'Walang malapit na mosque': Ang hamon ng pananampalataya sa Pinay Muslim sa remote Western Australia

Sa isang Aboriginal community sa Balgo at sa bayan ng Kununurra sa Kimberley Region, Western Australia unang nanirahan ang pamilya ni Maricel Morica pagdating nila sa Australia noong 2018. Inamin nila na naging hamon ang pagsasagawa ng Ramadan, sapagkat sila lamang ang nakasuot ng hijab at abaya at walang malapit na mosque o Muslim community.

When Maricel Morica’s family first settled in Balgo and Kununurra, Western Australia in 2018, observing Ramadan was a challenge, they were the only ones wearing hijab and abaya, with no nearby mosque. Yet she turned this hardship into a lesson in faith and resilience for her children. Credit: Maricel Morica

Key Points

• Si Maricel Morica ay nagbalik-Islam matapos makapangasawa ng Muslim sa Pilipinas subalit naghiwalay sila, may tatlo silang anak.
• Noong 2015, ikinasal siya sa isang Australyano sa Pilipinas. Nabiyayaan sila ng isang anak at nanirahan nang anim na taon sa isang lugar sa Kimberley Region kung saan malaki ang populasyon ng Aboriginal community.
• Taong 2025 lumipat at nakabili ng bahay sa Perth para maipagpatuloy at mapapalakas ang kanilang pananampalataya.

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'Walang malapit na mosque': Ang hamon ng pananampalataya sa Pinay Muslim sa remote Western Australia

SBS Filipino

17:11Filipino

In Perth, where Maricel Morica’s family moved in 2025, they are now blessed with large mosques close to their home, nurturing their faith and bringing their family closer to their spiritual roots. Credit: Maricel Morica

We moved to Perth because observing Ramadan was difficult in Balgo and Kununurra, with no mosque nearby and only our room for prayers. I wanted my children, especially my youngest, to truly experience what it means to live as a Muslim.

Maricel Morica, Balik-Islam

Maricel with her son, who is still living in the Philippines. She hopes to bring him to Australia soon. Credit: Maricel Morica

Maricel Morica’s family moved from Balgo and Kununurra to Perth so she could strengthen the faith of her entire family, especially her youngest child. Credit: Maricel Morica

Maricel Morica is overjoyed to have found a welcoming Muslim community in their new home in Perth. Credit: Maricel Morica

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