Islamic Relief introduced the idea of processing and canning the meat to ensure that it will last for longer, which has transformed the accessibility of Hajj meat. In our second year of Hajj hadi distributions, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, we are distributing 270, 000 cans of hadi meat. In Lebanon people have begun to receive the first of the 16 tonnes of meat we plan to deliver to hundreds of families over the next few months.

After Hajj, a portion of the hadi meat is transported to Malaysia, where it is prepared and packaged, before Islamic Relief delivers it to vulnerable people across the world.

The distributions in Lebanon began on 21 April 2010 and around 1,000 cans from a total of 36,000 have been distributed so far. Islamic Relief representative, Dr Adel Sabir, joined our team on the ground on the first day. “It was wonderful to be able to take part in the distribution and help to highlight the importance of this initiative,” said Dr Sabir. “Previously, all hadi meat was frozen and the meat wouldn’t last as long; now it can be kept for up to three years without refrigeration. Islamic Relief is pioneering the way that meat is distributed to poor people throughout the world.”

Hadi meat used to be frozen for preservation, before Islamic Relief suggested processing and canning. However, this limited its transportation to countries near Saudi Arabia. Now families who do not have fridges or electricity can benefit from the meat as it is safely preserved in cans and is ready-to-eat.

This year Islamic Relief has delivered hadi meat to Iraq, Lebanon, and Chad and will also be distributing to two more African countries, as well as Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Islamic Relief has been distributing canned Qurbani meat to vulnerable people throughout the world since 1993.

Find out more about Islamic Relief's Qurbani programme