A First Eid away from home: A young Filipina Muslim’s journey of faith, new beginnings, and finding home in UAE

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – As the United Arab Emirates declares Friday, June 6, as the first
day of Eid Al Adha, a sense of excitement is sweeping across the Muslim community for what many describe as a deeply personal and fulfilling celebration.

Though far from home, 26-year-old Aniza Saidil Daimon — a Filipina Muslim born in Puerto Princesa
and raised in Cavite — is filled with enthusiasm as she prepares to celebrate Eid Al Adha in a Muslim
country for the very first time, surrounded by the rich Islamic traditions of the Emirates.

For Daimon, a born Muslim, waking up to the sound of the adhan (call to prayer) on Eid Al Adha is not
just a holiday experience, but also the realization of a lifelong dream.

“I’m honestly so excited. There’s this new kind of energy building up in me, knowing I’ll finally
experience Eid in a country that truly lives and breathes it. I’ve always imagined what it’s like to see
the streets filled with the spirit of Eid, the prayers, the lights, the togetherness and now, Subhanallah
(Glory be to God), I’m here,” Daimon told GMA Integrated News.

 

 

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic holidays, the
other being Eid Al Fitr.

It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael)
as an act of obedience to Allah. Just as he was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah provided a ram
to be sacrificed instead.

Since arriving in the UAE on March 11, 2025, Daimon has embraced a life filled with hope, faith, and
discovery.

Based in Fujairah Emirate, about a three-hour ride from the capital city of Abu Dhabi, Daimon works as a
classroom assistant.

“What brought me to the UAE was a mix of hope, faith, and the desire to grow. Both personally and
spiritually. I’ve always dreamed of living in a place where I could freely practice my faith and be
surrounded by people who understand it. Now that I’m here, it still feels surreal,” she said.

Daimon said Eid Al Adha is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of trust and surrender to Allah.
Preparing spiritually for Eid in a new country, she’s been focusing on her prayers and intentions,
reflecting on her faith and working harder to be better not just during the Eid but throughout her
daily life.

Although she misses her family back home, Daimon told GMA Integrated News that she is excited to
experience the joy of celebrating the Eid with his relatives and friends in Abu Dhabi.

Aside from attending the communal prayers, she looks forward to the Qurbani, a ritual animal
sacrifice performed by Muslims during Eid Al Adha to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim
(Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

In Arabic, Qurbani literally means sacrifice. It involves the slaughter of specific animals – goats,
sheep, cows, or camels, in accordance with Islamic law. The meat is then divided into three equal
portions: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for those in
need.

“The Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, is also very powerful. It’s a reminder that sacrifice isn’t just about
giving up something but also about sharing and caring for others, especially those in need. It teaches
me to be more generous and thankful for what I have” Daimon said.

Reflecting on the contrast between her past celebrations and what she will be experiencing now,
Daimon said she feels at home despite living in a foreign land.

“In the Philippines, it’s simpler, more intimate. But here, you can feel the spirit of Eid in the air—in
the mosques, the streets, and even in strangers’ smiles. It’s beautiful in a different way," she said.

In a separate interview with GMA Integrated News, Daimon’s cousin, Benzal Alipoon Baga, said that
he is happy to see her start a new chapter in her life in the UAE.

Despite celebrating the Eid Al Adha away from her family in the Philippines, Baga said they tried
their best to make her feel welcome here.

“Celebrating her first Eid Al Adha away from home is a big adjustment, and I wanted to make sure
she didn’t feel alone or out of place," Baga said.

"From the moment she arrived, we tried to make her feel that even though she’s far from the Philippines, she’s still surrounded by family. We shared stories, cooked familiar dishes, and I introduced her to some of our community traditions here. It’s heartwarming to see her slowly finding her rhythm and embracing life in the UAE,” Baga said.

Baga, who hails from Zamboanga City and is based in Abu Dhabi, is an active member of the Filipino
Muslim community, The Light of Islam for Enlightenment (LIFE).

He told GMA Integrated News that Eid is all about togetherness and reflection and sharing it with his
cousin added a deeper meaning to the occasion.

Having a relative here makes the celebration even more special. Eid is all about togetherness and
reflection, and now, sharing it with Aniza has added a deeper meaning to the occasion. We may be miles away from home, but we make our own version of home together," he added. —LDF, GMA Integrated News