Mosques in the Philippines

BAYT AL FANN
Feb 10, 2023
3 min read

In the Philippines, Islam was the first monotheistic religion recorded - introduced in the 14th century by Arab & Gujarati traders. Mosques in the Philippines are celebrated not only for their beauty but also for their cultural significance.

The Pink Mosque (Dimaukom Mosque), Maguindanao, Philippines Built in 2014, & painted y pink, the mosque represents a colour believed to symbolise peace & love. Both Muslims and Christians built this place of worship, further emphasising the unity of different faiths

Image credit Pinterest

Sheikh Karimol Makhdum Mosque, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

The oldest mosque in the Philippines & in Southeast Asia - according to local folklore it was built by an Arab trader Sheikh Makhdum Karim in 1380. The pillars are thought to be from the original mosque & considered sacred.

Image credit Pinterest

The Golden Mosque (Masjid Al-Dahab), Manila, Philippines

The largest mosque in Metro Manila. This masjid stands out even from across the Pasig River with its gold dome and stained glass. Formerly, the mosque even had a minaret and a fountain that added to its grandeur.

Image credit Sakina Al-Amin

The Grand Mosque of Cotabato, Philippines

The largest mosque in the Philippines it can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers at a time! Filipino architect firm Palafox Associates designed the mosque with multiple gold domes & minarets. It was named after the Sultan of Brunei.

Image credit My Mindano

The Little White Mosque by the Sea – Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

Unofficially called the White Mosque, it sits humbly on a carpet of grass alongside coconut trees. A quaint sight indeed, and testament to the humble way of life in Tawi-Tawi.

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Taluksangay Mosque — Zamboanga City, Philippines

Built in 1885, the masjid stands as the oldest mosque in the region of Zamboanga. Located in a coastal area, the Mosque also has a neighbouring emerald river that attracts travellers to visit.

Image credit eazy traveler

Marawi Grand Mosque, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Philippines

The biggest mosque in the city. Painted different shades of green, the traditional colour of Islam, the mosque depicts a state of paradise. Patterns & other painted details emblazoned on its minarets elevate it.

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Bacolod Grande Mosque, Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur, Philippines

A striking green mosque adorned with delicate patterns & minarets. Aside from its beauty, it also sits beside the tranquil Lake Lanao. The lake breeze makes its way into the masjid offering a serene experience.

Image credit Hesham Tamano Abolais

Baab ur-Rahman, Taraka, Philippines

In Lanao del Sur, the site of the earliest known mosque is in the quiet town of Taraka. While it is where the new Baab ur-Rahman stands today, it still keeps the legacy of its 16th-century origins.

Image credit Travel Trilogy

Taviran Pusaka Mosque (Masjid Datu Untong Balabaran of Taviran) Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, Philippines

Notable for its distinct design in a pagoda style. Built in the 19th century the Mosque is one of the last-standing pagoda-style mosques in the Philippines.

Image credit Amor Pei

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) — Taguig, Metro Manila

The Mosque regularly sees both Filipino & non-Filipino Muslims gather for worship. Designed by Filipino architect Angel Nakpil, the masjid has a geometrical design inspired by the Córdoba in Spain.

Image credit PAULINE MIRANDA

Ditsaan Grand Masjid is Ditsaan-Ramain, Lanao del Sur, Philippines

Ditsaan Grand Masjid is a cultural melting pit of design and style, headquartered in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Image credit Pinterest

Masjid Al-Nasser Abpi (the White Mosque) – Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao

Also known as the White Mosque, the mosque has a colour that represents two invaluable tenets of the Islamic faith: purity and peace. It is especially beautiful in the afternoon during sunset.

Image credit zaldyboie

Hadja Sitti Raya Mosque – Talipao, Sulu, Phillipines

A breathtaking expression of devotion to the Islamic faith. Decorative patterns adorn the mosque's simple white walls, giving it a vibrant look. Various inspirations highlight Islam's different cultures in Sulu.