Ramadan 2024: Muslims in Quiapo’s Muslim Town prepare Manila Golden Mosque for Holy Month

By Aabgina Cos

March 8, 2024

Masjid al-Dahab, also known as Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center and the largest mosque in Manila. (Photo by Aabgina Cos/The Manila Warden) 

Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan)! Here comes the Islamic holiday of the year, this time in March, where sleepless nights are spent praying to Allah, and tables are filled with savory samosas, dates, and refreshing lemon-flavored cold drinks during Iftar, the breaking of the fast. 

One of the many countries to celebrate the colorful Islamic tradition of Ramadan is the Philippines, despite Christianity being their dominant religion, with Islam as the second largest religion. 

In the City of Manila, the Muslims of the “Muslim Town” in Quiapo have been on their feet to prepare themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually for fasting during Ramadan. For that to happen, Masjid al-Dahab or the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center, will open bigger doors to accommodate hundreds of Muslims during the holy month.  

With less than ten days to light up the humble parts of Quiapo’s Muslim community, it is important to see through the significance of Ramadan for Muslims.  

Quiapo Muslim Town’s plans for Masjid al-Dahab 

Masjid al-Dahab's Mihrab: An arch that is a type of Islamic and Arabic architecture marking the Qibla, the direction where Muslims pray facing the Ka’aba. (Photo by Christian Querol/The Manila Warden) 

The Muslim community of Quiapo in Manila look forward to Ramadan as they prepare the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center, both through knowledge and engineering, as confirmed by the mosque’s Grand Imam, Jalal Jamil.  

“Bilang paghahanda, nagkakaroon kami ng mga lecture, o mga ipaliwanag sa mga ka-Musliman kung ano yung ibig sabihin ng Ramadan, kung ano ang mga iobiliga sa Ramadan, at kung ano ang ipinagbabawal sa Ramadan—una ‘yon,” said Jamil, 34.  

“Dito sa Manila Golden Mosque, inayos natin yung sound system, yung mga electric [materials/devices]. And then, minamadali natin yung magsasagawa ng ablution area extension para ngayong buwan na Ramadan ay mapakinabangan at hindi maging crowded yung ablution area,” He added.  

For Muslims, wudhu, or the act of ablution is purifying oneself with water or sand when there is no water available before performing their five daily prayers. In order, the steps include washing the hands, rinsing the mouth and nostrils, cleansing the face, arms and head or hair, flushing the ears and finally, the feet. Actions like using the restroom, menstruation, engaging in sexual activities, or passing gas invalidate one’s wudhu.  

Jamil further said that the projects have been going on for almost a year, even when the mosque is under the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and the Office of the President in Malacañang.  

As funds come mainly from religious leaders, volunteers, donations, and other Muslims instead of the government, the progress of projects around the Muslim Town can be slow.  

"[...] Wala pong nanggagaling sa gobyerno kundi ito ay nanggagaling sa mga pribadong sektor—yung mga nagdadasal dito, sila po yung nagbibigay ng tulong ng mga materyal, air-fans, carpet, o kung ano man gagamitan,” Imam Jamil said.  

Even the Christian community of Quiapo also steps in. Imam Jamil mentioned that despite Manila being predominantly Christian, Muslim face no discrimination. Instead, the priests and pastors come together with the Muslim community with helpful, team-building activities before, during, and after Ramadan.  

He said that the pastors and priests “give free groceries or free iftar” in the mosque. Jamil also stated that Muslim and Christian religious leaders “go together on medical missions.” 

“Hindi man kami nagkakaisa sa paniniwala pero nakakaisa tayo sa pagsulong ng kapayapaan,” the grand imam explained.  

With Ramadan fast approaching, Jamil invited others of different faiths to learn more about the holy month.  

“Sa mga kababayan natin na hindi Muslim, sana po ay magkaroon kayo ng pagkakataon ng oras upang alamin kung ano ang Ramadan para sa mga Muslim at kung ano turo ng Ramadan,” he said.  

Meanwhile, he urged Muslims, “sana […] ihanda natin mismo yung ating sarili para sa pagpaparating na buwan na Ramadan.” 

Goals and intentions for Ramadan  

A man as an Imam leading a group of other Muslims performing supplementary prayers before Salat al-Asr (afternoon prayer). (Photo by Christian Querol/The Manila Warden) 

Although Muslims know that God opens the doors for them every day, Ramadan is the only Islamic month where all the demons are locked in Hell, allowing the people of Islam to be closer to God, and their beliefs, traditions, and practices.  

Some Muslims in Quiapo shared during an interview what they want to achieve during the holy month.  

“First, I [want to] ask forgiveness [from Allah] […]. Second, if I have the will, if I have the source, I will feed the needy. Third, to complete the salaah (prayers)—the tarawih (supplementary prayers), and all these things, [such as] reading the Qur’an, reading the Hadith (Quranic guidance) […],” said Daud Da-a, a 68-year-old revert Muslim.  

“Honestly speaking, when I was a new Muslim, I found it hard to fast. But when I learned, studied Islam, and it [added to] my knowledge, it became easy, like it is normal,” Da-a said. 

He also said that during Ramadan, he feels different as his imaan (faith) and spiritual feelings shoots up. However, he expressed that despite those feelings, he also worries and fears for the people in Gaza suffering under Israel’s assault, especially with Ramadan approaching.  

“[…] What is the use of wealth here? You are holding wealth here and our brothers and sisters in Palestine are [hungry]—children are dying. May Allah give them the ease,” He stated.  

“What I am [going to do] is to make du’a (asking Allah), [as it is] the best instrument to [elevate] the agony of our brothers and sisters [in Palestine],” Da-a added, “Fa-inna maa’a ala’ausri yusra—if there is difficulty, ease will come. And Allah is the best planner.”  

Understanding Ramadan 

A muslim prostrates during Salat al-Asr (afternoon prayer), the act of lowering one’s forehead to touch the ground while praying. (Photo by Christian Querol/The Manila Warden) 

For around 13 hours every day, Muslims are prohibited to have even a sip of water or a few bites of food this Ramadan. From dawn to sunset, they practice their deep sense of worship to seek a richer relationship with God. 

Not only do Muslims have to abstain from food, but they also avoid fighting, gossiping, lying, speaking curses toward others, and indulging in selfish or sensual pleasures during fasting hours.  

Only those who are ill, pregnant, traveling, or menstruating are excused from observing the fast during the month as they can make up for those missed days before the next Ramadan.  

Despite the hardships, it is the most anticipated holiday for Muslims to joyfully observe one of their obligatory fulfillments.  

Marked by the sighting of each new moon, every year during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, around 2 billion Muslims from different walks of life and cultures worldwide observe the holy month of Ramadan. It is also the month where they fast to fulfill the fourth pillar of Islam. 

Islam has five pillars of faith—profession of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), almsgiving (zakat), fasting (sawm), and pilgrimage (hajj)—and Muslims are required to practice these throughout their lifetime.  

It is during the month of Ramadan that the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by an angel named Gabriel in A.D. 610. Muslims use the whole month to commemorate the holy event by completing the reading of the Qur’an and praying additional, voluntary prayers called tarawih after the evening and fifth prayer of the day, isha’a.  

Muslims celebrate Ramadan’s end with Eid al-Fitr, or the “festival of breaking the fast,” which is celebrated for three days. Traditionally, it is a time for family reunions, and the most favored holiday for children as celebrants receive new clothing, sweets, and other gifts.