Islamic Relief Domestic Udhiyah/Qurbani Distribution

[Suhaib Al-Hanooti]

Domestic Udhiyah/Qurbani Distribution


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Domestic Udhiyah/Qurbani

Experts estimate that 3 million people in the United States are homeless each year. Recent reports show that the number is rising. Thirty five percent of people experiencing homelessness are families with children, which is the fastest growing homeless population.

The number of poor and homeless people in California is rising every year. In recent years, poverty in California has been higher than in the rest of the nation. Seventy one percent of emergency food providers in the county of Los Angeles reported an increase in requests for food assistance this past year. There are an estimated 360,000 homeless people in California, with about 80,000 in Los Angeles.

“A lot of people can use the help”

Recognizing that poverty exists right here in the United States, Islamic Relief distributes Udhiyah/Qurbani meat domestically. Last year, in with cooperation from the Islamic Shura Council of Michigan, Islamic Relief distributed over 16,000 pounds of meat to needy people in the Detroit area.

In with partnership with the Muslim American Society, the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, and Uplift, Islamic Relief distributed another 14,000 pounds of meat in Northern and Southern California which benefitted thousands of people. In California, Islamic Relief worked with Ilm Foundation, Family Promise of Sacramento, St. John’s Shelter for Women and Children, and the Salvation Army’s Social Services Center to share the food with the needy.

“I came because I have kids and I could really use the help,” said Shamso, a recent West African immigrant and mother of two, who benefited from last year’s program. “A lot of people can use the help; most of them are refuges.”

Christopher, another beneficiary, echoed Shamso’s sentiments. “It is important that there is someone here to help. They identify our needs and it is appreciated. This definitely helps us feel welcome in this community.”

Last year’s Domestic Udhiyah/Qurbani Distribution: Video | Article

Partners for this year’s distribution include:
- Islamic Shura Council of Michigan
- Muslim American Society
-UpLift
- Islamic Shura Council of Southern California

Contacts:
Mouhib Ayas - (248) 705-9137
Munir Iqtish - (408) 505-2941

How You Can Help

Islamic Relief will once again be coordinating the Udhiyah/Qurbani distribution project in Michigan and California this year. The cost of performing the Udhiyah/Qurbani obligation is only $135 this year.

Islamic Relief allows you to donate for the US general campaign or for the regions of Michigan, Northern California, or Southern California.

Click here to make your donations today!


***Udhiyah/Qurbani is an Islamic religious practice performed at the time of Eid al-Adha (the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijja) involving the slaughtering of an animal; usually a sheep, goat, or cow. The event commemorates the devotion and commitment of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to God Almighty.

Muslims believe that Eid al-Adha is a day of celebration and remembrance of God Almighty. Islamic Relief collects funds from donors, and performs Udhiyah/Qurbani on their behalf and distributes the meat to the needy. For many of the beneficiaries, this is the only time of the year they are able to eat meat.