It has been a wish of mine that one day, I will glimpse an Islamic religious celebration and have a deeper understanding and experience of the faith of our Muslim brothers and sisters. Today, that wish came true.
I am a Christian, but I have celebrated and been immersed in other religious holidays, particularly Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi, which commemorate the triumph of good over evil. That was a few years back, when I could work and travel in India from 2011 until 2014.
In this new world age, we have started to better understand different faiths, and slowly, we have gained experience, wisdom, and enlightenment. We have begun to embrace the world of secularism not because we have a wandering soul but because we desire to stop interfaith conflicts and wars, prejudice, fanaticism, and misunderstanding. We have one big desire in this world of numerous faiths and creeds: world peace that is achieved through acceptance, humility, and love.
There is so much misconception about the Islamic faith since some radical Muslims are tagged to be involved in terrorist activities, mainly in the Middle East and other countries. The negative actions of a few do not define the character of a greater whole, so it is time to discover more about Islam and break the barriers to understanding their faith.
As the world marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan with Eid-al Fitr, a day of celebration and victory, I find myself drawn to this significant event. It's a chance to stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, to share in their joy after a month of fasting and sacrifice.
My journey to the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, began as a simple walking tour. I was familiar with the bustling district of Quiapo, having visited the Basilica of the Black Nazarene several times. But I had yet to explore the other side, where the largest mosque in Metro Manila stands.
The Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila, is a sight to behold. Its architecture, reminiscent of structures found in the Middle East, features a grand dome with a crescent moon, pointed arches, columns, and intricate carvings. This style is also prevalent in Muslim Mindanao, home to many significant mosques.
Celebrating Eid'l Fitr, they give their last best shot until they return to regular activities and break the fasting ritual. This is a day filled with pure joy and happiness, a moment of unbridled celebration.
Starting at dawn, just before sunrise, they would prepare their physical bodies and wear new clothes before heading to the mosque for prayer and sermon, after which they would do house visits to their relatives and neighbors with greetings like Eid Mubarak or Blessed Eid, have some gift-giving or cash gift and sharing of foods and sweets.
Christians and Muslims share the same creed, and I have found some similarities, which is also the center of our Christian faith. In Islam, their teachings include almsgiving to the poor, giving food to the needy, and helping the poor uplift their lives, an act of compulsory giving that is one of the pillars of Islam similar to the Corporal works of mercy among Christians.
Since it is a feast day for Muslims, I had lunch at Pamanganan Malaysian Halal food just a few steps from the mosque entrance. Other Halal-certified restaurants nearby, like Junaira and Landap cafรฉ, offer Mindanao cuisine.
We may have read the word "halal" on some food labels in the supermarket. For Muslims, it means 'food that is permitted or allowed according to Islamic law' and the term "haram" is the opposite and would mean 'food that is forbidden,' This shows how strict a Muslim diet could be for the sake of physical and spiritual health.
My day trip to the Manila Golden Mosque was a profound experience that deepened my understanding and appreciation of the Islamic faith and culture. The beauty of Arabic architecture and the richness of their culture have left a lasting impression on me. It's important to remember that the radical groups involved in wars and terrorism do not represent the true spirit of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace, and with greater appreciation and understanding, we can foster a culture of love and respect for each other.
© 2019 Del Cusay