Islamic Relief UK and Birmingham Central Mosque joined hands to provide food to vulnerable communities in Birmingham after Eid al-Adha.

Islamic Relief UK teamed with Birmingham Central Mosque to provide food and essential items on Saturday 23 July 2022. Families in Birmingham continue to be impacted by the rising cost of living and Islamic Relief UK hoped to provide support after the religious celebration of Eid al-Adha.

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

Eid lasts for a period of three days – starting on the 10th day of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah when Muslims share Qurbani (1), meat to those in need and are encouraged to share food with neighbours.

According to figures from Muslim Census, 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.

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. The food packs will contain essential items such as milk, sugar, cereal, beans, oil, tea, etc.

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “These food packs will go a long way in providing support for many families after Eid and the support from Birmingham Central Mosque, as a pillar of the community, will make a huge difference to people’s lives. We are grateful to join hands with them so that families can enjoy the Eid festivities without the stress of worrying about where their next meal will come from.”

Maqbool Ahmed, Chairman of The Birmingham Mosque Trust Limited said: “We are pleased to be part of this important initiative and to partner with Islamic Relief (UK) to support the less fortunate members of our community.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

For any questions or to request to interview one of our spokespeople, please contact:

Saeedah Haque: [email protected]; 020 3148 3217;

1. Eid al-Adha is one of the two blessed Eids that is celebrated by Muslims. 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 during the days of Eid.
2.  https://muslimcensus.co.uk/financial-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-muslim-community/

About Birmingham Central Mosque

Birmingham Central Mosque is the second purpose-built mosque in the United Kingdom, which was built in 1969 and opened to the public in the early 70’s. It is one of the most recognised religious buildings in the city of Birmingham and a result, a vast number of people visit this mosque every year. The Birmingham Central Mosque is open to visitors throughout the year. We receive a large number of visitors from schools, colleges, universities and other institutions wishing to find out more about the mosque and the Islamic faith for projects and studies. Birmingham Central Mosque is a non-sectarian place of worship, following Quran & Sunnah (Hadith). It is nationally known for reference and advocacy of Muslims and Islamic Issues.

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.