Author: Nadya Labiba

Did you know that more than 800 million people worldwide go hungry, yet we produce enough food to feed everyone? Hunger is often seen as a result of there not being enough food to go around. However, usually it’s more complicated than that.

This World Hunger Day is an opportunity to bring into focus how hunger is driven by more than just the lack of food. In this article, we look at the glaring examples of worsening hunger crises in Somalia and Gaza. 

How Climate Breakdown is Affecting Somalia

The situation is dire in Somalia. Nearly 3.5 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity from April to June 2024.

So what’s causing this? A combination of factors – El Niño-induced flooding, ongoing conflict, climate change, and economic instability – are hitting hard.

Human-caused climate change has increased the frequency and severity of droughts. This, compounded by decades of conflict that, have significantly eroded the country’s institutions.

This combined damage to Somalia’s domestic food production has made the country dangerously reliant on imported grains – specifically from Ukraine and Russia.

Climate Change and Hunger in Somalia

Shortly after Somalia began to recover from the brink of famine, the country was struck by heavy El-Niño induced rainfall and floods in late 2023.

This wiped away lives and livelihoods. Around 1.5 million hectares of farmland are at risk – with farmers struggling with failed crops and reduced incomes.

Displacing almost half a million people, this rainfall was described as “once-in-a-century event” by the UN. It highlighted Somalia’s extreme vulnerability to climate breakdown.

Climate-induced displacement also pushes farmers away from their rural homes to urban areas, further hammering production down. And just last month, the situation in Somalia worsened after being hit by the Gu (April to June) rains.

Although this rainfall is expected to marginally improve the food security situation, risk of famine remains in several areas. Recovering from the aftermath of climate extremes will pose significant challenges for the people of Somalia.

Somalia Faces Worsening Climate-Included Disasters

Let’s be clear – this is no “natural disaster.” Somalia is experiencing more frequent and longer-lasting droughts and unpredictable rainfall. These are all becoming more severe, as a direct result of climate change.

Despite years of humanitarian aid and intervention, progress has been slow. Chronic underfunding and a lack of long-term investment have left people in Somalia vulnerable to recurring crises.

While there have been efforts to build resilience and prepare for disasters by aid agencies, including Islamic Relief, these initiatives across the sector have often fallen short. They are hampered by slow response times, limited resources and a failure to upscale action.

But perhaps the greatest barrier to improvement lies in political will — or the lack thereof. Somalia’s plight has not gone unnoticed, yet sustained commitment from donors and policymakers remains lacking.

Until there is a concerted effort to address the root causes of hunger and invest in long-term solutions, Somalia’s future hangs in the balance.

What is the link between conflict and hunger?

Conflict is the biggest single cause of hunger in the world today. Nearly 135 million people in conflict-affected countries face acute food insecurity – almost half of the global number.

Conflict affects food security and nutrition in many ways. It can reduce the amount of food available, disrupt food production and affect people’s ability to access food and markets. Gaza is no different, where the word ‘hunger’ carries a weight far beyond its dictionary definition. 

The Escalating Situation in Gaza

Since October 2023, the tightening siege imposed by Israel has created a stranglehold on the flow of goods and humanitarian aid, plunging Gaza into a humanitarian catastrophe, with famine already taking hold in the north.

The occupation and collective punishment of Gaza, the indiscriminate bombardment, and the denial of aid trucks are not just contributing to food insecurity. They are actively perpetuating a prolonged cycle of deprivation and despair for over 2.3 million people. So much so that famine is now inevitable and imminent across the Gaza Strip, according to the latest IPC report. 

Occupying Forces Worsening the Hunger Crisis

Israel has completely denied access to food resources to all civilians of the Strip, half of whom are children. This includes bombing mills, bakeries, grocery stores, corner shops, and markets.

They also are destroying crops and agricultural lands, killing livestock, and targeting boats and fishing equipment, as well as water tanks.

People are dying as a direct result. So far, at least 27 people have been reported to have died from malnutrition.

We can expect that this number to rise for as long as the siege and bombardment continues. The UN has even warned that children in Gaza are being starved at the fastest rate the world has ever known.

Their survival depends on more food, fuel and water entering Gaza immediately, as well as an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

The Current Situation

Out of the 130 bakeries that were functional in Gaza before October 2023, only 15 were open in March. Others have been destroyed or have ground to a halt due to fuel shortages.

The 1.9 million people forced to flee their homes also have little access to cooking utensils, water, and fuel, which prevents them from preparing food when it becomes available.

Efforts to increase aid into Gaza are crucial but attempts like airdropping or using new maritime corridors are futile – they are impractical, costly, and undignified. Five people were killed when the parachutes or air-dropped aid did not open.

Israel has also been targeting civilians seeking humanitarian aid, in what has been dubbed as a series of ‘flour massacres’, which have killed over 118 people.

What’s happening now in Gaza is a textbook example of how hunger can be man-made and down to political decisions. Let’s be clear – Israel can open all the land crossings and allow the entry of desperately needed aid to reach people in Gaza. This is not happening because Gaza has simply run out of food or there has been a poor harvest. It is because starvation is being used as a weapon of war.

How We Can Help Combat World Hunger

As we mark World Hunger Day, it’s crucial to recognise the interconnectedness of global hunger with climate and conflict.

The plight of Somalia and the Gaza Strip are stark reminders of the urgent need for action and a wakeup call for our collective conscience.

We cannot afford to let world leaders get away with empty words and inaction, we can and must work towards a reality where no one is forced to go hungry.

Written by Suraiya Rahman, Campaigns and Public Affairs Coordinator at Islamic Relief UK.

Islamic Relief Australia was honoured to welcome Dr Shariq Siddiqui, a leading authority in the field of philanthropic studies, to Sydney.

As an Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies and the Director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Dr Siddiqui is renowned for his extensive research on Muslim philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.

During his visit, Dr Siddiqui engaged in meaningful dialogue with the Islamic Relief Australia team. He, likewise, shared insightful conversations with invited key representatives from other prominent charities, including the National Zakat Foundation, Penny Appeal Australia, and Muslim Aid Australia.

Understanding Muslim Philanthropy

These interactions were a pivotal part of his ongoing research on Muslim philanthropy. Specifically, his research into the definition and practices of charitable giving within Muslim communities worldwide, including Australia.

Dr Siddiqui’s work delves deep into the unique aspects of Muslim philanthropy. He explores how cultural, religious and social factors influence charitable behaviours in Muslim communities. His research is crucial in understanding how Muslims define and practice charity – a concept deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and traditions.

Highlights from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

During the discussions, Dr Siddiqui shared valuable insights from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s findings on the Muslim charity sector. These highlights included:

1. Diverse Motivations for Giving: Muslims are motivated by various factors when it comes to charity. Religious obligations (such as Zakat and Sadaqah), a sense of community responsibility, and the desire to support social justice causes, were among the most common motivators.
2. Innovative Philanthropic Practices: The research identified innovative practices within the Muslim charitable sector. These include the use of technology in fundraising and the emergence of social enterprises aimed at sustainable development.
3. Challenges and Opportunities: Dr Siddiqui emphasised the challenges faced by Muslim charities. Examples include regulatory hurdles, the need for greater transparency, and combating negative stereotypes. However, he also highlighted the vast potential for growth and impact within the sector, especially with increased collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Building Bridges and Enhancing Collaboration

The visit was more than just an academic exercise. It was a step towards fostering stronger ties between Muslim charities in Australia and international philanthropic networks.

Dr Siddiqui’s interactions with the heads of the National Zakat Foundation, Penny Appeal Australia, and Muslim Aid Australia highlighted the importance of collaboration. To address common challenges facing Muslim charitable organisations overall, allowing us to maximise our strengths and minimise any weaknesses.

By doing so, we have more potential to enhance the effectiveness of our charitable efforts. Thus, deepening our relationship with the Australian Muslim community and allowing their donations to reach more people in need.

The Future of Muslim Philanthropy

Dr Siddiqui’s visit to Sydney marks an important milestone in the global study of Muslim philanthropy. His efforts to gather information from various parts of the world, including Australia, contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how Muslim communities engage in charitable activities.

This knowledge is vital for developing strategies that can maximise the impact of philanthropy within these communities.

Ayman Abdelhady, Head of Marketing at Islamic Relief Australia, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating:

In conclusion, Islamic Relief Australia is proud to have hosted Dr. Shariq Siddiqui and looks forward to continuing this valuable exchange of ideas and expertise.

Together, with our partners in the charity sector, we commit to advancing the cause of Muslim philanthropy. To make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve, now and in the decades to come.

Islamic Relief is stepping up emergency aid in Bangladesh. Severe flooding has submerged entire communities in the northeast, leaving many families homeless and destitute. Islamic Relief staff report children and elderly people are now stranded in the open air under pouring rain. 

Three days of extremely heavy rain and flash floods have affected around 1.6 million people in the districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj and Moulvibazar. It comes when the country is only just recovering from Cyclone Remal. A disaster that destroyed thousands of homes across Bangladesh in late May.  

Almost 75% of Sylhet district is now flooded. More than half of the crops and paddy fields in the region submerged under water. Damage that is likely to have lasting impacts on people’s food security.  

Islamic Relief is on the Ground in Bangladesh

Islamic Relief has long-term programmes in Sylhet and Sunamganj. We are now preparing to distribute dry food, hygiene kits to reduce the spread of water-borne diseases, and cash grants so that people can pay for essentials such as food, shelter and water. The distributions will reach an initial 5000 displaced people. It will also expand to reach more families over the coming days and weeks.

Enamul Haque, Islamic Relief Programme Manager in Bangladesh says:  

“One of Islamic Relief’s own offices is now under 2 feet of water, but our staff managed to get all our supplies out in time. Roads are also submerged and communications networks are down, which makes it harder to respond and assess the full scale of the destruction.” 

The flooding is expected to continue for the next couple of weeks, with flood water coming from upstream in India.  

So far around 30,000 people have moved to shelter centres across Sylhet and Sunamganj, with this number expected to increase. In total around 825,000 people are reported to be affected in Sylhet, 650,000 in Sunamganj and 193,000 people in Moulvibazar.   

In the Horn of Africa, the confluence of natural disasters and conflict has forced millions from their homes. As Islamic Relief marks World Refugee Day, we turn our attention to the enduring spirit of those who have been displaced.

These are the stories of Amina and Sacdiya, 2 mothers whose lives have been upended by relentless droughts and violent unrest. Despite these challenges, they continue to strive for a better future for their children.  

The crisis unfolds  

The Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst humanitarian crisis in decades. 3 years of drought decimated crops and livestock, only for unexpected floods to wash away the little that remained.

According to the World Health Organization, over 50 million people in the region are facing acute food insecurity. Among them, the most vulnerable are children under 5, with mothers like Amina and Sacdiya doing everything possible to keep their families nourished and safe.  

Amina: Fleeing from flames  

Amina lived a peaceful life in the once-flourishing village of Kaaro in Somalia. Her days were filled with tending to her small farm where she grew vegetables and raised chickens. However, the onset of severe drought turned her fertile land into a barren desert. Without rain, her crops failed, and her chickens perished. The situation grew worse still when conflict erupted in her region, forcing her to flee with her family.  

“We had to run from our home because the fighting was so close,” Amina recalls. “I could hear gunshots and see smoke rising from nearby villages. It was terrifying.” She gathered her 3 children and embarked on a harrowing journey to find safety, leaving behind everything they owned.  

Now living in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Amina reflects on the life she had to abandon. “We were self-sufficient. We had enough to eat, and my children were happy. Now, we rely on aid for our survival.”   

Despite the hardships, Amina remains determined to provide for her children. With support from organisations like Islamic Relief, she receives cash that enables her to buy essential food items. “I can at least get rice and beans for my children. It’s not much, but it’s something”.  

Sacdiya: Surviving the floods  

In Ethiopia’s Afar region, Sacdiya and her family faced a different but equally devastating struggle. For years, they endured relentless drought that dried up their wells and left their livestock parched. When the rains finally came, they brought not relief but destruction. Flash floods ravaged her village, sweeping away homes, livestock, and livelihoods.  

Sacdiya vividly remembers the day the floods hit. “We heard a loud roar, and before we knew it, water was everywhere,” she says. “I grabbed my 4 children and ran towards higher ground. We lost everything in the flood, including our home and our animals.”  

Displaced and destitute, Sacdiya’s family sought refuge at an IDP camp. Life in the camp is a daily struggle, but Sacdiya’s spirit remains unbroken. She has used cash provided by Islamic Relief to purchase food and basic necessities. “This help is a lifeline for us,” she explains. “It gives me the ability to choose what my family needs most. My children can eat, and I have hope for their future.”  

Refugees and the Power of Resilience  

Amina and Sacdiya’s stories are emblematic of the millions of families that have been uprooted by climate change and conflict in the Horn of Africa. Their resilience is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and adapt in the face of overwhelming adversity. Through the support of Islamic Relief, they are finding ways to survive and rebuild their lives.   

For Amina, the hope is to one day return to her village and revive her farm. “I dream of the day I can go back home and see my children running through the fields again,” she says. For Sacdiya, the goal is to secure a stable future for her children. “I want them to go to school and have opportunities I never had,” she shares. “I want them to have a life where they don’t have to worry about their next meal.”  

Refugees Around the World Need Our Support

On this World Refugee Day, we honour the resilience of refugees and displaced persons like Amina and Sacdiya Their stories remind us of the urgent need for continued humanitarian support and long-term solutions to address the root causes of displacement. As we reflect on their struggles and hopes, let us reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with all those who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and a better life.  

Join us in standing in solidarity with families forced to flee and donate to Islamic Relief to support our work to enable refugees to live dignified lives.  

Thank you for supporting our Qurban Program for Dhul Hijjah 2024!

During Eid Al-Adha, you helped Islamic Relief provide food to 2,824,393 people. By supporting our annual Qurban distributions, you brought relief to many affected by the world’s worst hunger crises and are on the verge of famine.   

Eid al-Adha falls in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar. It involves the tradition of Qurban. An act of worship where Muslims perform a sacrificial slaughter of an animal – traditionally goats, sheep, cows or camels. This action reflects upon the Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of Allah (SWT).

Following the sacrifice, the meat is then distributed to people in need. For many, it is also the only meat they will get to eat this year.

Where Islamic Relief Distributed Its Qurban Programs for 2024

Islamic Relief’s Qurban distributions this year took place in 27 countries. These include Sudan, Afghanistan, Niger, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and many more.  

• In Sudan, more than a year of brutal conflict has left the country on the verge of famine. Farmers have been unable to plant and harvest crops and markets have been looted. Islamic Relief distributed Qurban fresh meat packs to help 80,000 people there.  
• In Gaza, Israel’s ongoing attacks and restrictions on aid mean children and elderly people are starving to death. Islamic Relief’s team and partners in Gaza distributed thousands of meat packs, in addition to our ongoing daily distributions of cooked meals for tens of thousands of families.  
• Some of the biggest Qurban distributions this year were in Mali and Niger, which are among the world’s most neglected crises, with rising numbers of children suffering from malnutrition. This year, we distributed more than 75,000 Qurban fresh meat packs in Mali and more than 70,000 in Niger. 
• In Bangladesh, Qurban distributions reached over 40,000 families – including both impoverished rural Bangladeshis and Rohingya communities who have fled violence in Myanmar.  

More Eid al-Adha Giving

Eid al-Adha is also a time of joy and gift-giving. Islamic Relief teams also distributed over 18,000 Eid gifts such as clothes, shoes, school uniforms and school bags to children and families in 18 countries.

Zaheer Afzal, manager of Islamic Relief Worldwide’s Qurban and seasonal programs, says:

Each Qurban pack contains approximately 5kg of meat on average. Islamic Relief ensures that all distributions comply with Islamic guidelines and national laws, ensuring animal wellbeing and strict criteria on the age and health of animals.   

Islamic Relief is heartbroken to report that 117 children and young people cared for by our Orphan Sponsorship Program in Gaza are now known to have been killed.

In the last 8 months, more than 36,000 Palestinian people, including women and children, have been killed in Gaza. The grim death toll continues to rise as the crisis escalates. Islamic Relief’s team on the ground is doing all they can to deliver humanitarian aid – including through our Orphan Sponsorship Program.

We have rapidly expanded our sponsorship program, with the backing of generous Islamic Relief supporters worldwide. Now, we support over 14,000 orphans in Gaza.

The program provides financial support to thousands of the most vulnerable families. A feat possible thanks to our incredible colleagues in Gaza working tirelessly to support them despite the challenges.

With around 75% of Gaza’s population displaced, often repeatedly, telecommunications restricted, and travel dangerous, even keeping in touch with families for regular welfare checks is very hard.

Where an orphan’s whereabouts is now unknown, Islamic Relief social workers do everything they can to help locate them. But this can take a long time.

Often, the first clue that something is wrong is in the payment system. Families access their sponsorship money using an ATM card. If this money goes uncollected for a sustained period, then we check in on the family’s situation.

The team’s responsibilities now include going through a quarterly Ministry of Health list of the dead to identify any sponsored orphan or guardian that has been killed. We also work to confirm this information.

Sadly, we can now confirm the deaths of 64 sponsored children and young people, as well as 53 who the Orphan Sponsorship Program previously supported.

Sponsored children as young as 5 killed

Omar is the youngest sponsored child known to have died

When he was killed, Omar had recently turned 5. A very energetic little boy, he was always on the move. He loved being outside, playing, swinging, jumping, and riding his bike.

An adventurous spirit, he climbed everything and was a playful, happy, friendly, and fun child. Part of a loving, happy family, Omar lived with his mother, siblings, and grandparents in Gaza City.

His mother dreamed that Omar would become an engineer when he grew up.

Aysha died just a month after her 12th birthday

She had spent her last summer holiday at a summer camp, determined, as always, to live life to the fullest.

Described by her Islamic Relief social worker as a “friendly, brave and polite girl”, Aysha had been thriving at school and aspired to become a doctor. She also liked to read, draw, and paint.
She lived with her big family in Al Nusairat City. Since 2016, Aysha has been enrolled in Islamic Relief’s Orphan Sponsorship Program.

Ayman loved football and gymnastics

He was a caring son, helping his mother, who had rheumatoid arthritis, with housework and shopping. He lived with her, as well as his stepfather and 2 siblings in a modest flat in Jabalia City.

Ayman dreamed of becoming a doctor. He had also been supported by the Islamic Relief Orphan Sponsorship Program for over a decade.

He was killed shortly after his 17th birthday.

Sajeda was living with her family in a flat in Middle City when the escalation began

8-year-old Sajeda was the youngest of 5 children. Known for her friendly and calm personality, she loved drawing, playing with dolls, and watching cartoons.

Her favourite subject at school was Arabic language. She too hoped to become a doctor one day.

She died alongside her mother.

Courageous and helpful Ahmed also died with his mother

The smart 11-year-old had lived in Gaza City with his mother. His hobbies included reading stories, watching cartoons, swimming and cycling.

His favourite subject was mathematics. He was also hoping to become a police officer or teacher in the future and was working to improve his school grades.

Islamic Relief had been sponsoring Ahmed since he was a baby.

Happy and friendly, Saly always had a ready smile

She enjoyed reading, dancing, taking photos and swimming. A university student, she looked forward to becoming a pharmacist.

She wanted to help provide for her mother and sister, Rawan, with whom she lived in a flat in Rafah City before the escalation.

She lost her life aged 21 years old.

Orphaned children left without guardians

Some 72 guardians of sponsored orphans are now known to have been killed. 21 died alongside their child. Others leave behind children grieving the loss of their only caregiver.

With 24 sponsored orphans left without a guardian, Islamic Relief is working to identify surviving relatives to take on the role of guardian and collect Islamic Relief sponsorship money to provide for the child.

Islamic Relief offices around the world are breaking the news to sponsors of the children and young people who have died.

Many of our incredible sponsors are agreeing to continue their sponsorship of the grief-stricken family for 6 to 12 months, to avoid adding to their hardship.

Wherever possible, we transfer sponsorship to a sibling, which means the family does not lose the support from the program. If that is not possible, we move the sponsorship to support another child newly enrolled on the Orphan Sponsorship Program.

We fear that the death toll of sponsored orphans and guardians may increase. The dire situation in Gaza has left many Palestinians missing or displaced multiple times. Many bodies have also not been recovered from the debris of destroyed buildings.

As we reflect on the sponsored children, young people and their guardians killed alongside tens of thousands of other Palestinians, Islamic Relief redoubles our efforts to press for action to end the suffering of ordinary families in Gaza.

We urge the Islamic Relief family – our supporters, volunteers, staff, and partners – to join us in calling on world leaders to bring about an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

Qurban and Aqiqah are both significant acts of worship (ibadah) in Islam that both involve the sacrifice of an animal for the sake of Allah (SWT). Anyone who has the financial means to do Qurban and Aqiqah is highly urged to do it. As these are important rituals the Prophet (ﷺ) did rigorously at their assigned times.

While these two have some similarities, they are two different acts of worship, each with specific rules on how to perform them. So, what are the differences between Qurban and Aqiqah? 

Qurban and Aqiqah in Islam

The Story of Qurban 

Qurban commemorates the divine sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made for the sake of Allah (SWT). It plays a significant part in Eid Al-Adha, the “festival of sacrifice”, in Dhul Hijjah.

The story behind the act of worship starts with a dream. A dream sent by Allah (SWT) to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) of him sacrificing his son, Ismail (AS), whom he loved dearly.

Despite his heavy heart, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had full trust in his Creator to guide him through this hard task. He took his son to the top of Mount Arafah to prepare for the sacrifice. When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told his son about the dream, Ismail (AS), following his father’s example, accepted this decree of Allah (SWT) and agreed that he must be sacrificed.  

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) then blindfolded himself to ease his heavy heart while carrying out the slaughter. As he was about to begin the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, and his son was left unharmed. 

The event was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah (SWT), which he had greatly demonstrated. In honour of his devotion, Allah named him ‘Khalillullah’ in the Quran, which means an intimate friend of Allah. 

Qurban in the Quran

The story of Qurban serves as a reminder for us. To learn from Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s full submission to Allah (SWT), which is the essence of Islam itself. His sacrifice is commemorated in these verse of Surah As-Saffat, which states:

The Significance of Aqiqah 

The birth of a child is a great blessing and gift from Allah (SWT). One of the many ways this is celebrated is through Aqiqah. It is a sacrifice offered as a symbol of one’s gratitude to Allah (SWT) for their newborn child.  

Aqiqah is a confirmed practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions. As narrated by Samurah ibn Jundub, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:  

Likewise, when his two grandsons from his daughter Fatima (RA), Hasan and Husain, were born, the Prophet (ﷺ) offered an ‘Aqiqah for both of them, with two rams for each. (Sunan An Nasai) 

Aqiqah is also not limited to a boy’s birth. It should also be offered when a girl is born. It was narrated that Aisha (RA) said:

However, Aqiqah should also not be a hardship for a baby’s parents. While the sunnah is to offer two sheep or goats for a newborn son, if a parent can only afford one, then they should not have to bear the hardship of getting two.

When do we perform Qurban and Aqiqah? 

When to perform Qurban

Muslims carry out Qurban during the days of Eid al-Adha, in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final Islamic month. It should be done after Eid prayer, as practised by the Prophet (ﷺ) 

You can offer Qurban every year, so long as it is during its set days in Dhul Hijjah (the 10th to the 12th or 13th). You can also do it as many times as you wish if you have the financial means to do so.  

By contrast, Aqiqah can only be offered once in a lifetime. If a baby’s parents have already done ‘Aqiqah, there is no need to perform another one the following year.

When to Perform Aqiqah  

Ideally, Aqiqah should be performed seven days after the child’s birth, as per sunnah. However, if the child’s parents or guardians cannot afford it, then they can do it at another time, as long as the child has not hit puberty yet. If a child reaches puberty before their parents can perform Aqiqah, then it is permissible for the child to perform it for himself. 

Aqiqah is also not fixed to any event in the Islamic calendar and can be done anytime in the year. It is also permissible to perform Aqiqah during the Eid al-Adha period. Some Muslims do so as it is cheaper to buy a livestock animal during this time, due to the increase in supply to meet the demand for Qurban.

What animals can be sacrificed for Qurban and Aqiqah? 

Livestock animals that can be sacrificed for Qurban include goats, sheep, cows and camels. For Aqiqah, it is sunnah to offer a goat or sheep for sacrifice.

Animals also make up a different number of shares in Qurban. Smaller animals, such as goats and sheep, count as one Qurban share. Larger animals, like cows and camels, on the other hand, count as seven shares. 

For both Qurban and Aqiqah, the sacrifice can be male or female, so long as they are healthy and free from defects. The sacrificed livestock must have also reached a specific minimum age. Goats and sheep must be at least one year old, cows two years old, and camels five years old.  

How should the Qurban and Aqiqah meat be distributed? 

Meat from Qurban should be distributed raw and divided into three parts. One-third goes to the one performing the Qurban, another third to family and friends, and the last third to the less fortunate. 

This sharing of meat is to give thanks to Allah (SWT) and share these blessings with those who live in situations where eating meat is often an unaffordable luxury. Thus, Qurban provides an annual opportunity for the poor and needy to enjoy meat. Especially, if they are unable to have them at other times of the year. 

For Aqiqah, it is permissible to eat the meat from it and feed relatives, friends and the poor. While it can given raw, it is sunnah to cook it before giving it to others. Aisha (RA) said, concerning the meat of the Aqiqah that, “It should be cut into pieces, cooked, eaten and also distributed.” (Narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf).

As such, an Aqiqah ceremony becomes a celebration where the meat from the sacrificed animal is cooked and shared with family, friends and members of the community who are in need.

Summary of differences

In conclusion, while they share some similarities, Qurban and Aqiqah are two distinct acts of worship.

Qurban is done on the three or four days of Eid al-Adha in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s sacrifice. It is also best to distribute it raw, and you give it as many times each year during the Qurban period as you wish.

Aqiqah, however, is done seven days after a child’s birth, as per Sunnah, and is only done once in their lifetime. It is also sunnah to sacrifice goat or sheep for Aqiqah and to cook the meat before distributing it.

In the 10 blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, do not forget to purchase your Qurban in time for Eid Al-Adha!

What’s one of the best ways to make sure we stay safe during Hajj and Umrah? On these journeys of a lifetime, let us seek guidance from Allah (SWT) with sincere Duas specific to travelling and these two pligrimages.

Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

A pilgrimage that every adult Muslim, who is financially, physically and spiritually able, must make at leasts once in their lifetime, it takes place between the 8th and 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the twelve final month of the Islamic Calendar.

However, this period is not the only time Muslims travel to Makkah. Umrah, the voluntary pilgrimage, refers to the journey to Makkah taken at any time of the year outside of the Hajj period.

For both Umrah and Hajj, Allah (SWT) offers believers many rewards for completing them successfully. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

Hajj and Umrah are incredibly spiritual journeys that we make in our lifetimes. As many of us will be travelling long distances when we go on these journeys, it’s important make sincere dua to Allah (SWT) to keep us safe during this time.

Here are 5 essential duas you can say while on Hajj and Umrah.

Dua for travelling

Dua when boarding a vehicle

Dua upon arrival

Talbiyah Dua (intention to start worship) for Hajj or Umrah

Dua for return

Don’t forget to make lots of Dua’s during Hajj and Umrah, asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness. Don’t forget to include your friends, relatives, neighbours as well as the wider Ummah in your Dua during these spiritual journeys.

During these first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, make sure to make the most of it! Reap the rewards of this blessed time by doing as much good as you can. Give your Zakat if you haven’t already. Share blessings with your Sadaqah. And don’t forget to give your Qurban in time for Eid!

Islamic Relief Worldwide has released a new report. One detailing our teams’ response to the devastating earthquake that struck central Morocco, eight months on.

On 8 September 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake killed families while they slept in their beds and flattened whole villages. The aftershocks that followed also caused untold damage to the surrounding regions and were felt all across the country.

Communities left in ruins

The earthquake that hit Morocco was its most powerful one in more than 60 years. Close to 3,000 people lost their lives. Thousands more were injured. Among those affected – more than 2.8 million people – included 100,000 children.

The road to recovery is long, and the reconstruction programme is both costly and complex. Eight months on from the disaster, communities are still struggling to piece their lives back together. The 500,000 people forced to flee from their homes now live in makeshift shelters. This does little to protect them from the elements.

An immediate and long-term response

Within hours of the disaster, Islamic Relief launched an over $19 million AUD appeal to assist survivors.

To date, the Islamic Relief teams have completed 9 humanitarian projects. Where, together our global network has reached nearly 46,000 people across 100 villages with vital, life-saving aid.

Islamic Relief continues to help survivors meet their most pressing basic needs. We are also pivoting to longer-term interventions to help improve and rebuild lives going forward.

These include providing essential medical services and health education in affected communities, through the launch of 27 health caravans and the installation of latrines and showers.

Working alongside local partners, Islamic Relief teams are continuing to support the people of Morocco as they recover from this disaster. You can find out more about our work by reading the Morocco’s Al Haouz earthquake: 8 months on report.

With your help, we can continue to provide support for the people of Morocco, please help us to continue this life-saving work.

Why doesn’t Islamic Relief use a 100% Donation Policy? In this explainer, we explore why 100% donation policies aren’t really possible and the relevance of admin fees in Islam. We also examine how having admin fees is one of the best tools we have. As they allow us to support the communities we serve to the fullest, helping them build a brighter future.

Islam teaches us that Allah (SWT) rewards good deeds abundantly. Kindness to others, reading the Qur’an, doing regular Ibadah (worship) and giving charity are examples of all good deeds we, as Muslims, are greatly encouraged to do. And when they are done with sincere intention, one can earn copious rewards.

Charity-giving, more specifically, Zakat (almsgiving), in particular, forms one of the five pillars of Islam. In 2022, a study by the World Bank and the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) estimated that the global Zakat fund reached $550 billion to $600 billion per year. This has the power to lift communities in need out of poverty, providing them with humanitarian assistance and more during times of war, conflict, economic crisis and disaster.

However, when it comes to choosing where to give their donation, the Muslim community face an annual dilemma. The question of a ‘100% donation policy’, and how we navigate the minefield of misinformation that comes with it.

What is a 100% Donation Policy?

A ‘100% donation policy’ or ‘no admin costs’ is a method used by some charity organisations to imply that 100% of a donor’s money, in its entirety, goes straight to those in need. When compared to charities who are transparent about their admin fees, this looks like the superior choice. Understandably, so many would be confused about the ethics surrounding their donation.

When donating to a charity, here are some important questions to consider regarding your donation:

• If 100% of my donation goes directly to those in need, how are those charities covering the costs needed to deliver it directly to them?
• Are the charities promoting a 100% donation policy transparent about how they’re covering their admin costs?

Any charity performing life-saving work is almost certainly employing the relevant means to help them do it, whether that be through staff, vehicles, buildings, and more. All of these cost money. This is why a 100% donation policy wouldn’t work. This is why we encourage our donor community, and beyond, to instead focus on the question, “How effectively is my donation being used?”.

Why Admin Fees are Necessary in Lifesaving Work

We’re here to help provide more information on what exactly happens to your donation when you donate to Islamic Relief. As well as why we don’t use a 100% donation policy, how this isn’t really possible, and why our admin fees are one of the best tools we have for serving the communities at the heart of our work.

Here are five reasons why admin fees are powerful and important for those in need:

It costs to help those in need on the ground

Islamic Relief is fortunate to have been able to provide aid to millions of people in over 40 countries since 1984. We often work in remote areas of the world to get help to those in urgent need. Where our teams face challenges working in conflict zones or after the impact of a natural disaster.

Thus, admin fees help facilitate the delivery of our aid on the ground. They cover essential costs. This includes procedures in conducting needs assessments to ensure our aid is relevant, fuel for cars to transport aid, rent for local offices, salaries for staff and expenses for volunteers who help deliver our life-saving responses. They also cover the costs of monitoring and evaluating the impact of our work. Without admin, our work simply wouldn’t be possible.

It helps us to use your donation in the most effective way possible

Did you know, that for every $1 donated to Islamic Relief, just 3c is used to cover admin costs? Although a minuscule amount, it has an incredible impact on our ability to use your donation as effectively as possible.

Out of your donation, a further 11c goes towards raising more funds for those in need. This portion of your donation is carefully and effectively used to pave the way for ground-breaking work in fundraising. Thus, for every $1 invested, we’re able to raise $10 more, which enables us to continue delivering more aid. Making the remainder of your $1 donation (86c!), going a phenomenal way towards our life-saving work.

Since 1984, your generous donations have helped transform and save over 120 million lives. We couldn’t do this without your support, and we are accountable to you for every penny spent.

Admin fees change the future

You’re helping Islamic Relief to build a brighter future for those in need. As well as delivering aid, Islamic Relief works to campaign for the most vulnerable communities and strives to effect change. This includes campaigning on issues such as climate change, which is having a devastating impact on communities in the global south, as we saw in 2022 during the Pakistan floods.

Your admin fees are not going towards band-aid solutions. The thought leadership that is required to use sustainable energy to power water projects in Lebanon, Yemen and Somalia, and build disaster-resistant housing in Türkiye, Pakistan, and Indonesia. It is the same that is required to mitigate the effects of global issues that tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality around the world.

Admin fees are an Islamically legitimate cost

Zakat has strict rules around the eligibility of the donor and the one who receives it. The impact of this obligatory form of charity is powerful and has the ability to eliminate poverty in the world.

In His divine wisdom, Allah (SWT) decreed that one of the eight people eligible to receive Zakat, are the administrators of Zakat, the al ‘amilina alayha. Islamic Relief enlists the help of scholars to verify the distribution of Zakat at Islamic Relief, and ensure your precious donation goes towards upholding this upright practice.

It’s our calling, our living

Alhamdullilah, since 1984, by the will of Allah (SWT) Islamic Relief has been able to serve the world’s most vulnerable people. Thanks to the support of our volunteers, staff, and generous donors, we are able to carry out life-saving work.

When volunteers donate their time to support our work, Islamic Relief covers their basic expenses. Our staff work incredibly hard to ensure that volunteers’ efforts are properly supported. So we can create the worldwide impact that we have around the globe, moving towards our goal of eliminating poverty.

As an organisation, it’s important to sustain our employees’ abilities. To help us achieve our mission, this includes paying them a salary. Many of our staff see their role in the sector as a calling to help those in need. However, they would be unable to do so without being able to cover the cost of living.

It’s also important for us to consider the incredible skill set of our employees on the ground, who deliver ground-breaking work and solutions to increasingly complex situations across the world. Staff expertise helps us to deliver innovative solutions, like rainwater harvesting in Bangladesh to ensure communities have access to clean water.

Localisation in our work is extremely important to us. That is why 95% of our staff are employed from within the areas and communities we serve, to ensure we’re sensitive to the cultural and religious requirements of those in need. Because our staff are from the areas that we work in, they know what’s needed on the ground. They help ensure that we reach as many people as possible, even in the most difficult-to-access regions like Yemen and Gaza.

You donation helps us save lives

Poverty impacts so many vulnerable people across the world. Islamic Relief will continue to put the most vulnerable first, always. But, in order to do that, we need your support. Transparency around our admin costs is an integral part of the relationship we have with our loyal donors. We are accountable to those in need, and to you, our loyal donors. Thank you.