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GMA Network
4 days ago
- General
- GMA Network
How Filipino Muslims in the UAE celebrate Eid Al Adha
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - As the world marks the celebration of Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) on Friday, June 6, Filipino Muslims in the United Arab Emirates embrace the occasion not merely as a religious holiday, but as a deeply sacred time for reflection, unity, and spiritual renewal. For many Filipino Muslims, Eid Al Adha is a cherished opportunity to gather with loved ones, relatives, and friends — honoring faith, strengthening community ties, and celebrating shared traditions. Teresita Fuellas, a native of Bulacan, shared that she and her daughter observe fasting on the Day of Arafah, a profoundly sacred day in Islam, as an act of devotion to seek Allah's forgiveness, to express gratitude for His countless blessings, and to implore His divine mercy. Fuellas, known to her colleagues and friends as Sara, reflected on the spiritual depth of this moment, saying that the Day of Arafah, which precedes Eid, is considered one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Allah's mercy and forgiveness are believed to be at their peak, and when the prayers and supplications of the faithful are most likely to be accepted, she stressed. Fuellas emphasized that these final days leading to the Eid hold immense spiritual significance, and serve as a reminder of the unity and devotion of the Muslim ummah (community), as millions of pilgrims gather in the plains of Arafah, all seeking the mercy and closeness of Allah. 'Fasting during Arafah is believed as the forgiveness of sins of the past year and the following year. Sa Eid Al Adha, the first thing we do is observe fasting on the Day of Arafah. It is not mandatory but highly recommended sunnah for those not performing Haj. While those on Haj are exempted to fast. It is due to rigorous activities during their pilgrimage and can focus well in worship,' Fuellas told GMA Integrated News. On the day of Eid, aside from performing the special Eid prayers at home, Fuellas observe Qurbani — the sacred act of animal sacrifice rooted in Islamic tradition. 'While we may not carry out the sacrifice ourselves here, we fulfill this obligation by contributing financially toward the cost of an animal offering in the Philippines, ensuring the spirit and essence of the ritual is honored. The Eid holiday is a good opportunity to relax at home, enjoying our hobbies, bonding time and simply chat whatever subject arise,' Fuellas added. Ronald Ebana, 53-years old who hails from Candelaria, Zambales, told GMA Integrated News that Eid Al Adha is something they look forward to as a family being one of the most sacred holidays in Islam. Ebana, who embraced Islam in 2008 and now carries the Muslim name Abdullah, shared that in the days leading to Eid Al Adha, he has been deepening his prayers and supplications to Allah, engaging in good deeds, and spiritually preparing for the sacred occasion. Beyond the acts of worship, he has also been looking forward to celebrating the holiday with his family, friends, and fellow members of the Filipino Muslim community — cherish both the spiritual and communal aspects of this blessed time. 'Kami lang ni Miss ang naghahanda, namimili ng mga iluluto. The Eid Al Adha is a big celebration, we call it as the big Eid. It's about the Feast of Sacrifice where we celebrate it with family and relatives especially with the children. I am also very busy meeting our Muslim brothers and sisters in Islam, so many invitations from different Muslim communities to attend to,' Ebana said. Earlier, the UAE announced a four-day public holiday from June 5 to June 8 to mark two of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar — Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. Eid Al Adha commemorates the profound act of devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command. The celebration coincides with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, where millions of Muslims gather in Mecca to seek spiritual renewal and divine mercy. A former teacher in the Philippines and currently an accounting professional in Al Ain, Ebana heads The Light of Islam for Enlightenment (LIFE), a Filipino Muslim community based in Abu Dhabi. Ebana said that unlike in the past years, there will be no communal celebration of Eid Al Adha this year as many of its members are on vacation. As far as LIFE community is concerned, the Eid celebration will be done individually with their families, he said. On a separate interview, Architect Abdulrahman Agao, Vice-President of LIFE, told GMA Integrated News that many Muslims fast on the day of Arafah especially those who are not physically in the Hajj Pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Agao said Muslims believe that those who fast on the day of Arafah will receive the same spiritual rewards as those who are performing Hajj. He also highlighted the importance of Eid Al Adha as it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son, a powerful symbol of obedience and trust in Allah. 'This day is significant because, according to the Hadith, fasting on Arafah can wipe away both the past and future sins committed by a person. Eid Al Adha is not only about physical sacrifice, it is also about the sacrifice of ego, greed, and disobedience. It is a deeply spiritual and social occasion that strengthens unity and gratitude among Muslims,' Agao said. Agao said that his family is also performing Qurbani here and in the Philippines. In Sorsogon, their local Muslim community comes together to contribute towards buying a cow for the Qurbani (sacrifice). 'The significance of Eid Al Adha lies in the commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) willingness to sacrifice — a powerful symbol of obedience and trust in Allah. The ritual of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) reflects that very moment, originally carried out in Mecca. It carries both spiritual and social benefits — it strengthens our bonds of brotherhood and unity. During Eid, Muslims gather in prayer, which reinforces Taqwa (God-consciousness) and reminds us of our duties to Allah,' he said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Philippines enacts law requiring immediate, proper burial for Muslims
MANILA: The Philippine president has signed into law the Philippine Islamic Burial Act, recognizing the right of Filipino Muslims to bury their dead in accordance with their faith. The new law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this week, ensures that deceased Muslims are buried with respect and dignity, regardless of the availability of their death certificate. It requires that deaths be reported within 14 days after burial by the person who performed the rites or the deceased's next of kin. 'For burial purposes, in accordance with Islamic rites, Muslim cadavers shall be released within 24 hours by the hospital, medical clinic, funeral parlor, morgue, custodial and prison facilities, or other similar facilities, or persons who are in actual care or custody of the cadaver,' the law says. It also penalizes any person or organization that refuses to release the body of a deceased Muslim because of unpaid hospital or funeral fees or other reasons, with one to six months in prison, a fine of $880 to $1,800, or both. In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, Muslims make up about 10 percent of the population of more than 120 million. Most of them live on the island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the country's south. Ebra Moxsir, president of the Imam Council of the Philippines and one of the experts consulted in drafting the law, told Arab News that its signing was a 'very welcome development' because it addresses issues that Muslims have faced in the Philippines, where the majority is unaware of Islamic burial requirements. 'One challenge is the delay in the release of the body from the hospital due to financial reasons or lack of payment,' he said. 'Another challenge is the need for a death certificate, which often delays the burial because we have to wait for it to be processed. Under the new law, this is no longer required, and the process can proceed without delay. The death certificate can follow.' The law specifies the steps to be followed when a Muslim person dies — that they should be washed, shrouded, have funeral prayers performed, and be buried within 24 hours. If a forensic test is required, the family must be informed before any examination is conducted. It also makes it clear that the body should not be embalmed and obliges local authorities to help with transportation if the family is not able to take the deceased home. 'The law outlines these requirements,' Moxsir said. 'It helps raise awareness about what should and shouldn't be done when handling the deceased, in accordance with Islamic law.' House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who announced the signing of the law on Tuesday, welcomed the move as addressing a 'longstanding issue' faced by Filipino Muslims, where institutional support for Islamic burial rites was lacking. 'This measure uplifts our Muslim brothers and sisters who, for years, have struggled to uphold a basic tenet of their faith in the face of red tape and costly logistics,' he said. 'Now, we correct that with compassion and resolve.'
Filipino Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos signs law mandating immediate burial of Filipino Muslims in accordance with Islamic rites
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12160, a measure requiring the proper and immediate burial of deceased Filipino Muslims in observance of Islamic traditions. The new law affirms the State's recognition of the right of Filipino Muslims to lay their dead to rest promptly—specifically, before the next call to prayer—as mandated by Islamic customs. 'To this end, the State shall require that proper and immediate burial of the bodies of dead Muslims must be observed in accordance with Islamic rites,' the law states. Under Section 3 of RA 12160, Muslim burials must take place as soon as possible—even without a death certificate at the time. However, the individual who conducted the burial or a next of kin must report the death within 30 days to the local health officer, who will then issue the death certificate and determine the cause of death. In the absence of a health officer or their representative, the death must be reported to the Office of the Mayor, which will then facilitate the issuance of the certificate—unless there is forensic interest in the remains. In such cases, the family must first be informed before any examination by law enforcement can proceed. The law also requires that the certificate be submitted to the local civil registrar within 30 days for registration. To uphold this right, hospitals, clinics, funeral homes, morgues, detention centers, and similar facilities are now mandated to release Muslim cadavers within 24 hours for burial in accordance with Islamic practices. The body must be wrapped in white cloth, placed in a leak-proof bag or wooden box, and properly sealed. Importantly, institutions are prohibited from withholding the release of a cadaver due to unpaid hospital bills or other related fees. The family may instead issue a promissory note or agree to a payment arrangement. Violators—individuals or institutions—who delay or refuse the release of Muslim cadavers for unjustifiable reasons, including non-payment of dues, face penalties ranging from one to six months in jail, fines of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000, or both. If the violator is a corporation or similar entity, the responsible officers will be held accountable. Senator Robin Padilla, who sponsored the measure in the Senate, hailed the enactment of the law as a 'triumph for Muslims,' calling it a simple yet meaningful step forward in respecting Islamic customs in the country.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Philippines' first hijabi anchor redefines Muslim representation, one newscast at a time
MANILA: When Princess Habibah Sarip-Paudac first appeared on national television in 2012, she made history — not only as the Philippines' first presenter to wear a hijab, but also as the first person from the country's Muslim south to deliver the national news. A native of Marawi, one of the main cities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, home to much of the Philippines' minority Muslim community, Paudac traveled to Manila to audition at the People's Television Network. She won the contest and on Aug. 8, 2012, the flagship state broadcaster took her on air. Everyone back home was glued to their TVs. 'It was the first time. Everyone was so happy. Everyone was like cheering for me that day. And I feel that it was a big responsibility,' Paudac told Arab News. 'A lot of people were so surprised that I was able to pave the way for Muslim women in the national mainstream media. So, for its impact, for the people, of course, it was so big.' Paudac, a college teacher and community worker, had no training in broadcast news but from the very first day at PTV was thrown in at the deep end. 'I really made (sure to) see to it that I would be learning day by day through this job,' she said. 'I think the love for journalism started from there.' Paudac quickly picked up the rules of journalism and reporting, studied the current news, and learnt how to read and deliver it perfectly. But as time went by, she realized there was also another task in front of her — one that was not related to her job. As the only Muslim in the newsroom, her colleagues would often ask her about her religion and background, and to explain to them the things they did not know about Islam and about her homeland in Mindanao. 'For them, it came s a surprise that I was able to speak Tagalog, that I was able to speak English ... And I was like, no, people in Bangsamoro are well educated, and we have good education there, and I'm just one of the many successful women out there. We have lawyers, we have doctors, we have teachers. Now we have a news anchor,' she said. 'It became like an eye-opener for me. I was like: 'I think this is my purpose. This is what Allah wants me to do.' As her career advanced, besides being a news anchor, Paudac also became a host at Salaam TV and Salaam Radio — PTV's channels focused on Filipino Muslims. She also grew increasingly active in her role of challenging stereotypes about Muslim women and has managed to make them be seen and recognized as professionals. Now she hopes that more of them will feel encouraged and empowered to pursue high-profile careers. 'I hope that they can get something from me, from my representation. And this job is very noble. You can learn a lot from it. You can give more into your community through this, you are a representative not just of your community, but your faith as well. And you can educate a lot of people,' Paudac said. Her message to fellow Muslim women is clear — that they can excel and redefine spaces while staying true to their faith and identity. And for that, she has some advice: 'Please, take care of your hijabs. Take care of yourselves. Make yourself a resourceful person. Learn a lot ... most importantly, never ever leave behind your faith, your identity.'
Arab News
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Thousands of Filipino Muslims gather in Manila for Eid festivities
MANILA: Manila's Filipino Muslim community gathered at one of the capital region's largest parks on Monday for Eid Al-Fitr prayers, followed by family picnics to mark the end of Ramadan. In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, Muslims make up around 10 percent of the country's population of over 120 million. While most of them live on the island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the country's south, Manila is also home to more than 173,000 Filipino Muslims. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month declared April 1 a national holiday for the first of the two main holidays observed in Islam. But like many others across the Islamic world, Filipino Muslims upheld the tradition of morning Eid prayers on Monday, with 15,000 people gathering at the Quezon Memorial Circle. 'Eid Al-Fitr is a huge celebration among the Muslim community, especially here in the Philippines, and the culmination of the sacrifice that we had for the holy month of Ramadan,' Aleem Guiapal, a government official who is originally from Cotabato City, told Arab News. 'What makes Eid Al-Fitr special is the level of spirituality that we achieved for almost 30 days.' Families were central to the occasion, and many took their young children along to share meals and play at the park in Metro Manila. 'We consider Eid Al-Fitr as a family day and, at the same time, a day to celebrate the ending of the month of Ramadan,' Lucman bin Usman said. 'We came here so that the children can play and also to really feel the Eid spirit and also the festivities.' For Aida Villegas, who is originally from Zamboanga, the morning visit to the park was only the beginning of Eid festivities. 'Everyone is (welcome) to come here, and there's a playground. So, it's a really good spot for the families, and then there's a bazaar,' she said, referring to a halal bazaar of food and clothes organized by the local government. 'Families come here during Eid to pray, eat, play, shop and then we go back home, and we do house to house. It doesn't end here.'
