, Allah, on top of the spires. The entire mosque was destroyed during the Marawi crisis in 2017 and is currently undergoing reconstruction.
Bacolod Grande MosqueBacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur-Located in Barangay Lama in Bacolod-Kalawi, the mosque was considered as the Mecca of the province of Lanao del Sur during the mid-1900s. It is painted in various shades of green, symbolizing Islam and the color worn by the inhabitants of paradise, according to the Quran.
Masjid Al-Nasser Abpi-Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao-A mosque painted mostly in white. The color was chosen as the natives in the area believed that white is the second-most associated color with Islam as it symbolizes purity and peace, two characteristics of the religion.
Hadja Sitti Raya Mosque-Talipao, Sulu-Unlike other mosques in the Philippines, the Hadja Sitti Raya Mosque is painted in different colors with different patterns, providing more complexities inclined with the culture of the people of Sulu.
Masjid Kapunan-Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi-Built within the Batu-Batu village, it is the largest mosque in the entire province of Tawi-tawi. The mosque has two minarets and one golden dome.
Buluan Mosque-Buluan, Maguindanao-Built within Barangay Maslabeng, the mosque has five gold-colored domes and a facade painted with white and blue.
Buadi Sacayo Masjid-Marawi, Lanao del Sur-The mosque has a minaret within its land and has intricate motifs related both to Islam and Maranao culture. The mosque itself is painted with green and pigments of yellow. It is found in barangay Bangon.
White Mosque-Bongao, Tawi-Tawi-Built at a cliff area in Barangay Tubig Tanah, the mosque is white-colored, hence the popular name. It is a small mosque built in the igloo-style, and is surrounded by the sea, grasses, and coconut trees.
Babo Rahman Mosque-Taraka, Lanao del Sur-The mosque is said to have been constructed by one of the earliest ancestors of the Maranaos, Apo Balindong. Babo comes from the Arabic word baab (door) and Rahma symbolically signifies the “door of mercy” in the sense that it is the first mosque erected on the coast of Lake Lanao, symbolizing the adoption of the people of a new faith. The mosque was struck by an earthquake and was destroyed. Some of it sank into Lake Lanao. The mosque has been reconstructed for several times and little information is known regarding its original architectural design.
Masgit sa Buadi Sakayo-Marawi, Lanao del Sur1941Its name translates to Mosque of the Descendants of Sakayo. The mosque exemplifies an early style mosque in the Philippines, having a Buddhist temple theme in its upper part, with motifs of okir. It is found in Bangon, a suburb of the city of Marawi. It is now dilapidated and abandoned but is utilized as a madraza (sectarian school) during Saturdays and Sundays.
Pantar Mosque-Pantar, Lanao del Norte-The Pantar Mosque has an inverted jar (probably influenced by the Sung or Ming dynasty) placed at the apex of the dome (known locally as obor-obor). This jar is considered aposaka (heirloom) by the Maranaos. The mosque is found in Pantar, on the left side of the road right after crossing the bridge to Iligan City.
Kaum Purnah MosqueIsabela City-The Kaum Purnah Mosque is the oldest mosque in Basilan island. It is painted white and has a minaret with yellow colors on its upper half.
Tulay MosqueJolo, Sulu-The main mosque of the capital of Sulu province. The mosque is dominantly coastal, as the people who adhere to it are the Tausug, who call themselves as people of the sea. The mosque has four towers and one dome. The dominant colors of the mosque are white and yellow.
Capitol Mosque of Marawi-Marawi, Lanao del Sur-A golden-colored mosque with a minaret. The facade of the mosque is embellished with intricate designs and arches.
Pagayawan Mosque-Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur-The mosque's dome is colored gold, along with the top of its minaret. The body of the mosque and its minaret, however, are green, symbolizing Islam.
Marantao Mosque-Marantao, Lanao del Sur-The mosque has five domes, where the four edges has small domes each, and a middle top dome looms over the small domes. The mosque has different shades of green.
Kaumpurnah Mosque-Isabela City-A small mosque on an island at the coast of Basilan. The mosque's minaret is unique in the Sulu archipelago.
Masjid Sharif Alawi-Cagayan de Oro1996Located within Villa Angela Subdivision in Barangay Balulang, the mosque was built by Moros who migrated during the height of the armed conflict in the Bangsamoro region. It has a gold-colored dome, while the entire structure is painted green and white. The complex also has a separate building that serves as a madrasah and seminar hall.
In terms of land area, it is the largest mosque in Northern Mindanao.

See also

References
  1. "List of World Heritage Sites in the Philippines". 10 April 2019 – via Wikipedia.
  2. "1c Philippine Architecture - Mosque - Mindanao". Scribd.
  3. "In Focus: A Look at Philippine Mosques - National Commission for Culture and the Arts". Ncca.gov.ph. 2003-10-06. Retrieved 2019-12-28.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-03-22. Retrieved 2018-03-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. Angeles, Vivienne (2009). "Constructing Identity: Visual Expressions of Islam in the Predominantly Catholic Philippines". Identity in Crossroad Civilisations: Ethnicity, Nationalism and Globalism in Asia. Amsterdam University Press: 195–218. ISBN 9789089641274.
  6. Madarang, Rhea Claire. "8 beautiful white PH beaches perfect for barefoot walking". Rappler.
  7. "Redemptorist Redevelopment Plan". Archived from the original on 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2017-07-14.
  8. "Resolution No. 4, s. 1998 Declaring the Sheikh Karim-ul Makhhdum Mosque in Tubig-Indangan, Simunul, Taw-Tawi, as a National Historical Landmark" (PDF). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  9. Maitem, Jeoffrey (21 July 2012). "Muslims still overwhelmed by nation's biggest mosque". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Cotabato City. Retrieved 2 May 2014.

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