HHRD’s 2010 Global Zabiha Program

 

The blessings of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah bring with it the commemoration of the sacrifices of the friend of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim. It is through his spiritual tests that Muslims partake in the sacred rituals of Hajj; and those who await their calling to the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah spend their time in fasting and preparing for the sacrifice.

As Muslims from all over the world, be they the Hujjaj or those who are not, ready themselves for the festivities of Eid-ul-Adha there are those who remain in a state of pain and agony. They are robbed of this spirit of Eid due to the circumstances they face, the situation they are currently in and the devastation that surrounds them. However, they are in the thoughts and prayers of their Muslim brothers and sisters, and this is so through HHRD’s “Global Zabiha Program”.

This year Helping Hand USA for Relief and Development performed Udhiya/Zabiha/Qurbani for over half a million needy in more than 55 countries around the world. The Global Zabiha program allows donors to perform Zabiha of their choice in the country of their choice. HHRD involves local communities and regions in the Zabiha Program thereby strengthening the bond of humanity.

This year HHRD requested everyone to make an additional sacrifice for the Pakistan Flood Relief victims. 20 million people are displaced and millions go hungry each day. The Pakistan floods are recorded as being the largest disaster in its history.

Not to be forgotten is Africa, the second largest continent in the world, and one of the poorest. More than one-quarter of its children are underweight. HHRD annually performs Zabiha in Africa; giving the poorest of the countries the nourishment of meat, where food itself is scarce.  

Sitting collectively to share a meal on one of the two Muslim holidays grants these people a moment of succor, by being able to forget their struggles and worries and rejoice over the blessings of brotherhood. Regardless of how immaculate the meal, merely the opportunity for a father to provide his family with a moment of joy by partaking in Eid-ul-Adha can be the most heartwarming of feelings.

From the deserts of Africa to the flood waters of Pakistan, the crippled towns of Haiti to the washed away homes in Indonesia, each Muslim that is helped has the chance to share in this feeling of love, compassion and hope. They stand in lines for hours to receive their portion of the sacrifice and bring home this meat where for weeks no fire was burnt except for warmth. With the mere resources they have, a meal is put together and savored until another is blessed upon them.

HHRD would like to thank all of its donors for contributing towards this once a year joy given to the countless people who do not acquire meat the rest of the year. Their gratitude is showed in every smile while receiving the Zabiha/Udhiya/Qurbani packets.

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