Islamic Relief UK and Cann Hall Mosque joined hands to provide food to vulnerable communities after Eid al-Adha

Islamic Relief UK teamed with Cann Hall Mosque in East London to provide food and essential items on Friday 15 July. Families in London continue to be impacted by the rising cost of living and Islamic Relief UK aimed 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 will actively distribute 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 donate 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.

In June 2022, government figures 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.

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.

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: The cost of living crisis is having a huge impact on families struggling to cope and demand for food is higher than ever. We are pleased to join hands with Cann Hall Masjid to provide support after the days of Eid so that families can enjoy this time without worrying about how they will pay for their next meal.

Syed Shafi, Chair of Cann Hall Mosque said “Cann Hall Masjid began our food bank project supporting 20 local families and today we have over 150 families registered. On this occasion, we have teamed with Islamic Relief UK to distribute a special food pack to families, while helping to distribute Qurbani meat so that all families can participate in the Eid celebrations. On behalf of Cann Hall Masjid, we express our gratitude to Islamic Relief for working with us in helping our community.”

For any questions or to request to interview one of our spokespeople, please contact: · Saeedah Haque: 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.

In July 2010, the Cann Hall Deen and Education Trust completed the purchase of the Colgrave Arms with the intention of securing a centre which will meet the needs of both the sizeable Muslim and non-Muslim community in Cann Hall. The vision is to develop the mosque to be more than just a place that offers congregational prayer facilities. In extension to the primary role of a Mosque, Cann Hall Deen and Education Trust wishes to establish a centre for promoting awareness, social justice and unity for the benefit of everyone in our community.

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.