It was starting to drizzle as I passed the ornate gates of the largest Muslim mosque in Manila. I thought back to afternoons when I’d often catch a glimpse of Quiapo’s shining mosque through a jeepney window, sunrays glinting on its gleaming dome. This Muslim house of worship has always intrigued me. I can’t believe that I’m actually about to visit and photograph it.
Dubbed the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center or Masjid Al-Dahab in Arabic, its name takes after the large, golden dome that sits on top of its rafters. Besides that, nearly everything inside the mosque is also painted in gold.
The mosque has quite an interesting history. Originally built in 1976, its creation was ordered by former First Lady Imelda Marcos to accommodate then-Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi’s failed visit to the country. Despite failing to serve its intended use, it now serves as Manila’s center of Islamic faith.
Before entering, we were required to remove our shoes. For females, shawls are obligatory as their heads must be completely covered. Sleeveless shirts, shorts, and skirts are also not allowed.
I really have no idea what the inside of a mosque looks like, and I was quite surprised to find it free of pews or benches that are typical of Christian churches. What it has are multitudes of columns—lots and lots of them– and at the base of these columns are copies of the Quran that the faithful use in their prayers.
The architecture of the Golden Mosque is very much in keeping with typical Arabic architecture: pointed arches, columns, gilded finishes, ornate iron works, colorful mosaic walls, domes, and minarets. It was as if I were suddenly transported to the southern islands of our country.
The Muslims have a different way of praying, too.
They pray five times a day and do so by facing Mecca, which they consider to be the holiest place on Earth. They recite a series of prayers standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting – although as I’ve observed inside the mosque, it’s much more complicated than my simple description.
Mosques (or masjid) are more than houses of prayers. Here, the community gathers for information dissemination, education, and dispute settlements.
We spent more than an hour at the mosque, thoroughly documenting the structure and photographing kids playing nearby. Some were even lucky enough to photograph the school out back that teaches Arabic to the community.
The Golden Mosque of Quiapo may not be as grand as the mosques I’ve seen in books and postcards, but being inside it was a rich cross-cultural experience that made me appreciate the spiritual side of our Muslim brethren.
Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center
Address: Globo De Oro Street, Quiapo, Manila
Contact number:+639204704418 | +639567444699
Email: centermuslim80@gmail.com
This article was originally published in Lakad Pilipinas.
