The Mosques in Davao

Islam is predominant in Mindanao. Curiously, this religion was not brought to the country by the Arabs. In truth, it was a Chinese Junk that introduced this religion to the Philippines. Islam, however, reached the islands of Mindanao in the early 15th century. The people then embraced the religion wholeheartedly. In fact, some mosques in Mindanao may have already been founded during that period; although, you will not find remains of these mosques these days.

Today, however, you will all kinds of these buildings in the whole of Mindanao, especially Davao. In fact, Davao Oriental, which many perceive to be a Christian province, has its own share of mosques. In fact, if you would travel from one section of the province to another, you’d see a lot of these buildings along the way.

This is actually one of the proofs that Davao is certainly culturally diverse. This largest city in the world is home to all kinds of people and all kinds of faith. Christians, especially Catholics, mix liberally with the Muslims. You’d see as many mosques as there are as many churches.

There is little known about the structural designs of mosques in Davao before. After the area was invaded by the Spaniards, the Moros were driven away, and the Spanish settlers increased in numbers. With the increased of foreign settlers in Davao, there were many people who were converted into the Roman Catholic faith. While the rest of Mindanao was freely constructing these buildings, the Muslims in Davao were fairly restricted by the Spanish. If there were ever mosques in Davao before, they were constructed of wood, cogon and bamboo – materials that did not last long.

These days, however, you would find all kinds of architectural designs. Of course, the basic features of mosques are obvious. Most have a minaret, a prayer niche and a dome. Some have minarets that are not even functional; although, you could find some buildings to have functional minarets like those found in the Middle East. The interior of these buildings have also adjusted to the modern world. Where once stood a bamboo drum to call worshippers, the religious leaders have discouraged the use of these drums. You will now find elevated platforms where the khatib, using a microphone, stands in order to deliver his sermon.

The Western World may have influenced Davao to an extent that you’d find McDonalds, Levi Jeans and internet cafes all over the city and the region, but the people have remained faithful to Islam. Of course, with Christians, living alongside with them, churches and mosques now stand side by side in the city and the whole region.