The Golden Mosque: Islam's Voice in the Philippines
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANILA – Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Quiapo district in Manila, stands a gold-coloured building reflecting the tropical sunlight of the Philippines. Its dome shines, as if marking a beacon of hope for Muslims living as a minority in this predominantly Catholic nation. This is the Golden Mosque, a mosque that bears witness to the long journey of Islam in the Philippines.
Salman Al Farisi’s footsteps seemed to slow as he first entered its grounds on Sunday, 22nd February 2026. There was a feeling of emotion that was difficult to explain. As a Dai Ambassador for Dompet Dhuafa, currently serving in the Philippines, this visit was more than just a regular trip. He was visiting history, tracing the path of a da’wah (Islamic outreach) that has spanned centuries.
Islam is not a new religion in the Philippines. Islam arrived long before Western colonialism.
Merchants and da’i (Islamic preachers) from the Nusantara region, particularly from the Sultanates of Sulu and Mindanao, brought the light of Islam to the southern Philippines as early as the 14th century. Even before the Spanish set foot in Manila, the Muslim community had built a strong civilisation, government, and trade network.
However, the historical journey has not always been easy. The Spanish colonial period and later the American period were long periods of trial for Muslims in the Philippines.
They struggled to maintain their identity, land, and beliefs amidst political and social pressures. It was amidst this dynamic that the Golden Mosque was built, a symbol of existence and revival.
The Golden Mosque was built in 1976, during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos. The mosque was initially prepared to welcome the visit of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. However, the visit never took place. Nevertheless, the mosque remained and became a centre for the religious activities of Muslims in Manila.
“Since then, the Golden Mosque has become the spiritual heart of the Muslim community in the capital of the Philippines. It is here that the call to prayer (adhan) echoes every day, penetrating the density of Manila. It is here that children learn to recite the Quran, da’i deliver sermons, and people connect their hopes in every prostration. Here, the Islamic civilisation in the Philippines is built,” said Salman, to the Dompet Dhuafa team.
Salman reiterated that, for the Indonesian diaspora and the international Muslim community, this mosque is also a meeting point for brotherhood across nations. This mosque is not just a building, but a home for souls longing for peace.