Philippines' Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture
After our Advance Iridology course at Cotabato City, I arranged an early sun chasing day at the Grand Mosque also known as the Sultan Hassal Bolkiah Masjid. The biggest Islamic worship center in the Philippines and can accommodate 15,000 people.
Arriving Inawan village in the early morning of May 30, we were greeted by its key keeper with utmost kindness. Surprised by our early visit, I explained that i want to experience sunrise at the Grand Mosque. Before our tour, we had a coffee time together .
We are company of five, 3 Muslims, 1 Christian and a Bahai' with different religious practices with only one God we believe in. Our two companion did their "Sembahyang" (Sembahyang (solat) hajat' (meaning wish) is one that a Muslims generally perform to seek Allah's forgiveness, guidance, assistance. ). Being non-Muslim and as a show of respect the two of us also wear " kumbong" (hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women).
The Grand Mosque is open for public tourr except on worship hours and holy days.Regular worship day is Friday. It is being promoted as one of Cotabato City's tourist destination. Going there is safe, day tour is preferred. You take a jeep via Awang and drop by at Husky Bus terminal, motorcycles vehicle awaits passengers going to Inawan. Fare is 25PhP. National Highway to Inawan is 8km. It is best to charter motorbike if you don't have your private vehicle.
We are company of five, 3 Muslims, 1 Christian and a Bahai' with different religious practices with only one God we believe in. Our two companion did their "Sembahyang" (Sembahyang (solat) hajat' (meaning wish) is one that a Muslims generally perform to seek Allah's forgiveness, guidance, assistance. ). Being non-Muslim and as a show of respect the two of us also wear " kumbong" (hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women).
The Grand Mosque is open for public tourr except on worship hours and holy days.Regular worship day is Friday. It is being promoted as one of Cotabato City's tourist destination. Going there is safe, day tour is preferred. You take a jeep via Awang and drop by at Husky Bus terminal, motorcycles vehicle awaits passengers going to Inawan. Fare is 25PhP. National Highway to Inawan is 8km. It is best to charter motorbike if you don't have your private vehicle.
We know that this is a rare opportunity to anybody who don't have the courage to set foot at this Sacred place because of negative publicity on peace and order of the city. For our Muslim brothers who accommodated our tour, I did see in their faces that they are proud and overwhelmed that we came to see its grandeur. They are very grateful of Brunei King, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and former Maguindanao Rep. Digs Dilangalen who made this Holy Place possible as a new destination for Spiritual Renewal.
After an hour tour, we bid our thanks and goodbyes'. Asking for their contact names that cannot be easily recalled, they jokily said " just call me the Grand Mosque".
Heading national highway, we pass by a military check point half barricaded road with a standing signage saying "SUKRAN" meaning, Thank You for coming.
At the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City, I saw the Sun rise, I felt renewed. God granted me this opportunity.
FOR GOD BE THE GLORY
Heading national highway, we pass by a military check point half barricaded road with a standing signage saying "SUKRAN" meaning, Thank You for coming.
At the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City, I saw the Sun rise, I felt renewed. God granted me this opportunity.
FOR GOD BE THE GLORY
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