ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Friday, June 6, marks the celebration of Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), a moment for Filipino Muslims in the United Arab Emirates to engage in not only religious practices but also in a time of deep reflection, togetherness, and spiritual revitalization.
For numerous Filipino Muslims, Eid Al Adha serves as a precious occasion to reunite with family, relatives, and friends, focusing on faith, community bonding, and shared cultural practices.
Teresita Fuellas, originally from Bulacan, conveyed that she and her daughter observe fasting on the Day of Arafah, a highly significant day in Islam, as a way to seek Allah’s forgiveness, show gratitude for His numerous blessings, and request His mercy.
Fuellas, who is affectionately known as Sara among her peers, shared her thoughts on the spiritual richness of this period. She mentioned that the Day of Arafah, which comes before Eid, is regarded as one of the holiest days within the Islamic calendar.
It is believed to be a time when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are most accessible, and when the prayers of the faithful are especially likely to be answered, she pointed out.
Fuellas emphasized the spiritual importance of the days leading up to Eid, highlighting the sense of unity and devotion within the Muslim ummah (community), as millions of pilgrims assemble on the plains of Arafah, all in quest of Allah’s mercy.
“Fasting on Arafah is viewed as a means of having the sins of the previous year forgiven, as well as those of the coming year. On Eid Al Adha, our first act is to fast on the Day of Arafah. While it is not obligatory, it is strongly encouraged for those not participating in Hajj. Those in Hajj are not required to fast due to the strenuous activities of their pilgrimage, which allows them to focus entirely on worship,” Fuellas remarked.
On Eid, in addition to performing the special prayers at home, Fuellas participates in Qurbani, the sacred practice of animal sacrifice inherent in Islamic traditions.
“Although we may not perform the sacrifice ourselves here, we complete this duty by contributing financially to support an animal offering in the Philippines, ensuring the ritual’s spirit and significance are preserved. The Eid holiday is an excellent time for relaxation at home, engaging in hobbies, spending quality time, and enjoying conversations on various topics,” Fuellas added.
Ronald Ebana, a 53-year-old from Candelaria, Zambales, expressed to GMA Integrated News that Eid Al Adha is eagerly awaited by his family as one of the most sacred celebrations in Islam.
Having embraced Islam in 2008 and now known as Abdullah, Ebana recounted how he has been intensifying his prayers and good deeds in the days leading up to Eid Al Adha, preparing spiritually for the meaningful occasion.
Beyond worship activities, he looks forward to celebrating the holiday with family, friends, and fellow members of the Filipino Muslim community, cherishing the spiritual and communal dimensions of this blessed time.
“Only Miss and I are preparing, shopping for the meals. Eid Al Adha is a major celebration that we refer to as the big Eid. It revolves around the Feast of Sacrifice, where we celebrate with family and relatives, especially the children. I am also quite busy receiving invitations from fellow Muslims to various gatherings,” Ebana said.
Previously, the UAE declared a four-day public holiday from June 5 to June 8 to celebrate two significant occasions in the Islamic calendar — Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
Eid Al Adha commemorates the profound dedication exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), who was prepared to sacrifice his son in complete obedience to Allah’s instruction.
This celebration coincides with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, bringing millions of Muslims to Mecca for spiritual rejuvenation and divine mercy.
A former educator in the Philippines and currently working in accounting in Al Ain, Ebana leads The Light of Islam for Enlightenment (LIFE), a Filipino Muslim community located in Abu Dhabi.
He noted that unlike previous years, no communal celebration of Eid Al Adha will take place this year as many members of the group are currently away on vacation.
Regarding the LIFE community, Ebana mentioned that each family will celebrate Eid individually.
In a separate conversation, Architect Abdulrahman Agao, Vice-President of LIFE, explained that many Muslims observe fasting on the Day of Arafah, especially those not physically present at the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Agao mentioned that fasting on this sacred day is believed to yield spiritual rewards comparable to those received by participants of Hajj.
He underlined the significance of Eid Al Adha, which honors Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) readiness to sacrifice his son, representing a powerful symbol of faith and trust in Allah.
“This day holds significance because, according to Hadith, fasting on Arafah can cleanse both past and future sins. Eid Al Adha encompasses more than just physical sacrifice; it also involves the sacrifice of one’s ego, greed, and defiance. It serves as a profoundly spiritual and communal occasion that fosters unity and gratitude among Muslims,” Agao expressed.
Agao mentioned that his family also participates in Qurbani both locally and in the Philippines. In Sorsogon, their local Muslim community collaborates to fund the purchase of a cow for the Qurbani.
“The importance of Eid Al Adha stems from the commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to make sacrifices, a strong embodiment of faith and trust in Allah. The ritual of Qurbani reflects that very moment first carried out in Mecca. It brings both spiritual and social advantages, as it fortifies our bonds of brotherhood and unity. During Eid, Muslims gather for prayers, reinforcing Taqwa (God-consciousness) and reminding us of our responsibilities to Allah,” he noted.