Islamic Relief UK and Green Lane Masjid will help some of the most vulnerable in Small Heath and surrounding areas during Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha

5 July 2023

The initiative will be part of Islamic Relief UK’s largest ever nationwide Eid al-Adha food distribution as organisations across country report rise in food bank use.

Islamic Relief UK will support Green Lane Masjid to help over 400 people with food and essential items on Thursday 6 July, as families in Birmingham continue to struggle financially due to the rising cost of living.

This is part of a wider initiative led by Islamic Relief UK involving 26 partners across the country to deliver food packs, Qurbani (1) meat and Eid gifts to coincide with the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha (2).

Green Lane Masjid are reporting that they are seeing an increase in food bank users with dozens more people using their food bank compared to 2022. Green Lane Masjid also reports that the number of Zakat hardship fund applicants has doubled in 2023.

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.

The food packs will contain Qurbani meat and essential food items such as milk, rice, flour, tea, coffee, sugar, pasta and other basic food essentials.

Kamran Hussain, Chief Executive of Green Lane Masjid said:

At Green Lane Masjid, we are committed to serving our community, especially during times of need. Partnering with Islamic Relief UK for this nationwide initiative allows us to extend our reach and provide vital support to those who are most vulnerable in Small Heath and the surrounding areas.

Kamran Hussain goes onto say:

“The increase in food bank users and Zakat hardship fund applicants is a clear indication of the rising challenges faced by our community. Through the distribution of food packs containingQurbani meat and essential food items, we aim to alleviate some of the burden and bring hope to the lives of over 400 individuals and families. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and demonstrate the true spirit of Eid al-Adha.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said:

On the blessed days of the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha, we are proud to be working with our UK partners, who will be distributing food packs to families struggling to feed themselves.

Tufail Hussain goes onto say:

“The cost-of-living crisis in the UK is continuing to wreak havoc on families as many go hungry and are unable to pay their bills. This should simply not be the case in the UK.

“Islamic Relief UK is calling on the UK government to urgently work at every level to strengthen the social security system and ensure that benefit payments are, at least, enough for people to afford essential household goods and adequately feed themselves.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors

For any questions or to request to interview one of our spokespeople, please contact Jonaid Jilani: [email protected]; 07872 403534;

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.
The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest periods of the Islamic year, when two very special events (Hajj and Eid ul Adha) take place.

Hajj in Islam is a sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy mosque Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month in the Islam calendar.

For Muslims, undertaking Hajj in Islam is a spiritual duty, as long as they are financially, physically and emotionally able to do so. 

On Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In remembrance of his sacrifice and to help the poor and needy, Muslims give Qurbani. 

About Green Lane Masjid
Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre is a leading UK mosque situated in the heart of Birmingham serving the community since 1979. Operating from its award-winning grade II listed Victorian building, GLMCC fulfils its mission of inspiring, educating and serving through its educational college, outreach work, welfare services, international humanitarian wing, as well as its fully functional mosque.

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.

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