Masjid Sheik Karimol Makhdum, Tawi-Tawi | PH’s Cradle of Islam

October 6, 2022October 9, 2022 Rex Lim Lim 2022, ADVENTURE, BLOG, BUDGET, GUIDE, HOW TO, ITINERARY, landmarks, TOURIST SPOTS, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

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Simunul, Tawi-Tawi: A journey to the deep south would not be complete without visiting the oldest mosque in the country. Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost province of the Philippines, is host to unspoiled beaches and unique culture and is also the “Cradle of Islam”.

Wooden Pillars

Table of Contents

In 1380, Sheik Karim-ul Makhdum, an Arab, was a religious figure and trader from Johor, who came over to the Philippines in 1380 to spread the message of Islam.

Situated in Tubig Indangan in the island municipality of Simunul, Masjid Sheik Karimol Makhdum, now named after the Arab missionary, is the oldest mosque in the Philippines. Furthermore, it is believed that the initial mosque was constructed with light materials in the same year he arrived.

There are four wooden pillars made of Philippine hardwood, they are believed to have been the mainstays of the first church before it was remodeled.

Still standing as of today, they are protected by steel frames with glass panels.

Apart from this, there are intricate wooden carving designs etched on the surface of the pillars. According to local culture, the island of Simunul will sink if these pillars are damaged. Moreover, one should also make a wish while touching one of the pillars.

National Historical Landmark

At almost 400 years old, it is considered the oldest Islamic artifact in the country and has a high status in Philippine culture. Sadly, some locals back in the day would even chip-off part of the wooden pillars to put it on their drinks as they are believed to have healing properties.

Contrary to popular belief, these four surviving pillars of the Masjid Sheik Karimol Makhdum are NOT part of the original structure built in the 1380s. Moreover, studies from the National Museum of the Philippines have confirmed that the pillars found within the current mosque date back to the 17th century.

In addition, the Masjid Sheik Karimol Makhdum was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in May 2013.

Inshallah

As early as the 7th century, the religion spread to select areas of the Philippines via trading activities with India and China. Nonetheless, significant numbers of the Muslim minority in the country have been mainly credited to a few key individuals: Tuan Masha’ika, Sheik Karim-ul Makhdum, and Shariff ul-Hashim.

Most of the history that we know of comprises the colonization periods and the Catholicism of the country. However, any and all elements regarding Islam in the Philippines have more often than not, been portrayed in a negative light.

I hope visiting their mosque with a 600-year history may broaden our perspectives regarding our brothers and sisters there who share the same religion, and to a certain extent, culture, language, and tradition.

With any luck, may this, in some ways, change the perception of the majority towards the Muslim majority areas of the Philippines.

May their plight be alleviated one day, inshallah.

How to Get There

Masjid Sheik Karimol Makhdum is located in Brgy. Tubig Indangan in the island municipality of Simunul in Tawi-Tawi.

Sanga-Sanga Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi operates daily Cebu Pacific flights from Zamboanga City. (5J839)
- ZAM-TWT: Departs at 11:10 AM, Arrives at 12:10 PM (1 hour)
- TWT_ZAM: Departs at 12:40 PM, Arrives at 01:35 PM (1 hour)
- Consequently, Cebu Pacific Air flies to Zamboanga from Manila
  - MNL-ZAM: 4x daily. (As of September 26, 2022)

You will be asked to wear the standard Muslim attire when entering the mosque, the rent is on a donation basis only. Also, it is highly encouraged to leave donations inside the mosque for its maintenance.
Tourists are advised to wear modest and not any revealing articles of clothing.