ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid Al Adha, also known as The Feast of Sacrifice, Filipino Muslims in the UAE join in with enthusiasm and joy, marking the occasion with various traditions and customs.
Family and Cultural Traditions
Maria Kathrina Kayani, a housewife and mother of three, cherishes Eid Al Adha as a time to bond with family and relatives. Living in Abu Dhabi and married to a Pakistani Muslim, Kayani's family eagerly anticipates the Eid holidays. They prepare sweets, don new clothes, and share presents, blending Filipino and Pakistani customs.
"Every Eid Al Adha, we go out as a family to bond. Even the night before, we prepare sweets to eat in the morning. As part of Pakistani culture, I cook rice pudding with chai (tea)," Kayani said.
Kayani, originally from Quezon City, embraced Islam before her marriage in December 2015. She values the spiritual closeness to Allah and has dedicated herself to learning and teaching Islam to her children.
Embracing New Traditions
Anabelle Amba, known by her Muslim name Khadija, first celebrated Eid Al Adha in March 2017 with colleagues after marrying an Egyptian national. Living in Khalifa City with her husband and two daughters, Amba embraced Islam three months after arriving in Dubai in March 2016. Her family's Eid traditions include performing Salat Eid Al Adha prayer at the mosque and visiting friends and relatives.
"On the day I stepped into the land of Dubai, I saw how women covered their bodies and how men protected and respected the Muslima. It was then in June 2016 I decided to embrace Islam," Amba said.
Celebrating with Community
Annie Cortez Mateo, a born Muslim from Sarangani, describes Eid Al Adha as a time to meet relatives and friends to offer prayers and ask for forgiveness. Working as an assistant teacher, Mateo emphasizes the importance of fasting before Eid, performing prayers, and bonding with family over sweets and delicious food.
"Before the Eid, we fast. On the first day of Eid, we pray together, visit our relatives, and prepare sweets and delicious food. We give presents if we can afford them," Mateo shared.
Spiritual and Charitable Acts
Carlo Trinidad, who embraced Islam in 2023 and now goes by Khalid, focuses on performing the Qurbani, the annual sacrifice of an animal, and distributing the meat to those in need. Trinidad, working as a document controller, found peace in Islam during a difficult period in his life.
"I was going through a dark time when I accepted Islam last year. Since then, I found my peace when I took my shahada," he recounted.
Fasting and Forgiveness
Sarah Fuellas, who embraced Islam in 1997 and is married to a Bahrani national, highlights the importance of fasting on the day of Arafat before Eid as part of the sunnah. Fuellas, known by her Muslim name Sarah, and her daughter Ayesha, see Eid as a time for seeking Allah's forgiveness and bonding with family.
"On the first day of Eid, we perform the Eid prayers, convey greetings to one another, and join other families for a get-together. A variety of sweets and traditional food are served, and presents are exchanged," Fuellas said.
Muslims worldwide will celebrate Eid Al Adha on Sunday, June 16, marking the 10th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The celebration commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, with traditions including animal sacrifice and sharing the meat with family, friends, and those in need.
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