The Nigeria Office of the International Muslim Women Union (IMWU) has slaughtered and distributed Qurbani (sacrificial meats) and cash to about 40 families in Lagos, in continuation of its annual practice of putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged.
The slaughtering and distribution took place at Da’wah Center, Ijesha, covering homes across Lagos State as the beneficiaries’ joy could not be hidden from the smiles on their faces.
It was held on Sunday, the second day of the ‘Eid celebration, and saw many Muslim families thronging the venue, in their numbers, to benefit from the gesture.
The international women’s organisation led by a member of the Union’s Council of Trustees, Hajiah Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, took their ‘Eid celebration to the Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, where they had exciting moments with the inmates.
The feast, in collaboration with the Lagos State Chapter of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, took place on Monday, July 11, and attracted members and well-wishers of both organisations.
Lots of gifts including meats, food, bottled water and toiletries were distributed to the inmates of the Centre, who couldn’t hide their happiness.
Speaking to Muslim News, Hajiah Yusuf-Ajibade, who spare-headed the distribution of the ‘Eid meat noted that the visit to the Correctional Centre was a deliberate plan to reach more Muslims who could not slaughter the sacrifice.
“Alhamdulillah, we are here again to share the Qurbani as we do annually to families who are not capable of slaughtering due to economic reasons, so they can also be part of the festive celebration.
“Aside from sharing the Qurbani, we are collaborating with Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, Lagos State to hold a feast with the inmates of the Correctional Center, Kirikiri, Lagos. This is in our effort to put smiles on everyone’s faces during the festive period”, Hajiah Yusuf-Ajibade noted.
Also speaking, the Amirah of Al-Mu’meenat, Lagos State chapter, Alhaja Bushrah Adegbo-Jubril said the partnership with the international Muslim women was to make the annual distribution bigger and merrier.
She said the ‘Eid-el-Adha celebration isn’t complete if some individuals or families aren’t happy, adding, “That is why we dedicate this day to celebrate this special occasion with our brethren by putting smiles on their faces.”
In her submission, the Nigeria Head of the group, Dr. Khadijah Olaniyan-Shobowale, who delivered the message of IMWU, enjoined Muslims to be grateful to Allah in all circumstances and keep firm on the deen, adding that trials are bound to test faith, but steadfastness is required to pull through while seeking Allah’s pardon in all our errors in life.
Both Dr. Olaniyan-Shobowale and Hajiah Yusuf-Ajibade appreciated the support received from the Malaysian chapter of the Union.
“Alhamdulillah for the support we get from our brethren at IMWU Malaysia, who have been supporting us to gladden the hearts of Muslims who are unable to slaughter. Particularly, I must mention Dr. Jamila Roja, who was supportive during the Ramadan package distribution and now the ‘Eid Qurbani. May Allah accept it from us. JazaakumuLlahu Khayran.”
The International Muslim Women Union (IMWU) is a global group of Muslim women organisations with its headquarters in Khartoum, Sudan, and branches in different countries of the world, which majorly represent Muslim women across the globe in affairs that particularly concern them.
Activities of the IMWU Nigeria Office include counselling sessions for University students, provision of relief materials during Ramadan, assisting female students to secure admission into Sudanese universities on scholarship, and others.
