THE
ISLAMIC FAITH
Quiapo is marked by diversity that makes its cultural heritage more profound. People of different religions converge in Quiapo. This place offers a warm abode to both Catholics and Muslims where they can perform freely their religious rituals and practices. If the Christian Catholics have the historical Quiapo Church, the Muslim communities are proud of its majestic Golden Mosque or Masjid Al-Dahab which can be found at the intersections of Gunao and Globo de Oro streets.
The Golden Mosque was one of former first lady Imelda Marcos’ projects and it was a part of the “edifice complex.” It was built in 1976 to honor the visit of Libya’s president Muammar al-Gaddafi. However, the Golden Mosque failed to serve its purpose as Gaddafi’s visit to the Philippines was cancelled. It has served its more significant purpose, though by becoming one of the centers of Islamic culture in Metro Manila.
THE GOLDEN Mosque has been standing in Quiapo since 1976. Photo credit: https://quiapotoday.wordpress.com/religion/the-golden-mosque
The Golden Mosque is the biggest mosque in Metro Manila (Quiapo Today). Its name originated from its gold-painted dome and topped with a crescent moon. It is decorated with elaborate mosaics, pointed arches, and multi-
columned interior. Inside is a vast space intended for standing, sitting, prostrating, kneeling, or bowing of the worshippers.
THE GOLDEN Mosque is Metro Manila's largest mosque. Photo credit: http://www.pepper.ph/list-places-get-good-halal
The Golden Mosque is a place of worship among the Muslim faithful. This is the sacred place where they conduct their salat (prayer). Among the five pillars of Islam, prayer is considered as the central pillar (Hassan 110). Muslims pray five times in a day. These five prayers are said daily on certain periods of the day: 1) between first light and sunlight, 2) after the sun has passed the middle of the sky , 3) between mid-afternoon and sunset, 4) between sunset and the last light of the day, 5) between darkness and night (Mufti 2015).
The Golden Mosque also hosts activities for the Ramadhan month and organizes the Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, the most celebrated holy festivities among the Muslims. According to Al Islam, during the Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslim rejoice for having been given the strength to fulfill their obligation of fasting. Meanwhile they celebrate Eid ul-Adha to honour the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to show submission to Allah’s command (Moloney). Aside from these, the Golden Mosque is also involved in celebrations of Maulin-en Nabi or the birthday of their Prophet Muhammad and Amon Jaded or the Arabic New Year (Hassan 134).
With all its active endeavors in fulfilling its missions and obligations, indeed, the Golden Mosque is a significant host of thriving urban Muslim faith in Quiapo.
WORKS CITED
Hassan, Shahed MD. “Social Network of Muslim Filipinos in Quiapo, Philippines”. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of the Philippines-Diliman, 1983.
Moloney, Aisling. “When is Eid 2017 and What is the Difference Between Eid ul-Adha and Eid al-Fitr?. Metro News. 30 Aug 2017 http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/30/when-is-eid-2017-and-what-is-the-difference-between-eid-ul-adha-and-eid-al-fitr-6889681http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/30/when-is-eid-2017-and-what-is-the-difference-between-eid-ul-adha-and-eid-al-fitr-6889681//Accessed. 05 Nov. 2017.
Mufti, Imam Kamil. “The Second Pillar of Islam: The Prayer”The Religion of Islam. Jan. 16, 2006. https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/9/second-pillar-of-islam/Accessed 05 Nov. 2017
“The Golden Mosque”. The Golden Mosque. n.d. https://quiapotoday.wordpress.com/religion/the-golden-mosque/. Accessed 05 Nov. 2017
Yahya,Mokhammad. “Exploring Fundamentalism Among Selected Filipino Muslims in Quiapo Area”. MA Thesis. University of the Philippines, 2005.
Golden Mosque: Host of Thriving Urban Muslim Faith
Joan E. Flores and Kristine May D. Martinez | November 14, 2017