Muslim leaders hail Senate Bill declaring Sheik Makhdum mosque in Tawi-Tawi as national shrine

text HADER GLANGThis is the first and oldest mosque in the Philippines constructed in Tawi-Tawi by then Sheik Karimul Makhdum, an Arabian missionary from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in A.D. 1380.

Muslim leaders in Mindanao hailed the Senate’s declaration of the Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque in Tawi-Tawi as a national shrine, saying it is a milestone in the Philippine history.

The Senate on Friday approved on third and final reading a bill authored by Senator Edgardo Angara declaring the Philippines’ oldest mosque in recognition to the contribution of Islam in the development of culture and civilization in the country.

"This will symbolize as a great honor to the Islam faith,” said Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun. "We are overjoyed by the recognition being given to the contribution of the Islamic faith to the country's history.”

History tells that the six centuries-old mosque in Tubig Indangan, Simunul, considered as the oldest structure and first mosque in the Philippines, was constructed by an Arabian missionary, scholar and judge, Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, in AD 1380.

The Sheikh set foot in the island of Tubig Indangan 615 years ago, 140 years before the arrival of Magellan (the Spaniard who discovered the Philippines) in the Philippines. He introduced the first Islamic civilization in the country.

The mosque is held with great esteem and emulation by the Muslims and even non-muslims and is considered sacred. Domestic and foreign tourists frequently visit the mosque to pay respect and homage to the shrine.

The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through its Legislative Assembly has already passed a law declaring the inclusion of the Sheikh Makhdum centennial celebration as one of the Islamic events entitled to a special non-working holiday within the five provinces under the ARMM.

House deputy speaker for Mindanao Abdulgani “Gerry” Salapuddin said the declaration of Sheik Macdum mosque is a great honor and recognition to the Filipino Muslims, particularly to the people of Tawi-Tawi.

“It is only appropriate that the Congress of the Philippines have given this recognition. As a Muslim I feel honored about this but I really don’t know if there is a counterpart bill from
the House…if there is none...I’m willing to be one of the sponsors,” Salapuddin added.

Earlier, Sultan Pulalun appealed to Senator Angara that the mosque in Likup village in Indanan town in Jolo, Sulu be declared also as a national shrine being the country’s second oldest mosque and because events of historical importance took place at the mosque.