Qurbani/Udhiyah, the Islamic Tradition that Feeds Those in Need

“That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of cattle. So eat of them and feed the poor.”
– The Holy Qur’an, 22:28

The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are the most sacred days of the year, loved by Allah (SWT). By giving to Islamic Relief, you can reap the rewards of this blessed month and serve those in need.

That is why your donations are so powerful. Not only do you fulfill the charitable obligations Allah (SWT) has set for us, but you also help relieve at least a little of the burden that a struggling family faces.

Read on to learn more about how you can make this your most charitable Qurbani/Udhiyah yet.

THE STORY

THE ANIMALS

THE IMPACT

THE HOW

The Story

An Important Islamic Tradition

1. Qurbani/Udhiyah is the tradition of sharing meat with your family and with the poor at the end of the Hajj season, at Eid al-Adha.

Udhiyah is an Arabic word and Qurbani is an Urdu/Persian word derived from Arabic. They both connote the meaning of sacrifice, or an act done for the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

2. It’s about the story of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Prophet Ismail, and the ram that replaced Ismail (peace be upon them).

Prophet Ibrahim dreamed he was sacrificing his beloved son Ismail (peace be upon them). He asked his son what he thought. Young Ismail said, “Do as you are commanded.” But when they went to do the hardest thing they could imagine doing, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram. They had passed the test—they were willing to give up what they loved most. We commemorate their sacrifice with a financial sacrifice ourselves—buying an animal or the prepared meat, and sharing it with the poor.

3. It’s in the Quran.

“Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only).” (The Holy Qur’an, 108:2)
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.” (The Holy Qur’an, 22:37)

4. It’s in the Sunnah.

Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (RA) said:
“The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stayed in Madinah for 10 years, offering sacrifice (every year on Eid).” (Ahmad and Tirmidhi)

Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (RA) said the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals (of Eid) and has followed the way of the Muslims.” (Al-Bukhari)

5. It’s a great blessing when you share the meat with people in need!

The people you can send meat to through Islamic Relief USA rarely get the treat of meat. Some haven’t had any since they received this gift last Eid al-Adha. Your gift is huge to them. And each donation you make has an impact in the fight against hunger: You can feed between 10 and 20 families in need with one, single donation, masha’Allah. They get the meat … you get the reward!

A Universal Message of Sacrifice and Love: an Imam, a Reverend, a Rabbi

The Animals

Healthy and Halal

The Impact

Fulfilling an Islamic Tradition that Fights Hunger

Rehana does nearly everything to support her growing family. Because they have been on their own for so long it seems as if their struggle will never end. Her tireless work as a housemaid doesn’t nearly bring enough money in to pay for food, clothing, and housing. She wants the best for her children.

When Qurbani meat was provided by IRUSA it was a relief from Rehana’s burden. She said, “I can’t buy meat for the family on regular basis. If we do buy any meat, we purchase meat in 6 months intervals.”

When asked about IRUSA’s impact she said, “This Qurbani program Islamic Relief is so unique for where we live. Very few NGOs provide meat to their beneficiaries during Eid-ul-Adha.”

How does it work?

Your Qurbani & Udhiya price includes all the costs. Livestock are pre-allocated and paid for, and must be hygienically and ethically treated. They are then sacrificed during the 10th – 13th days of Dhul Hijjah.

The meat is distributed fresh, chilled or frozen, according to what is appropriate for the dietary culture of the region. Each packet is 2-5 kilograms of meat and feeds a family of 4-8 people.

Because of you, our global Qurbani efforts meant that over 3 million people in over 30 countries felt the joy of Eid last year.

Everyone deserves to enjoy Eid and feed their families just like we do.

How does all this work?

You start by simply picking a region, and our teams make sure that the most vulnerable families are prioritized.

Livestock must be healthy, and hygienically and ethically treated

Animals are sourced locally whenever possible, to support the local economy.

Meat is immediately distributed to people prioritized by need.