Langgal: A Place of Worship and Ritual for the Sulu Community

ARIP, ABSAR ABDUHALIM.

Abstract

The langgal is a type of mosque or place of worship for Muslims in the Sulu Archipelago of the
Philippines. It is a small structure made of local materials with a simple design that blends with the
natural surroundings. The langgal has a rectangular floor plan with a roof that slopes on four sides, and
the entrance is usually on the east side, facing Mecca.

Inside the langgal, there is a mihrab, indicating the direction of prayer, and a minbar, a pulpit where the
imam delivers sermons. The walls are decorated with Islamic calligraphy, geometric patterns, or floral
motifs. The langgal is not only a place of worship, but also aplace of ritual and celebration. Muslims
observe daily prayers and celebrate important occasions such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha,
Mawlid al-Nabi, and Ashura. They also perform various rites of passage, such as thanksgiving for
newborns, baptism or circumcision for boys, Quran mastery for children, marriage, and funerals.

The langgal is a hub of spiritual and cultural life for the Sulu Muslims. It reflects their history, identity,
and resilient faith. The langgal is more than just a building; it is a symbol of their pride and connection to
God and each other. It showcases the diversity and richness of Philippine architecture and art,
influenced by various cultures. The langgal is a unique and significant feature of Philippine Islam and
culture, where the Sulu community practices their religion and celebrates their culture in harmony with
nature and society.

Keywords

Ashura

Ramadan

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Fitr

Introduction
The Philippines is a country with diverse
religious and cultural traditions, influenced by
its history of colonization, migration, and trade.
Among its many ethnic groups, the Muslims of
the Sulu Archipelago have a distinct identity and
way of life, shaped by their adherence to Islam
and their maritime environment. One of the
most visible expressions of their faith and
culture is the langgal, a type of mosque or place
of worship that can be found in rural areas of
the Sulu provinces.
The langgal is not just a building, but a sacred
space where Muslims perform their daily
prayers, as well as celebrate various religious
and social events. The word langgal comes from
the Tausug term for "house", and it reflects the
intimate and communal nature of the Sulu
Muslims' religious practice. The langgal is
usually a small structure that can accommodate
a few individuals, but it can also be expanded to
host larger gatherings. It is often built with local
materials, such as bamboo, wood, palm leaves,
and grass, and it has a simple design that blends
with the natural surroundings. The langgal has a
rectangular floor plan, with a roof that slopes
on four sides. The entrance is usually on the
east side, facing Mecca, the direction of prayer
for Muslims. Inside the langgal, there is a
mihrab, a niche that indicates the qibla, or the
direction of prayer. There is also a minbar, a
pulpit where the imam, or the leader of prayer,
delivers his sermon. The floor is covered with
mats or carpets, where the worshippers sit and
kneel during prayer. The walls are decorated
with Islamic calligraphy, geometric patterns, or
floral motifs, reflecting the artistic heritage of
the Sulu Muslims.
The langgal is not only a place of worship, but
also a place of ritual and celebration for the
Sulu community. It is where Muslims observe
the five daily prayers, as well as the Friday
congregational prayer, which is obligatory for
adult males. It is also where Muslims celebrate
important occasions in their religious calendar,
such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha,
Mawlid al-Nabi, and Ashura. The langgal is also
where Muslims perform various rites of
passage, such as thanksgiving for a newborn
child, baptism or circumcision for boys, Quran
mastery for children who have completed their
religious education, marriage for couples who
have consented to wed, and funeral for those
who have passed away. The langgal is also
where Muslims gather for social activities, such
as feasts, festivals, lectures, discussions, poetry
recitals, music performances, and dances. The
langgal is thus a hub of spiritual and cultural life
for the Sulu Muslims, where they express their
devotion to God and their solidarity with each
other.
The langgal is a unique and significant feature of
Philippine Islam and culture. It reflects the
history and identity of the Sulu Muslims, who
have maintained their faith and traditions
despite centuries of challenges and changes. It
also showcases the diversity and richness of
Philippine architecture and art, which have
been influenced by various sources and styles.
The langgal is a place of worship and ritual for
the Sulu community, where they practice their
religion and celebrate their culture in harmony
with nature and society.
The langgal is also a symbol of the resilience
and adaptability of the Sulu Muslims, who have
faced various threats and challenges to their
existence and autonomy. The langgal has been
a target of attacks and destruction by colonial
powers, such as the Spanish, the Americans,
and the Japanese, who sought to subjugate and
convert the Sulu Muslims to Christianity. The
langgal has also been a victim of violence and
conflict by rebel groups, such as the Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Abu
Sayyaf Group (ASG), who have fought for
independence or autonomy from the Philippine
government. The langgal has also been affected
by natural disasters, such as typhoons,
earthquakes, and floods, which have damaged
or destroyed many structures and communities.
Despite these hardships, the Sulu Muslims have
rebuilt and preserved their langgals, as well as
their faith and culture, with courage and
determination. The langgal is thus a testament
to the strength and spirit of the Sulu Muslims,
who have survived and thrived in their
homeland.
Background
The langgal is a unique and significant feature of
Philippine Islam and culture. It reflects the
history and identity of the Sulu Muslims, who
have maintained their faith and traditions
despite centuries of challenges and changes. It
also showcases the diversity and richness of
Philippine architecture and art, which have
been influenced by various sources and styles.
In this section, we will explore the langgal in
more detail, focusing on its design, function,
and meaning.
Design
The langgal is a type of mosque or place of
worship that can be found in rural areas of the
Sulu provinces. It is usually a small structure
that can accommodate a few individuals, but it
can also be expanded to host larger gatherings.
It is often built with local materials, such as
bamboo, wood, palm leaves, and grass, and it
has a simple design that blends with the natural
surroundings. The langgal has a rectangular
floor plan, with a roof that slopes on four sides.
The entrance is usually on the east side, facing
Mecca, the direction of prayer for Muslims.
The langgal has several features that distinguish
it from other types of mosques in the
Philippines and elsewhere. One of them is the
absence of a dome or a minaret, which are
common elements in Islamic architecture. The
langgal does not have a dome because it is not
meant to be a permanent or monumental
structure, but rather a temporary or movable
one that can be easily constructed or
dismantled according to the needs of the
community. The langgal does not have a
minaret because it does not need to call for
prayer (adhan) using loudspeakers or human
voice, as most of the Sulu Muslims live in close
proximity to each other and can hear the prayer
times from their neighbors or from their own
watches.
Another feature of the langgal is the use of
colorful and intricate decorations on its walls,
especially on the mihrab, the niche that
indicates the qibla, or the direction of prayer.
The mihrab is usually painted with Islamic
calligraphy, geometric patterns, or floral motifs,
using bright colors such as red, yellow, green,
blue, and black. The decorations are not only
aesthetic, but also symbolic, as they represent
the names and attributes of God (Allah), the
verses and teachings of the Quran (the holy
book of Islam), and the blessings and prayers
for the Prophet Muhammad (the messenger of
God) and his family. The decorations also reflect
the artistic heritage of the Sulu Muslims, who
have been influenced by various cultures and
civilizations, such as Arab, Indian, Chinese,
Malay, and Indonesian.
Function
The langgal is not only a place of worship, but
also a place of ritual and celebration for the
Sulu community. It is where Muslims observe
the five daily prayers (salat), as well as the
Friday congregational prayer (jumu'ah), which is
obligatory for adult males. The prayers are
performed in a prescribed manner, following
the movements and recitations of the imam, or
the leader of prayer. The imam is usually an
elder or a scholar who has knowledge and
authority in Islamic matters. He is assisted by
two helpers, the habib and the bilal. The habib
is responsible for leading the first part of the
prayer (takbirat al-ihram), while the bilal is
responsible for calling for prayer (adhan) and
announcing the second part of the prayer
(iqamah).
The langgal is also where Muslims celebrate
important occasions in their religious calendar
(hijrah), such as Ramadan (the month of
fasting), Eid al-Fitr (the festival of breaking the
fast), Eid al-Adha (the festival of sacrifice),
Mawlid al-Nabi (the birthday of Prophet
Muhammad), and Ashura (the day of
remembrance). These occasions are marked by
special prayers, rituals, feasts, festivals,
lectures, discussions, poetry recitals, music
performances, and dances. For example,
- Ramadan: During this month, Muslims abstain
from food, drink, sexual activity, and other
worldly pleasures from dawn to sunset. They
also increase their acts of worship, charity,
and self-purification. At night, they perform
extra prayers (tarawih) at the langgal or at
home. They also recite or listen to the Quran in
its entirety during this month.
The significance and benefits of Ramadan for
Muslims. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting,
introspection, and prayer for Muslims. Muslims
are expected to put more effort into following
the teachings of Islam during this time. Fasting
during Ramadan is said to redirect the heart
away from worldly activities and cleanse the
soul by freeing it from harmful impurities.
Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them
self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and
empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus
encouraging actions of generosity and
compulsory charity. Ramadan also promotes
the idea of charity and forgiveness. The act of
fasting has numerous health benefits, promotes
self-discipline and mental clarity, and boosts
self-confidence. The communal aspect of
Ramadan strengthens the social fabric of
society and promotes a sense of civic
responsibility. The end of Ramadan is
celebrated with a three-day festival known as
Eid al-Fitr¹.
- Eid al-Fitr: This festival marks the end of
Ramadan. On this day, Muslims perform a
special prayer (salat al-eid) at the langgal or at
an open field. They also exchange greetings
(taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum), give charity
to the poor (zakat al-fitr), visit relatives and
friends (silaturrahim), and enjoy various foods
and drinks (halal).
The origin and history of Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is
one of the two major festivals in Islam, the
other being Eid al-Adha. The word Eid means
"festival" or "celebration" in Arabic, while Fitr
means "breaking the fast". Eid al-Fitr was first
celebrated by the Prophet Muhammad and his
companions after their victory over the pagan
tribe of Quraish in the Battle of Badr in 624 CE⁶.
The Prophet Muhammad instructed his
followers to observe a fast on the last day of
Ramadan and then celebrate Eid al-Fitr the next
day as a reward for their obedience and
devotion to God. Eid al-Fitr is also a time to
express gratitude to God for the blessings and
guidance received during Ramadan, as well as a
time to seek forgiveness from God and from
others for any mistakes or wrongdoings
committed..
Another information about Eid al-Fitr is that it is
a national holiday in the Philippines since 2002,
by virtue of Republic Act 9177 and Presidential
Proclamation 1083³. This was done to honor the
country's Islamic heritage and foster peace and
goodwill between major religions in the
Philippines⁴. The date of Eid al-Fitr in the
Philippines is determined by the National
Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), based
on the lunar calendar and the sighting of the
crescent moon³⁴. The date may vary from year
to year and from other countries. For example,
in 2023, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on April 21
in the Philippines¹, but on April 22 in some other
parts of the world⁵.
- Eid al-Adha: This festival commemorates the
willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to
sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) for God. On
this day, Muslims perform a special prayer
(salat al-eid) at the langgal or at an open field.
They also slaughter an animal, such as a sheep,
a goat, a cow, or a camel (udhiyah), and
distribute its meat to the poor, the relatives,
and the friends. They also remember the stories
and lessons of Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
Another information about Eid al-Adha is that it
is one of the two major Islamic festivals, along
with Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of
Ramadan. Eid al-Adha is also known as the
Festival of Sacrifice, the Greater Eid, or the Big
Feast. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah,
the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar
calendar². The date of Eid al-Adha varies from
year to year and from country to country,
depending on the sighting of the new moon³⁴.
In 2023, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on June
28 in the Philippines¹, as declared by President
Marcos Jr. as a regular holiday⁵..
- Mawlid al-Nabi: This festival celebrates the
birthday of Prophet Muhammad. On this day,
Muslims perform a special prayer (salat al-
mawlid) at the langgal or at home. They also
recite or listen to the biography and the praises
of Prophet Muhammad (sirah wa shama'il).
They also express their love and gratitude to
Prophet Muhammad and his family (salawat wa
salam).
Another information about Mawlid al-Nabi is
that it is a common local holiday in the
Philippines, as declared by President Duterte in
2016, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation
1083¹. This was done to promote cultural
understanding and integration among Filipinos
and to strengthen the solidarity and mutual
respect among different faiths in the country¹.
The date of Mawlid al-Nabi in the Philippines is
determined by the National Commission on
Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), based on the lunar
calendar and the sighting of the crescent
moon². The date may vary from year to year
and from other countries. For example, in 2023,
Mawlid al-Nabi will be celebrated on September
27 in the Philippines², but on September 16 in
some other parts of the world³.
- Ashura: This day marks the martyrdom of
Imam Husayn, the grandson of Prophet
Muhammad, and his companions at the Battle
of Karbala. On this day, Muslims perform a
special prayer (salat al-ashura) at the langgal or
at home. They also fast, mourn, and
commemorate the sacrifice and the courage of
Imam Husayn and his companions.
The langgal is also where Muslims perform
various rites of passage (sunnah), such as
thanksgiving for a newborn child (aqiqah),
baptism or circumcision for boys (khitan), Quran
mastery for children who have completed their
religious education (khatam al-Quran), marriage
for couples who have consented to wed (nikah),
and funeral for those who have passed away
(janazah). These rites are performed in
accordance with Islamic law (shariah) and
tradition (adat), with the guidance and
supervision of the imam or other religious
authorities. They are also accompanied by
prayers, blessings, gifts, feasts, and
celebrations. For example,
- Aqiqah: This rite is performed to welcome a
newborn child into the Muslim community. It
involves giving a name to the child, shaving its
hair, giving charity equivalent to its weight in
silver or gold, and slaughtering an animal for a
feast. The rite is usually performed on the
seventh day after birth, but it can be delayed
until later.
- Khitan: This rite is performed to initiate a boy
into manhood and to fulfill one of the
requirements of Islam. It involves removing the
foreskin of the penis, applying antiseptic and
bandage, and reciting prayers and blessings.
The rite is usually performed before puberty,
but it can be done at any age.
- Khatam al-Quran: This rite is performed to
celebrate the completion of reading or
memorizing the Quran by a child or an adult. It
involves reciting the last chapter of the Quran
(surah al-nas), giving thanks and praise to God,
asking for forgiveness and guidance, and
receiving a certificate or a gift from the teacher
or the imam. The rite is usually performed at
the langgal or at home.
- Nikah: This rite is performed to solemnize
a marriage between a man and a woman who
have agreed to wed according to Islamic law
and tradition. It involves obtaining consent from
both parties and their guardians, paying a
dowry from the groom to the bride (mahr),
reciting a contract and vows in front of
witnesses (akad nikah), giving blessings and
advice to the couple (dua nikah), and registering
the marriage with civil authorities. The rite is
usually performed at the langgal or at home.
- Janazah: This rite is performed to honor and
bury a deceased Muslim according to Islamic
law and tradition. It involves washing,
shrouding, and perfuming the body (ghusl wa
kafan wa tib), performing a funeral prayer over
it (salat al-janazah), carrying it to the graveyard
(talqin wa tahmil), burying it facing Mecca (dafn
wa istiqbal), reciting prayers and supplications
for it (dua wa istighfar), and visiting its grave
periodically (ziyarah).
The langgal is also where Muslims gather for
social activities (halal), such as feasts (walimah),
festivals (hariraya), lectures (kutbah),
discussions (halaqah), poetry recitals (pantun),
music performances
(kulintangan), and dances (pangalay). These
activities are meant to foster friendship,
solidarity, education, entertainment, and
enjoyment among Muslims and non-Muslims
alike. They are also meant to showcase the
culture and heritage of the Sulu Muslims, who
have developed their own forms of expression
and creativity over time [^19^
Conclusion
The langgal is a type of mosque or place of
worship for Muslims in the Philippines,
especially in the Sulu Archipelago. It is usually a
small structure that can accommodate a few
individuals for daily prayers in rural areas. It is
also a sacred place for community prayers and
ritual celebrations, such as thanksgiving,
baptism, Quran mastery, and others. The
langgal is headed by an imam, and assisted by
two helpers, the habib and the bilal, as
prescribed by Islam.
The langgal has a simple design that blends with
the natural surroundings. It is often built with
local materials, such as bamboo, wood, palm
leaves, and grass. It has a rectangular floor plan,
with a roof that slopes on four sides. The
entrance is usually on the east side, facing
Mecca, the direction of prayer for Muslims.
Inside the langgal, there is a mihrab, a niche
that indicates the qibla, or the direction of
prayer. There is also a minbar, a pulpit where
the imam delivers his sermon. The floor is
covered with mats or carpets, where the
worshippers sit and kneel during prayer. The
walls are decorated with Islamic calligraphy,
geometric patterns, or floral motifs, reflecting
the artistic heritage of the Sulu Muslims.
The langgal is not only a place of worship, but
also a place of ritual and celebration for the
Sulu community. It is where Muslims observe
the five daily prayers, as well as the Friday
congregational prayer. It is also where Muslims
celebrate important occasions in their religious
calendar, such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-
Adha, Mawlid al-Nabi, and Ashura. The langgal
is also where Muslims perform various rites of
passage, such as thanksgiving for a newborn
child, baptism or circumcision for boys, Quran
mastery for children who have completed their
religious education, marriage for couples who
have consented to wed, and funeral for those
who have passed away. The langgal is also
where Muslims gather for social activities, such
as feasts, festivals, lectures, discussions, poetry
recitals, music performances, and dances.
The langgal is a unique and significant feature of
Philippine Islam and culture. It reflects the
history and identity of the Sulu Muslims, who
have maintained their faith and traditions
despite centuries of challenges and changes. It
also showcases the diversity and richness of
Philippine architecture and art, which have
been influenced by various sources and styles.
The langgal is a place of worship and ritual for
the Sulu community, where they practice their
religion and celebrate their culture in harmony
with nature and society.
The langgal is more than just a house; it is a
home for the Sulu Muslims. It is where they
connect with God and with each other. It is
where they express their beliefs and values. It is
where they preserve their heritage and legacy.
The langgal is a symbol of their identity and
pride as Muslims and as Filipinos.
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