Eid al-Adha is a profoundly significant period for Muslims across the globe. During this sacred time, Muslim Hands, an international aid and development organisation, facilitates the Qurbani (udhiyah) for countless individuals. This act of devotion is transformed into a vital lifeline for millions.
For many impoverished families and vulnerable individuals worldwide, the fresh meat distributed through Muslim Hands’ Qurbani programme is often the only meat they will consume throughout the year, bringing not just essential sustenance but also immense joy and a sense of belonging during the festive days of Eid. As Syed Ibnul Hasan Gillani, Muslim Hands South Africa Country Director, eloquently stated in an interview with Salaamedia, “it’s not just the food, it’s the joy.”
The tradition of Qurbani commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah’s (God’s) command. Allah, in His mercy, substituted a ram for the sacrifice. Each year, during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah (specifically on the 10th to 12th days), Muslims honour this ultimate act of submission by sacrificing an animal – typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel.
The meat is then traditionally divided, with a significant portion shared with the poor and needy, embodying the core Islamic values of charity, compassion, and community. Muslim Hands, established in 1993 in the UK, operates with a global footprint in “more than 32 countries,” and has been “committed to serving the world’s most vulnerable people through long term development projects, emergency relief and tackling the root causes of poverty.” Their comprehensive Qurbani programme is a cornerstone of this commitment, ensuring that the sacrifices made by donors provide crucial support and nourishment during the blessed days of Eid al-Adha.
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A lifeline for the needy
Muslim Hands meticulously manages its Qurbani process to ensure strict adherence to Shariah (Islamic law) guidelines, alongside upholding high animal welfare standards and local regulatory requirements. The organisation takes great pride in its system of delivering high-quality, fresh halal meat to beneficiaries – it is never canned or frozen, ensuring recipients get the best possible nutritional value.
A key aspect of their approach involves sourcing animals from local farmers where possible. This not only guarantees the suitability of the animals for Qurbani but also helps to boost local economies in the regions served. Muslim Hands’ dedicated teams on the ground work diligently to “connect our donors with those who live far flung across the continents” and “make sure that the givers’ sacrifices reach those most in need.”
Distribution prioritises the most vulnerable, including orphans, widows, refugees, internally displaced persons, and communities ravaged by conflict or natural disasters. This careful and compassionate approach ensures that every Qurbani donation is maximised for impact, reaching those who truly depend on this support.
The spiritual significance of Qurbani, which means “nearness” in Arabic, extends far beyond the crucial provision of food; it is an act intended to bring one closer to Allah (swt) and serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and shared blessings within the global Muslim Ummah (community). Muslim Hands plays an integral role in facilitating this profound connection.
For donors in South Africa, Muslim Hands South Africa offers various Qurbani options, including sacrifices in Polokwane and Johannesburg, as well as in numerous international locations such as Malawi, India, Pakistan, and Yemen. Prices are structured to be accessible, with options like “Where Most Needed” starting from R995, allowing the organisation to direct the Qurbani to areas of greatest urgency. By choosing Muslim Hands, donors can be confident that their sacred sacrifice is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, delivering not only sustenance but also hope and a true lifeline to communities where it is most desperately required.
Echoing the compassionate traditions of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself set a precedent by offering an additional (Sunnah) Qurbani on behalf of those in his Ummah who could not afford to perform the sacrifice themselves. Muslim Hands actively encourages the revival of this beautiful Sunnah, providing donors with the opportunity to double their impact and extend the reach of their generosity.
This Eid al-Adha, participating in the Qurbani programme through Muslim Hands is more than fulfilling a religious obligation; it is a chance to share blessings, alleviate hardship, and bring profound relief and happiness to countless individuals and families, truly embodying the generous and compassionate spirit.
Image: Muslim Hands
