In this mosque inside a mall, it's a happy Ramadan

A few hours before sundown, women wrapped in hijab and men wearing taqiyah flock to the mosque on the northern side of the mall, remove their shoes, and face Mecca. It’s time for Salat ul Asar, the afternoon prayers for the holy month of Ramadan. In predominantly Christian Manila, the Islamic tradition of Ramadan is very much alive at the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, a long-time haven for bargain hunters and now, more than a thousand Muslim traders.

On a walkway connecting the shopping hubs, a prominently displayed banner greets the Muslim traders “Happy Ramadhan!" as they make their way from their stalls to the mosque for their prayers and communal meals. It is a far cry from the time when Greenhills residents publicly opposed the construction of the mosque for fear that it would breed terrorism. But the Muslim traders have since proven that they can co-exist peacefully with other businesses in the area and cater to clients from all faiths. Despite their hectic work pace, the traders have remained steadfast in their religious practices. When there was no mosque yet, they would find their own spaces among the stalls to pray five times a day. In 1996, the Ortigas Corporation constructed a prayer room in the mall’s premises for its Muslim community. But the number of traders continued to grow and in time, they could no longer fit in the small prayer room. “Dahil ang Panginoong Allah ipinapakita niya ang totoo, ang tunay na Muslim na nagsasamba sa kanya ay gumagawa ng kabutihan, ‘yun siguro ang isang dahilan kung bakit kami nabigyan ng ganitong pinagdadasalan namin," said Nasser Gote, Public Information Officer of the Greenhills Muslim Traders Association (GMTA). In 2004, a 500-square meter air-conditioned mosque was constructed in one of the parking buildings of the shopping center. Established by the GMTA, the mosque gathers more than a thousand believers every day. A test of faith During Ramadan, volunteers prepare dates, bread and water for everyone to break the fast at sundown. The GMTA also provides free dinner for about 1,500 people who flock to the mosque for the communal meals after evening prayers. For a Muslim trader who needs to carry on with the business of the day, fasting is a test of will as well as faith. Ahmad Matanog, the 35 – year old imam assigned to the mosque, says fasting during the month of Ramadan frees them from thinking of their material needs and allows them to focus on their spiritual needs. A jewelry trader himself, Matanog says fasting while working can be a real challenge but each Muslim must purify their fasting --- giving up food and drink has to be done for the sole reason of worshipping Allah. Abdul Macabantog, one of the pioneer Muslim traders in Greenhills, sees fasting as a lesson in compassion. “Halimbawa, ako mayroon akong kaya, para maramdaman ko kung paano nararamdaman ng ibang kasamahan namin na walang kaya sa buhay, para ‘yung puso namin lumapit sa kanila," the 50-year old jewelry trader said. “Kahit nararamdaman namin ‘yung hirap, tinitiis namin." Experiencing hunger gives them first-hand experience of poverty, which in turn moves them to volunteerism and charity. “Ito ang pinaka-sikreto sa pag-angat ng mga Muslim, kung ano ang maitutulong mo sa kasama mong Muslim, tulungan mo," Macabantog said. Solidarity and peace The Muslims’ solidarity is no secret in the community. Generosity thrives not only during Ramadan but the whole year. Gote says their association gets its funds chiefly from donations given by the traders and other Muslims who have become part of the Greenhills community. “May tinatawag sa Muslim na sadaqa - kusang loob ka na magbibigay na ang iisipin mo lang ang magbabalik ng gantimpala, ang Allah," Gote said. “Ang sabi ng Propeta Mohammad, pag nagbigay ka ng sadaqa na one peso, ibabalik sa ‘yo ng times 70 or 700. Ang Allah ang may alam kung gaano kalaki ang ibabalik niya sayo na gantimpala." Having witnessed the challenges faced by Muslim traders in a Christian community, Gote thinks Ramadhan is an opportunity to show the steadfastness of the Muslim faith. “Training ito ng Muslim. Lahat ng mga kautusan ni Allah ay puwedeng tuparin," he said. “Masaya nga kami na naipapakita namin sa mga kapatid naming non-believers na hindi hadlang ang pag-observe ng Ramadhan sa paghahanap-buhay." As the Holy Month draws to a close this weekend, the Muslim traders in Greenhills have also shown that they lead peaceful lives, in keeping with the true meaning of Islam. - GMANews.TV