Another interesting place to visit in the Province of Tawi-Tawi is the island municipality of Simunul. It is a small island with a land area of approximately 16,725 square kilometers and a population of about 35,000 residents, but holds a big role in the history of Islam in the Philippines
It is in Simunul where Sheik Karimul Makhdum, an Arab missionary, first introduced Islam in the Philippines and built the first mosque in the country in 1380.
The mosque is currently undergoing renovation in preparation for a grand commemoration of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum on November 7.
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| The original structure of the mosque established by Sheik Karimul Makhdum in 1380. It was built using cogon and woods. |
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| The original pillars of the mosque which are made out of ipil woods are standing inside the mosque. Sheik Karimul Makhdum Mosque has been declared a historical landmark by the National Historical Commission, and a cultural treasure by the National Museum. |
The tomb of Sheik Karimul Makhdum himself, located very close to the mosque is another landmark to visit when in Simunul.
Visit and Experience Simunul when you're in Tawi-Tawi. It is about an hour away from Bongao, via speedboat..
