Islamic Relief UK and PL84U AL-SUFFA team up to help financially struggling families in London after the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha

Islamic Relief UK supported local charity PL84U AL-SUFFA in Leytonstone, London on Saturday 16 July to give Eid gifts to children from families hit hard by the cost of living. It will also help approximately 200 people with food.

This was part of a wider initiative led by Islamic Relief UK, involving 19 partners across the country who will distribute food, Eid gifts and essential items during the Islamic holiday of Eid-Al-adha (1), when Muslims give Qurbani (2) meat to those in need.

PL84U AL-SUFFA have reported that many families were worried they would not be able to celebrate in the way they normally would, with celebratory family meals and Eid gifts, due to the increasing cost of living crisis.

The food packs contained essential ingredients so that families can cook, enjoy their Eid dinner and celebrate Eid in the best possible way, Eid is a special time when families get together and eat.

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.

PL84U AL-SUFFA said: “Many parents and carers have been worried about how they will be able to provide special Eid food and gifts for their children.

“The partnership and grant from Islamic Relief UK is going to take this burden away and many families will be able to celebrate Eid as one should without worry.

“Meat is one of the most expensive items of food to purchase and we are grateful that the Qurbani meat will be distributed to all the families in need.”

Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK said: “As part of the Eid al-Adha festival, we are proud to be working with PL84U AL-SUFFA to provide food and gifts to help financially struggling families celebrate this important occasion.

“PL84U AL-SUFFA have seen requests for help from families increase in London and our partners across the country are reporting a further wave of unprecedented calls from people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

“We hope that our distribution will help bring some much needed relief to people who are struggling to put food on the table.”

For any questions or to request to interview one of our spokespeople, please contact: Jonaid Jilani: jilani@islamic-relief.org.uk; 07872 403534;

1. 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. As 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, Muslim give Qurbani.

2. 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.

PL84U AL-SUFFA are a cross-community interfaith initiative providing hot meals and companionship, food bank, clothes bank and pampering sessions for the elderly, homeless and people in need of all faiths and beliefs.

Furthermore, bringing together diverse communities facing hardship. PL84U AL-SUFFA’s key aim is to help tackle poverty, cultural deprivation and isolation. By partnering up with institutions relevant to service users needs, while providing a safety net for the vulnerable.

PL84U is simply ‘Plate For You’ in acronyms.

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.