Islamic Relief UK and Masjid Alhikmah joined hands to provide food to vulnerable communities in Aberdeen after Eid al-Adha

Islamic Relief UK teamed with Masjid Alhikmah to provide food and essential items for 125 people on Wednesday 20 July. Families in Scotland continue to be impacted by the rising cost of living and Islamic Relief UK hope to provide support after the religious celebration of Eid al-Adha.

The distribution forms 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 al-Adha 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, The Fraser of Allander Institute warned that Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic is starting to falter. A new report revealed a third of residents said they were spending less on essential items such as food and fuel, and modifying their spending behaviour in response to the ongoing crisis.

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 Masjid Alhikmah to provide support after the days of Eid so that families across Aberdeen can enjoy the holidays without worrying about how they will pay for their next meal.”

Mohammad Farhan, Chairman of Masjid Alhikmah said “We are extremely pleased to be a part Islamic Relief’s Qurbani programme distributing food packs and meat to the most vulnerable. This perfectly aligns with our values to help and support the wider Aberdeen community and could not have come at a better time when a lot of people are struggling due to the rising cost of living.”

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

1. 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.

A masjid for the remembrance of Allah (God) providing Islamic knowledge to the public and facilitating development of the community (with emphasis on Muslim children and women). Helping you come closer to Allah, and ultimately offering outstanding facilities that serve our congregation, as well as the local community, our masjid is run by a committed team of trustees, staff and volunteers. Starting from a point of common understanding, our work is led and guided by our mission and values.

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.