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UAE: Why Eid can be the loneliest time for new Muslims; residents call for inclusivity, support
Religious leaders emphasise the need for inclusivity and support for new Muslims, especially during major Islamic celebrations
- PUBLISHED: Tue 25 Mar 2025, 7:47 PM
For many, Eid is a time of joy, family gatherings, and festive meals. But for new Muslims, especially those who have recently embraced Islam, it can be a time of loneliness and longing. Without their loved ones to celebrate with, some converts struggle to find a sense of belonging during this special occasion.
Jacob Lijujo, a 29-year-old from Uganda, reverted to Islam just two months ago. Having moved to the UAE in 2017, he spent years learning about Islam before finally taking his Shahada in January. While he is filled with faith, his first Eid as a Muslim feels emotionally challenging.
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"This is my first Eid, and I don’t really know what to do," Jacob shared. "However, many of my colleagues and friends have invited me to their place for lunch. Islam is very new for me, and I’m still learning every day."
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Jacob, who plans to change his name to Yakub, admitted that despite the warmth of his new friends, a part of him still feels isolated. "The previous Eid, I saw people celebrating with their families, but I don’t have anyone to celebrate with. It will be sad, but Allah is there for me," he said, adding that his family back home doesn’t understand his decision.
After the Eid prayers, Jacob plans to spend the day alone, making food and reflecting on his new journey.
Similarly, Mariia, a 36-year-old Russian real estate executive, accepted Islam this Ramadan. She was deeply moved by the fasting experience. “The inner peace from fasting was something that I have never experienced before,” said Mariia, who gifted herself the Islamic name Mariam.
However, as Eid is approaching, she began to feel a growing sense of sadness. “My family doesn’t know about this transformation of mine, and when they learn about it, they accept me. I hope they understand what it means to me,” she said.
“During Ramadan, I felt connected to the community at the mosque, but now that Ramadan is over, I hope it will be the same love I received in the holy month,” she added.
Determined not to spend Eid alone, Mariam has planned to join a fellow new Muslim and some colleagues for celebrations.
‘Invite them for Eid Prayers, share meals’
Religious leaders emphasise the need for inclusivity and support for new Muslims, especially during major Islamic celebrations.
“Newly converted Muslims may feel lonely on Eid because they often lack a Muslim family or close community to celebrate with. Eid is traditionally a time for family gatherings, but converts may feel isolated if their relatives do not share their faith," said Sheikh Ayaz Housee, Imam of NGS and Khateeb at Al Manar Islamic Centre.
"They may not yet have strong connections within the Muslim community, making it difficult to fully experience the joy and togetherness of the occasion," he added.
He urged Muslims to welcome converts into their celebrations. “Inviting them for Eid prayers, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and involving them in family or community gatherings can help them feel at home. Organizing special events for them and regularly checking in on them ensures they do not feel isolated. By embracing them as part of the Muslim family, we can make Eid a joyful and memorable occasion for everyone.”
He also suggested that reverts should engage with their local mosques and Islamic centers. “The masjid is a great place to meet other Muslims and experience the communal joy of Eid. Many Islamic centers and organizations in Dubai host Eid events for reverts. Participating in these can help them find companionship,” he explained.
Dubai resident Ahmed Raza, who has been living in the UAE for over a decade, said that he has invited one of his colleagues who accepted Islam to his place for lunch. “As Muslims, it is our duty to ensure that no one feels alone on this special day. I recently learned that a colleague of mine embraced Islam. I have invited him to be a part of the family gathering,”
“Many new Muslims are far from their families, and we should welcome them as our own. A simple invitation to a meal or even a message to check on them can make a big difference,” he added.
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.