Muslim Sacrifice Helps Needy Families

Published On Mon Nov 15 2010
Alex Horkay, Staff Reporter

As Muslims begin to celebrate Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, a Toronto group believes it’s the perfect time to reach out to the community by providing fresh halal meat for those less fortunate.

The Qurbani Project, an initiative of the Toronto chapter of the Muslim Association of Canada, aims to distribute 1,360 kg of meat to as many as 300 GTA families — many of whom may not eat meat at all because they cannot afford it.

“What a lot of Canadians fail to realize is that locally in our own city there are many people who are not fortunate enough to have meat on their table on a regular basis,” said Ahmad Attia, an event director with MAC.

At Eid al-Adha, every Muslim is required to slaughter a sheep for the poor. Those not in a position to do so may make a donation to have it done, often to a charity which distributes the meat to various countries around the world, Attia said.

After coming to the realization that there’s a huge need locally, the group “decided that we should provide an opportunity for those Muslims here in Toronto who choose to donate to their neighbours,” said Attia.

Up to 30 volunteers from MAC and from multifaith and Muslim groups at U of T will help distribute halal beef and mutton through the Scadding Court community centre on the weekend. They will also help provide lunch for families receiving donations.

Meanwhile, thousands of Muslims will celebrate by attending the 25th annual Eid Festival Tuesday at Exhibition Place. Following a sermon and prayers at 10 a.m., the festivities will include a bazaar, rides, a petting zoo, shows, sports and meals throughout the day.

It’s also an occasion for MAC to reach out to help not just Muslims, but everyone across the GTA, with a food drive and other programs.

“We will actually go out and sponsor families in the inner city who are less fortunate and we pay for their costs to come and celebrate,” Attia said. “We pay for their food and their carnival passes. Many, many families in this city could not come here and celebrate without this.”

Eid al-Adha marks the completion of the annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to Mecca. It commemorates the willingness of prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

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