It was celebration galore and joy unlimited as the International Muslim Women Union (IMWU), Nigeria office slaughtered and distributed Qurbani (sacrificial meats) and cash to many 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, Lagos, covering homes across the State as the beneficiaries’ joy could not be hidden; judging from the smiles on their faces.
The exercise, which was held on Sunday, the second day of ‘Eid, saw many Muslim families throng the venue in their numbers to benefit from the gesture.
The International Women Organisation led by a member of the Union’s Council of Trustees, Hajia Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade moved the 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 who couldn’t hide their happiness.
Speaking to Muslim News Nigeria, Hajia Yusuf-Ajibade, who supervised 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 sacrificial animals.
“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 celebration.
“Aside from sharing the Qurbani, we collaborated with Al-Mu’minaat 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 Sherifah noted.
The Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat, 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, “That is why we dedicate this day to celebrate this special occasion with our brethrens by putting smiles on their faces.”
In her own 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, saying trials are bound to come 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 Hajia Yusuf-Ajibade appreciated the support gotten from the Malaysian chapter of the Union.
“Alhamdulillah for the support we got from our brethren at IMWU Malaysia. They have been supporting us to gladden the hearts of Muslims who are unable to slaughter. Particularly, I must mention Dr. Jamila Roja, who has been supportive since 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. The Union is constituted by Muslim women across the globe; united by affairs of common concern.
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.
