Art And Culture

Well-wishers provide goats to over 200 Eastleigh families for Eid-ul-Adha

Some of the goats offered to the needy by the well-wishers in Eastleigh's Airbase Ward on Monday, June 16, 2024. (Photo: Justin Ondieki)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Monday, June 17, 2024

The proximity to Mathare also allows Muslims from the slums to benefit from these sacrifices.

Over 200 Muslims in Eastleigh's Airbase Ward received goats from well-wishers as part of Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. During this festival, Muslims sacrifice an animal, often a goat, cow, or camel, and share the meat with others.

At Eastleigh Airport Primary, 50 goats were slaughtered by well-wishers to feed over 200 Muslim families who could not afford to buy meat or sacrifice an animal.

Each family received over 5 kilogrammes of fresh goat meat to use for their Eid meals. This initiative is held annually by well-wishers to ensure every Muslim has meat at home for Eid celebrations.

Abdirahman Mustaid, the co-founder of the Yusofa Foundation, spoke to The Eastleigh Voice and said that since the foundation started in 2017, they have held this kind of Qurbani for the less fortunate Muslims in Eastleigh every Eid-ul-Adha.

The choice of Airbase Ward was strategic, as it houses many needy people. The proximity to Mathare also allows Muslims from the slums to benefit from these sacrifices.

Abdirahman noted that most beneficiaries are single mothers, orphans, and widows.

A man skins one of the goats slaughtered to feed the needy duirng Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations in Eastleigh on June 17, 2024. (Photo: Justin Ondieki)

A man skins one of the goats slaughtered to feed the needy during Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations in Eastleigh on June 17, 2024. (Photo: Justin Ondieki)

"Most of the beneficiaries are in dire need, like single mothers, orphans, and widows. They need this kind of support," Abdirahman emphasised.

He explained that goats were chosen for sacrifice instead of cows or camels because they are easier to transport to Eastleigh. He also noted that goats are preferred because their meat is tasty and tender.

"We get the goats from other areas as they are not available around here, so transporting a cow or camel would be cumbersome," said Abdirahman "Furthermore, goats are tasty and tender, and people love them," he added.

Some beneficiaries thanked the well-wishers, saying their generosity allows them to enjoy meat on Eid.

"We thank them a lot. Even we will enjoy goat meat just like the rest, thanks to these young well-wishers," said one of the beneficiaries who did not want to be named.

The idea of Qurbani is to share with those who need assistance. During Eid, Muslims are encouraged to remember the needy.

At Eid-ul-Fitr, able Muslims must give out Zakat, and during Eid-ul-Adha, they are encouraged to perform Qurbani and share the meat with the needy.

When Qurbani is done, at least one-third of the meat must go to poor or vulnerable people. Traditionally, a Muslim keeps one-third of the meat for their family and gives the final third to their neighbours.