As the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah approaches, Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate and prepare for one of the most significant periods and acts of worship—Qurbani. This age-old tradition holds deep spiritual significance, rooted in the story of Prophet Ebrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience and devotion to Allah. Today, Qurbani remains a symbol of faith, compassion, and generosity, with millions of Muslims fulfilling this obligation yearly.
At Islamic Relief, our Qurbani program preparation begins months in advance, representing our commitment to serving humanity and alleviating global hunger and poverty. With over 37 years of experience and expertise in this field, we have honed our processes to ensure maximum impact and efficiency.
Identifying Those Most in Need
Central to our Qurbani program is the rigorous selection process, which prioritises those individuals with the greatest need. Islamic Relief uses objective criteria to select beneficiaries, working closely with local partners to ensure fairness and transparency. We consider factors such as employment, income, assets, food security, and health to assess eligibility.
Priority is given to families living below the poverty line, female-headed households, families with disabled or elderly members, and vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women and children under five. Through a thorough needs assessment, we determine the weighting and priority of each criterion, ensuring that our aid reaches those who need it most.
Our Qurbani Process:
From the moment the farm is chosen and the livestock selected, every step of the Qurbani process is meticulously managed to uphold the highest standards of compassion and efficiency. Our team ensures that animals are treated with gentleness and care, providing adequate food, water, and shelter. Quality assurance teams assess the quality of animals and adherence to ethical and legal standards. All this follows Sharia compliance, including animals not having any sickness or visible defects and being healthy with age. Our trained professionals ensure a swift and humane process for all our animals.
Distribution and Impact
Once the sacrifice is complete, the meat is butchered, packaged, and then distributed to vulnerable families in over 28 countries. This provides essential nutrition to those in need, including families struggling to make ends meet, orphaned children, and elderly individuals. Our Qurbani program reaches those who would otherwise go without. We prioritise those with the greatest need, ensuring that our efforts have a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
Supporting Local Economies
In addition to providing support to communities, our Qurbani program also boosts local economies and supports local farmers. By sourcing animals from local markets, we contribute to farmers’ livelihoods, supporting economic growth and sustainability. All expenses incurred in implementing the Qurbani program are included in the price, from the purchase of animals to transportation and distribution. We ensure transparency and accountability in our operations.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Islamic Relief’s Qurbani program is subject to thorough monitoring and evaluation, from planning to post-distribution reviews. We engage beneficiaries and partners in program reviews to evaluate successes and challenges, ensuring continuous improvement in our initiatives.
Islamic Relief’s Qurbani program is more than just a religious obligation. It demonstrates our commitment to compassion and social justice. We strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate through detailed planning, selection, and implementation. As we prepare to celebrate this blessed period, let us remember the true essence of Qurbani. Let us share our blessings with others and uphold the values of mercy, generosity, and unity.