The Marawi Grand Mosque, also known as the Islamic Center of Marawi, is a symbol of deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Maranao people. Located in the heart of the Islamic City of Marawi in Lanao del Sur, the mosque has long been a centerpiece of religious life, and more recently, of national healing.
In May 2017, the city of Marawi became the battleground for a fierce conflict, known as the Siege of Marawi or the Battle of Marawi. This confrontation ensued when ISIL-affiliated Maute group militants took control of several parts of the city, declaring it a caliphate. The subsequent fighting between the Philippine government forces and the militants lasted five months.
The siege not only shattered buildings but also displaced over 200,000 Maranao residents, disrupting lives and dismantling a centuries-old cultural landscape.
Marawi is often referred to as the “Islamic City” due to its majority-Muslim population and is a key cultural and religious center for Islam in the Philippines. As the largest Islamic place of worship in the Philippines, the Marawi Grand Mosque symbolizes the Islamic faith and its significance in the region.
The mosque’s history is deeply interwoven with Marawi’s cultural heritage, which has faced challenges due to the wartime events but remains resilient.
The Marawi Grand Mosque, a significant Islamic place of worship in the Philippines, stands not only as an architectural wonder but also as a key cultural hub.
With its capacity to accommodate a large congregation and its rich historical backdrop, it is a focal point for the faithful and represents both resilience and cultural identity.
The Marawi Grand Mosque, also known as the Islamic Center, has been carefully designed to cater to large numbers of worshippers, reflecting both its size and importance.
It is structured with three floors and a basement, expanding over an impressive floor area of 9,434 m2 (101,550 sq ft).
The mosque’s ability to hold up to 20,000 worshippers at once marks it as a significant masjid in terms of capacity.
In addition to the main prayer areas, other features like the Masjid Darussalam, the White Mosque, and the Jameo Mindanao Al–Islamie augment its intricate design and service offerings. These elements exemplify the grandeur and functional complexity of the mosque.
As the Marawi Grand Mosque stands as the biggest Islamic place of worship in the country, its cultural implications are profound.
Throughout its history, it has more than just provided a space for religious practices. The mosque has also housed an important library, enriching the educational landscape of the Islamic community.
It serves as a cornerstone for cultural dissemination and religious education, emphasizing the mosque’s role beyond the spiritual realm.
By hosting significant numbers of worshippers regularly, it reinforces its standing as an Islamic center, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among the faithful.
In the wake of the Marawi siege, concerted efforts have been made to restore the Grand Mosque, symbolizing hope and resilience.
These efforts have been characterized by key reconstruction initiatives and the active involvement of both the community and the government.
As part of the city’s rehabilitation, the Grand Mosque of Marawi has undergone significant renovation.
The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), an agency established by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, has been central to these reconstruction efforts. According to Task Force Bangon Marawi official updates, the Grand Mosque’s restoration marked a key milestone in the city’s broader recovery plan.
By December 2021, projects such as the Grand Mosque were progressing, with the announcement indicating a substantial portion of the reconstruction was complete.
Eduardo del Rosario, leading the TFBM, has worked in conjunction with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to manage these essential rebuilding tasks.
Notable Completed Projects as of December 2021:
Key political figures, such as Mayor Majul Gandamra and Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., have played a substantial role in the rehabilitation process, reflecting a strong level of cooperation between local authorities and the national government.
The unveiling of the restored Grand Mosque by President Duterte demonstrated a significant milestone in the recovery journey, fostering unity and inspiring the local community.
Additionally, bodies like the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos have been involved, emphasizing the collaborative approach taken by multiple government divisions to address the aftereffects of the conflict and promote not just reconstruction but also reconciliation.
The Marawi Grand Mosque serves as a vital Islamic center, facilitating a wide array of religious practices central to the daily life and traditions of its Muslim congregants.
The mosque’s daily activities are structured around the five obligatory prayers (Salah), which define the rhythm of a Muslim’s day.
These include Fajr (pre-dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (evening).
This regularity in prayer fosters a communal spirit and adherence to Islamic worship principles.
Educational pursuits are also a cornerstone, with the Madrasa educational system offering Quranic studies and Islamic teachings for all age groups within the mosque’s premises.
Special events at the Marawi Grand Mosque are occasions that unite the wider Muslim community in celebration and worship.
Salahtul Jumaah, the Friday congregational prayer, is a significant weekly event where sermons and communal prayers are conducted, emphasizing community and guidance.
The mosque also hosts festivities and prayers during Islamic holy days such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, reflecting the rich traditions and cultural importance of the mosque.
The Marawi Grand Mosque’s rehabilitation not only reflects Marawi City’s physical reconstruction but also underscores its profound significance in the collective identity and social fabric of its residents.
In 2017, the Marawi siege led by militants including Omar Maute resulted in significant damage to Marawi City, particularly the Most Affected Area. The conflict caused massive displacement, with civilians forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
Residents, such as those from Pangarungan Village and those under the stewardship of Datu Pangarungan Disalongan, faced a profound disconnection from their community.
The rebuilding of the Grand Mosque stands as a beacon of hope to internally displaced persons (IDPs), symbolizing the possible return to normalcy and stability in their lives.
Resident Impact:
The Grand Mosque serves as a potent symbol within Marawi, not only due to its historical and cultural significance but also as a site of communal and religious unity.
As the largest Islamic place of worship in the Philippines, its restoration was celebrated on October 23 by various dignitaries, including NCMF Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan, and was recognized by international bodies such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The mosque’s reconstruction also holds symbolic weight for the Maranao people, representing resilience and the reclaiming of cultural and religious landmarks after the crisis.
Symbolism Captured:
Community Unity: Restoration reflects communal healing and identity.
International Recognition: Support and acknowledgment from global entities such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The mosque’s reopening was a positive development for a war-torn community, signaling a step forward in healing the wounds of conflict and rebuilding the city’s social and cultural infrastructure.
The following subsections address some of the most commonly asked questions about the Marawi Grand Mosque, providing factual insights into its history, architecture, and role in cultural and religious practices.
The Marawi Grand Mosque, also known as the Islamic Center of Marawi, is a significant historical site in the Philippines. It is known for its large capacity and has served as a central place of worship in the area for many years.
Architecturally, the Marawi Grand Mosque is renowned for its unique design which includes three floors, a basement, and a prominent golden dome that stands out against the cityscape. It showcases Islamic architectural elements that reflect cultural and religious influences.
During the 2017 siege of Marawi, the mosque was significantly damaged. It was used as a strategic base by militants, which led to a heavy military response that compromised much of its structure.
Following the siege, restoration efforts were initiated to repair and rehabilitate the mosque. The Philippine government, along with community leaders, played a role in the rebuilding process, reinstating the mosque as a symbol of hope for the city’s residents.
In terms of size, the Marawi Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the Philippines, with the capacity to accommodate approximately 20,000 worshippers. Its floor area expands 9,434 square meters, making it a prominent Islamic site in comparison to other mosques in the region.
The mosque plays a vital role in the religious life of Marawi’s residents. It hosts major Islamic events such as Eid prayers and Ramadan gatherings. It is a hub for the Muslim community in the area, supporting various cultural and religious activities throughout the year.
