Islamic Relief South Africa runs major seasonal distribution programmes each year, aligned with the Islamic calendar and the needs of local communities. Our core seasonal programmes include:

• Ramadan Food Drive: Delivering essential food packs to vulnerable families during the holy month, ensuring they can break their fast with dignity every evening.
• Qurbani distribution: Ensuring families across South Africa receive fresh, nutritious meat during Eid al-Adha, honouring the spirit of sacrifice and sharing.

These campaigns are among our most impactful each year, reaching tens of thousands of people who would otherwise go without during these significant occasions.

Your generous donations have allowed Islamic Relief South Africa to distribute 7,500 Ramadan food packs in our most recent campaign, supporting over 45,000 people across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Lesotho during the holy month of Ramadan.

Each food pack is carefully assembled to provide a family with sufficient food to break their fast each evening throughout Ramadan, including staple items such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, flour and dates.

Your Qurbani donations have allowed Islamic Relief South Africa to distribute Qurbani meat packs to over 44,000 people across South Africa in our most recent campaign. Globally, Islamic Relief distributes Qurbani meat to over 3 million people in more than 27 countries each year, making it one of the largest Qurbani programmes in the world.

Our Quality Assured Qurbani process prioritises local sourcing where possible, which not only provides fresh, high-quality meat to families in need but also supports local South African farmers and the domestic agricultural economy.

The rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for South Africa’s most vulnerable families to afford basic food and clothing. Many households rely entirely on food banks and community kitchens to meet their daily needs. For these families, the Ramadan Food Drive and Qurbani distribution are not simply seasonal gestures; they are a critical lifeline.

Seasonal programmes also carry deep spiritual significance for Muslim families. Being able to break the fast with a proper meal during Ramadan, or to share Qurbani meat with neighbours and family during Eid al-Adha, restores dignity and reinforces the bonds of community at a time when many feel most isolated by poverty.

Islamic Relief South Africa follows a Quality Assured Qurbani process that adheres strictly to Islamic principles. Animals are sourced from verified, reputable suppliers, and all slaughter is carried out by trained personnel according to halal requirements. Meat is then processed, packaged and distributed directly to verified beneficiary families.

We are transparent about the entire process and publish reports on our Qurbani distributions so donors can be confident their sacrifice has been carried out correctly and has reached those who need it most.

Our Ramadan appeal typically opens several weeks before the start of the holy month, and our Qurbani campaign opens ahead of Dhul Hijjah. We encourage donors to give early, as this allows us to plan distributions more effectively and reach more families.

You can sign up to our mailing list at islamic-relief.org.za to be notified as soon as each seasonal appeal opens.

Donations to our seasonal programmes can be made through any of the following channels:

• Online at donate.islamic-relief.org.za
• By calling our toll-free number: 0800 111 898
• Via EFT using our published bank details

You can choose to donate to a specific campaign such as Ramadan or Qurbani, or make a general donation that will be directed to where it is needed most.

Yes. Many of our donors give Qurbani or Ramadan food packs on behalf of a deceased family member, as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), or as a meaningful gift. When donating online, you can include a dedication note. Please contact us on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za if you need assistance with a dedicated donation.

Islamic Relief South Africa holds Section 18A status, which means donations to qualifying programmes are tax deductible in South Africa. A Section 18A certificate will be issued upon request. Please contact us at info@islamic-relief.org.za or call 0800 111 898 to request your certificate.