BURBANK, CA (January 6, 2006) – In conjunction with the Islamic Shura
Council of Michigan and the Muslim community in Detroit, Islamic Relief, an
international aid agency, will distribute sacrificed meat to fulfill the Islamic
religious practice of Udhiyah/Qurbani performed during the season of the
yearly Muslim pilgrimage, the Hajj. The meat will be distributed to the
Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and inner-city
Islamic centers in Detroit.
‘Udhiyah’ or ‘Qurbani’ is an Islamic religious practice performed at the time of
Eid al-Adha (the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul al-Hijjah) –
the “Festival of the Feast” – involving the sacrifice of an animal. The event
commemorates the sacrifice that Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) made
to God to show his devotion and commitment to Him.
Eid al-Adha is a day of celebration and remembrance of God. Not all,
however, are in a position to enjoy this day, and it is the duty of the more
fortunate amongst us to help those less fortunate. Islamic Relief performs
Udhiyah/Qurbani on behalf of its donors and distributes the meat to the
needy, so that everyone can celebrate this special day together.
This is the first time Islamic Relief is carrying out this project in the metro
Detroit area. Realizing the great need for such a project, Islamic Relief hopes
to make this a yearly event in Detroit. Several thousand pounds of meat will
be distributed to the needy in Detroit through this project.
In addition to the metro Detroit project, Islamic Relief will distribute Udhiyah
meat to the needy in 25 countries this year, including countries which have
suffered through recent humanitarian crises. Beneficiaries include victims of
the Pakistan earthquake, the West African food crisis in Niger and Mali, and
the tsunami in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Islamic Relief’s seasonal projects such as Udhiyah/Qurbani and the Ramadan
feeding program benefit over 1.5 million people worldwide.