Filipino Muslims Embrace Umrah Spiritual Journey
As the holy celebration of Eid Al Adha approaches in the United Arab Emirates, a wave of devotion and gratitude fills the hearts of many. For several Filipino Muslims, their spiritual journey has led them to a profound experience at the core of Islam—the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah.
Among these is 28-year-old Katherine Lim Sumile from Misamis Occidental. Having embraced Islam only last year, she found a powerful calling to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca. For her, this journey is more than a milestone; it represents a cherished spiritual aspiration.
Born into a Christian family, Sumile was drawn to Islam’s teachings on discipline, meaningful living, and personal responsibility. What started as curiosity soon blossomed into a deep faith nurtured through prayer, reflection, and mindful practice.
When presented with the chance to perform Umrah in February, she accepted immediately despite the short notice and financial challenges. “Going for Umrah was completely unplanned and came at very short notice. When my colleague at work asked if I wanted to go with her, I immediately said yes and then asked my boss for leave. Financially, it was a bit challenging, but with my sister’s support, I was able to manage,” shared Sumile with local community sources.
Umrah, often called the lesser pilgrimage, is a sacred journey to Mecca that Muslims can perform any time of the year. Unlike Hajj—the obligatory major pilgrimage—Umrah remains a voluntary yet deeply spiritual act of devotion.
Sumile, who works as a hotel sales coordinator in Abu Dhabi, prepared for her pilgrimage with guidance from a Filipino Muslim teacher. Known by her Muslim name Khadija, she described the experience as profoundly moving. “It was incredibly overwhelming. The moment I stepped into Makkah, I felt like I had finally arrived at something I had been waiting for my entire life. When I saw the Kaaba for the first time, I couldn’t hold back my tears, they just kept flowing. I cried throughout the Tawaf. What was even more surprising was that I managed to touch the Kaaba three times. I know not everyone gets that chance, but for me, it felt effortless, like I was being gently drawn closer to it. It felt as though I was meant to stand right there.”
Blessings and Challenges in Spiritual Pursuits
Another Filipina Muslim, Noveem Conde Tabamo, embraced Islam in 2023 and has performed Umrah twice. Her latest pilgrimage, during Ramadan alongside her husband, was especially meaningful. Tabamo, a 27-year-old teacher from Quezon City now based in Al Ain, described the journey as spiritually fulfilling despite its challenges.
“Despite the struggles, it was one of the most spiritually fulfilling experiences of my life. Every hardship was worth it for the chance to worship in the holy land during the blessed month. The feeling is beyond words,” she said to community leaders.
Each visit to Mecca feels like coming home for Tabamo. “It’s a place so familiar, peaceful, and sacred. The sense of devotion, tranquility, and connection is unmatched. I’m deeply grateful that Allah allowed me to visit His house. Every sacrifice, every emotion—it’s all truly worth it.”
Her journey to Islam began while working as an assistant teacher in the UAE, inspired by her calm and devoted Emirati lead teacher. Though her decision initially met resistance from family, especially her grandfather, a longtime Catholic minister, witnessing her transformation softened their hearts. “They saw peace, the discipline and the strength I had found through Islam and that spoke louder than any words,” Tabamo said.
Transformative Experiences of Filipino Muslims
Similarly, 45-year-old Neil Panares from Cebu shared his touching journey to Islam and Umrah. He performed the pilgrimage during Ramadan in March, describing it as an emotional and spiritual awakening.
“The moment I saw the Kaaba for the first time, I was overcome with emotion, and tears welled up in my eyes as I prayed to Allah for guidance not just for myself but for my family and friends—to be blessed with the light of Islam,” he recounted.
Panares, a biomedical engineer in Abu Dhabi, prepared diligently by attending Islamic lectures and receiving mentorship from colleagues and friends within the Filipino Muslim community. Balancing work and the demands of the journey was challenging, yet the support he received proved invaluable.
Performing nightly Tarawih prayers at Masjid al-Haram deepened his understanding of worship and unity in Islam. “These moments reaffirmed the unifying spirit of Islam and the essence of true worship. Through this pilgrimage, I gained renewed purpose and strengthened my commitment to Islam. Every bow and prostration is a step toward spiritual fulfillment,” he expressed.
Panares embraced Islam amid the COVID-19 pandemic, taking his shahada in June 2020 with the help of an Egyptian colleague. Though his family’s reactions varied, his wife struggled initially with misconceptions surrounding Islam. Today, he prepares for Eid Al Adha with increased devotion, prayer, and reflection.
“To my fellow Filipino Muslims, let us continue to uphold our faith with sincerity and devotion, embracing the true meaning of Eid Al Adha—a celebration of sacrifice, obedience, and generosity. May we always support one another and strengthen the bonds of our Ummah, fostering unity and understanding wherever we are,” he urged.
For more news and updates on Filipino Muslims’ Umrah spiritual journey, visit Filipinokami.com.