If you consider Zamboanga Metropolis, the pictures of the rainbow-striped vintas instantly come to thoughts. However except for the colourful sails of the outrigger boats, do you know you will discover a colourful Rainbow Mosque within the metropolis as effectively?
Masjid Al-Islamia, also called the Rainbow Mosque, will be present in Brgy. Sta. Maria alongside Tumaga Highway (Veterans Ave. Ext.) in Zamboanga Metropolis. The mosque was repainted someday after the Marawi Siege in 2017 as a tribute to the fallen heroes. It was painted in vibrant colours as a name for peace and unity.
Whereas I’ve been to Zamboanga Metropolis a number of occasions (earlier than the pandemic), I realized solely lately in regards to the Rainbow Mosque after seeing it featured by the Division of Tourism – Zamboanga Peninsula Workplace in an final information of locations to go to in Zamboanga Metropolis. The mosque itself has been round for some time and was once white and inexperienced primarily based on a Google Maps search.
In the present day, the place of worship for the Muslim group is attracting vacationers from all faiths due to its vibrant exterior, with vivid colours symbolizing peace. As reported by DZMM Teleradyo in 2017, the seven colours of the dome characterize the totally different cultures, religions, traditions, and beliefs of residents of Zamboanga Metropolis who handle to dwell collectively peacefully. The colours additionally tie in with the picture of Zamboanga as a colourful multi-cultural vacation spot.
The dome and minaret, seen from the freeway are painted in multi-colored hues, whereas the outside partitions of the mosque characteristic intricate particulars and distinctly Maranao designs with okir patterns adorning each the construction and inside of the mosque.
Okir or okil is the time period for plant-based designs, folks motifs, and Arabic geometric figures used primarily by the Maranao. Related patterns will be discovered among the many Moro and Lumad folks of the Southern Philippines, in addition to elements of Sabah in East Malaysia.
Whereas it might appear disrespectful for non-Muslims to go to a mosque, it’s no shock that the distinctive design of the Rainbow Mosque has made it a notable vacationer attraction within the metropolis, together with different well-known metropolis landmarks. Like most church buildings and different locations of worship, most mosques welcome guests of different faiths.
The mosque is roughly a ten minute-drive from the Canelar Barter Market, an area market the place you’ll be able to store for textiles, garments, souvenirs (pasalubong) and meals objects like espresso, snacks, sweets, noodles, canned items, and extra.
My household and I included a quick go to to the mosque throughout a day metropolis tour after lunch at Dennis Espresso Backyard, purchasing on the Yakan Weaving Village, spending a while on the Pasonanca Park, on our technique to the Canelar Barter Market.
For leisure vacationers primarily based in Zamboanga Metropolis, the Rainbow Mosque is comparatively simpler to go to in comparison with Taluksangay Mosque, the oldest mosque within the area, which is positioned on the outskirts of Zamboanga Metropolis.
We didn’t enter the mosque itself in order to not disrupt the locals praying, however we have been capable of go across the grounds and take photographs of the exteriors with none issues. Pictures shared by the Uncover ASEAN FB web page present the mosque’s stunning interiors.
Pictures of interiors from Uncover ASEAN FB Web page
For extra issues to do in and locations, try my full Journey Information: Zamboanga Metropolis.
What to put on when visiting a mosque
When visiting mosques, each women and men ought to gown modestly, in loose-fitting clothes that covers the legs and arms. No shorts or sleeveless shirts for both gender. Ladies also needs to convey a scarf or scarf in the event that they intend to enter the mosque. Whereas not all mosques will ask feminine guests to cowl their heads, it’s an indication of respect, so it helps to have one helpful.
In case you intend to enter the prayer space, put on clear socks or slippers and be able to go barefoot, as a result of you’ll be requested to take away your footwear. All the time be respectful of locals when going round, and extra so at this place of worship.
