Wednesday 13 July 2022

Islamic Relief UK and East London Mosque join hands to provide food to vulnerable communities after Eid al-Adha

Islamic Relief UK will team with East London Mosque to provide food and essential items on Thursday 14 July. Families in London continue to be impacted by the rising cost of living and Islamic Relief UK hope to provide support after the religious celebration of Eid al-Adha.

The distribution will form part of a wider scheme organised by Islamic Relief UK with the support of 19 partners across the country who will actively distribute essential items and food as part of the Islamic holy month.

Eid is on the 10th day of the holy month of Dhu al-Hijjah, when Muslims donate Qurbani (1) meat to those in need and are encouraged to share food with neighbours.

Islamic Relief UK and East London Mosque will also distribute Eid al-Adha gifts to children from families hit by the cost of living crisis. The gifts valued at ten pounds per child will include toys and games to be distributed to 3,000 children.

Sufia Alam, Head of Programmes, East London Mosque says:

We are pleased to be working with Islamic Relief UK once again to pack and distribute essential items and food including Qurbani meat in order for families to enjoy their Eid celebration without wondering how they will afford to feed themselves.

According to figures from Muslim Census (2), 50% of Muslims are living in poverty in the UK, a proportion almost 5x higher than other groups. Furthermore, 70% of Muslims have either had their household expenses increase or stay the same.

In June 2022, government figures (3) revealed that the cost of living has been increasing across the UK since early 2021. In May 2022, the annual rate of inflation was the highest it has been since 1982, affecting the affordability of everyday items for households.

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK says:

As we recover from the pandemic and the cost of living crisis continues to impact individuals, it is imperative to join hands to do what we can to support those in need. These food packs will be a lifeline for many after the Eid holidays and the support from East London Mosque, a pillar of the community, will help to make a huge difference to people’s lives.

Many people have been hit hard by the cost of living crisis, especially low-income families, those suffering from domestic abuse, people who are homeless, asylum seekers and refugees. They continue to make difficult decisions between feeding themselves and their families or heating their homes.

ENDS

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Notes to editors

For any questions or to request an interview, please contact Saeedah Haque: [email protected],  020 3148 3217.

1. Qurbani means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God. In 2022, Qurbani distributions will aim to reach more people than ever before. After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is then distributed to those most in need.
   www.islamic-relief.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/qurbani

2. muslimcensus.co.uk/financial-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-muslim-community
     
   
3. commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9428

About East London Mosque

The East London Mosque, which incorporates the London Muslim Centre and the Maryam Centre, has a rich history, with roots in the London Mosque Fund established in 1910. It has gone on to become one of the most active Islamic institutions in Britain. East London Mosque provides a wide range of services in addition to the daily prayers including advice and counselling; education for children and adults; services related to birth, marriage and death; and more.

About Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired, development and humanitarian agency working to transform and save the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in over 40 countries. Islamic Relief assists people according to need and does not discriminate in any way.

Set up in Birmingham in 1984 by a group of volunteers, we have assisted over 117 million people all over the world. We’re saving lives and empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty in over 40 countries – from Bangladesh to Bosnia, Pakistan to Palestine, Kenya to Kosovo. Islamic Relief is on the ground in some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult places – including Syria and Yemen – strengthening the most marginalised communities to withstand conflict and natural disasters and to build a brighter future. We also support vulnerable people in the UK in partnership with local charities and organisations.