We have been told by our local guide that given its distance from the rest of the country and being totally surrounded by the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea, Tawi–Tawi seems to have formed its own weather patterns. Squalls are common in the area, causing heavy rains and strong winds. Consequently, Tawi–Tawi and its neighboring islands are oblivious of the immense heat that the northern parts of the country suffer from. Having come from Metro Manila, it was a refreshing development for us more than an inconvenience.

The heavens took it a little easy with us when the heavy rain stopped, but it was still drizzling and the skies remained dark even after we have left the Balobok Rock Shelter. From there, it took a little less than 15 minutes until we reached Mindanao State University Tawi–Tawi. We entered the university as our next destination was within the College of Technology and Oceanography campus.

The Masjid Nurul Iman, literally mosque of the light of faith, was established in 2023 to complement the College of Islamic and Arabic Studies of the university. Distinctive in its pink and gold color combination, it stood in contrast with everything in its surroundings, be it the skies above or the mountains in it far background.

We have been told that it was prayer time when we arrived, hence were not been able to see the interior of the mosque. That would have been our first time to step inside a mosque, but respect is always the first rule whenever we visit a place especially if for the first time. In silence, we just took our photos outside.

Our first time to step on the grounds of a mosque.

It was lightly raining when we were in the Masjid, hence its pink hue contrasted from the cloudy skies, remaining vibrant in the midst of gloom. That made the name of the mosque make so much sense. Despite the surrounding dim and even in the most pitch black of darkness, the light of faith—nurul iman—will always be the guiding beacon of the soul.

Our visit to the pink mosque was not just a travel first. It was also an experience that further opened our minds toward the understanding of the Islamic faith often marred by false stereotypes. If only in terms of similarities, both Christianity and Islam have a lot as both are founded on the fundamental belief of the Supreme Being who wants all people to live in harmony and peace in quest of the light of truth.