Your sacrifice becomes an uplifting gift with Islamic Relief’s Qurbani programme.
Thanks to your generosity last year, over 3 million vulnerable people received the gift of qurbani meat distributed by Islamic Relief.
Together, we can reach even more this Eid al-Adha.
Islamic Relief works in some of the poorest communities on Earth, providing lifesaving humanitarian aid as well as development projects that lift people out of poverty and suffering.
And at this time of year, our qurbani programme gets your gift of happiness to families who need it the most.
Last year we distributed over 18,500 korban meat packs in Gaza alone. Ayed, 36, was among those we reached.
“It is very difficult to live here,” says the father of six. Unemployment is rife in Gaza, and he is among many without a job.
“Alhamdulillah, we live within four walls, we have a roof covering us and we have some food even though most nights we sleep without dinner. We cook on open fire because we can’t afford gas.”
Sometimes he gets work labouring on a farm, but it is not enough.
“Even when working on the farm I receive payment in the form of vegetables and not in cash,” he says, adding that his biggest hope is that his children will have a better life.
My children are in school and I want them to continue their education. I can’t bear the thought that my children will face the same fate as myself, I would rather starve and struggle than take them out of school.
Without regular work, Ayed relies on charities for even basic food staples. He feels this is jeopardising his family’s health and wellbeing.
“I’m not able to buy fresh meat, chicken, fish or fruit until I receive some cash assistance from the government every three months. Not being able to buy meat affects our health and it affects our feelings and emotions.
“My children are young and still growing. I feel that they are pale and weak, and I feel guilty for not being able to provide them with anything more.”
While many Muslims look forward to Eid with anticipation, the festival makes the grinding poverty Ayed and his family endure even harder to bear.
“For me Eid is a sad occasion. Poverty kills happiness and suffocates dreams. I can’t buy new Eid clothes for the children, or sweets. I can’t take it when my children ask me for money to play with other children and I have nothing to give them. So we often stay at home.”
Receiving qurbani beef brought joy to Ayed and his family during the blessed days of Eid.
“The children are very happy and my wife is happy at being able to give them some meat. I would like to thank all the people that help us feel the happiness of Eid. I am very grateful to you all.”
