Qurbani means to sacrifice for Muslims all over the world, it is done in honour of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail for God's sake.
The story of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice stands as an example of how Muslims should honour and obey God alongside the examples he sent down through his prophets.
Muslims around the world practice Qurbani by slaughtering an animal, usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel.
Traditionally, a Muslim will keep one-third of the meat for their family, a third for their neighbour, and a third for the poor and vulnerable.
Eid ul Adha is also a time for Muslims to take part in Hajj, the pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca which must be taken by every Muslim at least once in their lives where possible.
There are ways for Muslims to honour Qurbani in different ways nowadays, such as donating to a charity that can provide Qurbani to Muslim families around the world who are less fortunate.
It's said in Islamic hadith (sayings and actions of the prophet Muhammad) that "when the Messenger (PBUH) was asked what Qurbani is, he answered, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim. For every hair of the Qurbani, you receive a reward from Allah.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Here are some charities that offer Qurbani charity.
Islamic Relief
One of the most well-known Islamic charities in the UK, Islamic Relief has been operating Qurbani projects since 1986.
In 2013, Islamic Relief performed approximately 110,000 Qurbanis, benefitting over two million people around the world.
The charity guarantees the meat is purchased from local suppliers in order to benefit the local economy, it's distributed fresh, frozen, or canned, depending on the circumstances- the majority of countries will receive fresh meat.
Islamic Relief doesn't discriminate, widowed women, orphaned children, refugees and poor, elderly and disabled people all receive Qurbani, many of whom can't afford to eat meat regularly.
"When families receive Qurbani meat, it fosters a real sense of hope for them and allows them to celebrate this important occasion along with millions of other Muslims across the world," they state on their website.
You can donate to Islamic Relief's Qurbani project via their website .
Human Appeal
Human Appeal offers a cheap Qurbani donation of £26 which "will provide 16 kilograms of meat to 4 - 8 families, depending on the country you give in."
For 30 years, Human Appeal has been providing Qurbani on behalf of Muslims worldwide- last year they provided 401,000 vulnerable families with Qurbani meat throughout nine countries.
They source their meat from local farmers with well-cared animals to ensure it's fresh and nutritious.
You can donate to Human Appeal's Qurbani via their website .
Muslim Hands
Muslim Hands were founded in 1993 by a community in Nottingham after witnessing the destruction from the Bosnian war.
They have since grown into an international aid agency that aids struggles all over the world.
Their Qurbani initiative promises to ease the suffering of 10 million hungry people in Yemen, impoverished Palestinians living in Jerusalem, and 12.4 million Syrians who suffer from food insecurity.
Muslim Hands offers the choice of deciding which country you want your money to go to, currently, the emergency countries are Kashmir, Palestine, Turkey, and Yemen.
Prices vary depending on the country, however if you don't have a lot of money to give, you can donate to Uganda or Somalia for £40.
Different options for donations can be found on their website .
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