When you think of Zamboanga City, the images of the rainbow-striped vintas immediately come to mind. But aside from the colorful sails of the outrigger boats, did you know you can find a colorful Rainbow Mosque in the city as well?
Masjid Al-Islamia, also known as the Rainbow Mosque, can be found in Brgy. Sta. Maria along Tumaga Road (Veterans Ave. Ext.) in Zamboanga City. The mosque was repainted sometime after the Marawi Siege in 2017 as a tribute to the fallen heroes. It was painted in vibrant colors as a call for peace and unity.
While I’ve been to Zamboanga City several times (before the pandemic), I learned only recently about the Rainbow Mosque after seeing it featured by the Department of Tourism – Zamboanga Peninsula Office in an ultimate guide of places to visit in Zamboanga City. The mosque itself has been around for a while and used to be white and green based on a Google Maps search.
Today, the place of worship for the Muslim community is attracting tourists from all faiths because of its vibrant exterior, with bright colors symbolizing peace. As reported by DZMM Teleradyo in 2017, the seven colors of the dome represent the different cultures, religions, traditions, and beliefs of residents of Zamboanga City who manage to live together peacefully. The colors also tie in with the image of Zamboanga as a colorful multi-cultural destination.
The dome and minaret, visible from the highway are painted in multi-colored hues, while the exterior walls of the mosque feature intricate details and distinctly Maranao designs with okir patterns adorning both the structure and interior of the mosque.
Okir or okil is the term for plant-based designs, folk motifs, and Arabic geometric figures used primarily by the Maranao. Similar patterns can be found among the Moro and Lumad people of the Southern Philippines, as well as parts of Sabah in East Malaysia.
While it may seem disrespectful for non-Muslims to visit a mosque, it’s no surprise that the unique design of the Rainbow Mosque has made it a notable tourist attraction in the city, along with other famous city landmarks. Like most churches and other places of worship, most mosques welcome visitors of other faiths.
The mosque is roughly a 10 minute-drive from the Canelar Barter Market, a local market where you can shop for textiles, clothes, souvenirs (pasalubong) and food items like coffee, snacks, sweets, noodles, canned goods, and more.
My family and I included a brief visit to the mosque during an afternoon city tour after lunch at Dennis Coffee Garden, shopping at the Yakan Weaving Village, spending some time at the Pasonanca Park, on our way to the Canelar Barter Market.
For leisure tourists based in Zamboanga City, the Rainbow Mosque is relatively easier to visit compared to Taluksangay Mosque, the oldest mosque in the region, which is located at the outskirts of Zamboanga City.
We didn’t enter the mosque itself so as not to disrupt the locals praying, but we were able to go around the grounds and take photos of the exteriors without any problems. Photos shared by the Discover ASEAN FB page show the mosque’s beautiful interiors.
Photos of interiors from Discover ASEAN FB Page
For more things to do in and destinations, check out my full Travel Guide: Zamboanga City.
What to wear when visiting a mosque
When visiting mosques, both men and women should dress modestly, in loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs. No shorts or sleeveless shirts for either gender. Women should also bring a shawl or scarf if they intend to enter the mosque. While not all mosques will ask female visitors to cover their heads, it’s a sign of respect, so it helps to have one handy.
In case you plan to enter the prayer area, wear clean socks or slippers and be ready to go barefoot, because you will be asked to remove your shoes. Always be respectful of locals when going around, and more so at this place of worship.
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