LONDON UK, Wednesday 12 August 2020: In the days following Eid al-Adha*, leading international relief charity Islamic Relief partnered with the East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre to deliver Qurbani** meat to over 200 vulnerable and needy people, including refugees.

The meat was supplied by Islamic Relief, then delivered by East London Mosque volunteers to those from less fortunate backgrounds, including single parent households, refugees and those severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Director of the East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, Dilowar Khan, said,

COVID-19 has hit entire families really hard, meaning that now more than ever, our community needs our support.

Through the East London Mosque’s ongoing aid during the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve managed to support many vulnerable and needy people, so we’re able to help those who need it most. This is the spirit of charity that Islam emphasises, that as Muslims we must endeavour to serve our community the best way we can.

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK, said,

Islamic Relief UK are delighted to be supporting the East London Mosque with Qurbani meat to help some of the most vulnerable families in East London.

 It is the duty of Muslims all over the world to help others through their Qurbani, and every year our generous donors also choose to help people here in the UK. This generosity will go towards making a huge difference during this difficult time.

One recipient said “I’m a single mum and have been in isolation due to my health conditions. My five children enjoyed the Qurbani meat you delivered. It has been a long time since we ate meat. May Allah bless you.”

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Notes

*Eid Al-Adha, the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year. This year it was celebrated between the 31^st July and 3^rd August.

**Qurbani means ‘sacrifice’. On Eid Al-Adha, Muslims around the world arrange for the slaughter of an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son Ismail; then God told him instead to sacrifice a ram. The meat is shared with family and neighbours, as well as the poor and needy.

About the East London Mosque

The East London Mosque, which incorporates the London Muslim Centre and the Maryam Centre, is one of the UK’s largest Muslim institutions, and the oldest mosque in London, with roots in the London Mosque Fund established in 1910. In addition to the daily prayers, if offers pastoral care and counselling, education services for children and adults, marriage and funeral services, and more. It works with a wide range of organisations for the betterment of society for all.

About Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief is an international humanitarian and development organisation that aims to alleviate the suffering of the world’s poorest people in more than 30 countries, mainly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities – regardless of race, religion or gender. In its 36-year history, Islamic Relief has helped more than 117m people across the world. Islamic Relief is one of the 14 UK charities that form the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee).