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The Rise of Water Sommelier Culture: Is Your Tap Water Luxury?

Posted on | by Ali

Summary

  • Water sommeliers are redefining hydration, turning bottled water into a billion-dollar luxury industry
  • High-end waters like VOSS, Saratoga, and Svalbardi promise taste, purity, and even status
  • While elites sip glacier water, Embrace Relief is fighting to make clean water accessible to all

Water used to be just water. Now, it’s a lifestyle.

In upscale restaurants and curated tasting rooms, a new expert is taking center stage: the water sommelier. These professionals don’t just serve hydration; they guide guests through a tasting experience, offering notes on minerality, mouthfeel, and source purity. Like fine wine or third-wave coffee, water is having a moment. And it’s turning into big business.

Take Saratoga Spring Water, packaged in sleek cobalt blue glass bottles and often found at high-end hotels and Michelin-starred tables. Or Svalbardi, sourced from melting icebergs off the coast of Norway and selling for $150 a bottle. There’s even Bling H2O, which markets itself as “fashion for water,” with Swarovski-crystal-covered bottles priced like perfume.

According to market analysts, the global bottled water market is projected to exceed $500 billion by 2030. Among the fastest-growing segments? Premium and luxury bottled waters. These brands tout everything from naturally alkaline pH levels to oxygen infusion, exotic sourcing, and eco-friendly packaging.

And water sommeliers are legitimizing the trend. Certified by institutions like the Fine Water Academy, they help consumers distinguish between still and sparkling waters, low and high TDS (total dissolved solids), and subtle flavor profiles shaped by geology. In some places, a tasting menu might include glacier meltwater, volcanic spring water, and artesian well water from Japan, all paired with food or served neat.

It may sound extravagant, but for many, this is hydration elevated.

Still, while a select few sip on designer droplets, billions around the globe are forced to drink unsafe water from contaminated streams, shallow wells, or stagnant ponds. In this stark contrast lies a deeper question: When did water become a luxury? And why is something so essential still out of reach for so many?

From Luxury to Necessity: Clean Water for All with Embrace Relief

From Luxury to Necessity: Clean Water for All with Embrace Relief

As the world obsesses over pH-balanced designer water, nearly 2 billion people lack access to safe, reliable drinking water. At Embrace Relief, we believe water should be a basic human right, not a premium product.

That’s why we created the Clean Water Initiative and launched our new Fountains of Hope campaign, bringing deep-water wells to underserved communities in countries like Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Benin. Each well taps into clean underground aquifers and provides entire communities with daily access to fresh, safe water.

These wells aren’t just functional, but sustainable. Each one includes a five-year maintenance warranty, ensuring long-term reliability. They’re also customized with the name of the donor, a loved one, or an organization, making them a meaningful symbol of hope and compassion.

A single well, which will provide safe drinking water to approximately 1,000 people for years to come, costs just $3,500. Compare that to a single bottle of luxury water. The math, and the mission, speak for themselves.

Water shouldn’t be a luxury. But access to it can be a life-changing gift.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s Clean Water Initiative, click here!

Why Do So Many People Go Blind in Low-Income Countries?

Posted on | by Ali

Summary

  • Understand why cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting millions every year.
  • Explore how poverty, harsh environments, malnutrition, and healthcare gaps make this crisis worse.
  • Learn how Embrace Relief is restoring sight and transforming lives through free, comprehensive cataract surgeries.

In sub-Saharan Africa, millions of people are living in total darkness, not because they were born blind, but because they cannot access a simple, low-cost surgery that would restore their sight. Cataracts, a condition that clouds the lens of the eye and leads to gradual vision loss, are the number one cause of blindness in the region. In wealthier countries, cataracts are easily detected and quickly treated, usually with a short outpatient surgery. But in low-income nations, this same procedure remains out of reach for most, turning a treatable condition into a life sentence of blindness.

This public health crisis is deeply rooted in the widespread lack of access to medical care. In rural communities throughout sub-Saharan Africa, there may be only one eye clinic for hundreds of miles, if any at all. Even where clinics do exist, they are often under-resourced and understaffed. People in these regions face long travel times, high transportation costs, and lost income just to reach a doctor. The cost of cataract surgery itself, even if it is modest by global standards, is simply unaffordable for many families who struggle to meet their daily needs.

Environmental conditions in sub-Saharan Africa also contribute to the prevalence of cataracts. The region is exposed to extreme sunlight year-round, and for many people, there is no access to sunglasses or other forms of eye protection. Continuous exposure to ultraviolet rays accelerates cataract development. Dust storms, agricultural work, and unfiltered air all pose additional risks to eye health, especially in communities that rely heavily on outdoor labor to survive. Without early detection and treatment, these environmental stressors silently rob people of their vision over time.

Nutrition plays a major role as well. Healthy vision depends on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamins A, C, and E. However, food insecurity and malnutrition are widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Poor diets lacking these essential nutrients weaken the body’s ability to fight off diseases and contribute to the progression of cataracts. In children, the effects are especially devastating. Vision impairment can delay development, limit educational opportunities, and isolate them socially.

Adults who lose their vision often lose their jobs, becoming dependent on family members for basic needs. Children with vision impairment fall behind in school or drop out altogether. Elders become isolated and vulnerable to injury. Entire families suffer under the emotional and financial burden of a condition that could be resolved with a single surgery. The scale of the problem is staggering. Across sub-Saharan Africa, more than 6 million people are visually impaired because of cataracts. Yet despite the enormous need, cataract treatment remains one of the most underfunded and overlooked areas of global health. That is where Embrace Relief comes in.

Restoring Sight and Hope: How Embrace Relief Is Solving the Cataract Crisis

Restoring Sight and Hope: How Embrace Relief Is Solving the Cataract Crisis

In places like Mali, where access to basic healthcare remains limited, Embrace Relief is bridging the gap with its Cure Cataracts Program. By partnering with trusted local medical professionals and deploying mobile health clinics, Embrace Relief is reaching underserved communities and providing free, high-quality cataract surgeries to those who need them most. These efforts are not only restoring vision but restoring lives.

Each cataract surgery through Embrace Relief includes a full package of care. Patients receive a pre-surgical health screening and eye examination, transportation assistance to and from the clinic, the surgery itself performed by certified ophthalmologists, and all necessary post-operative care including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory eye drops, and follow-up visits. This holistic approach ensures that every patient receives safe and effective treatment, even if they live far from a city center.

You can sponsor a cataract surgery for just $120. Restoring someone’s vision is more than a medical act. It returns a parent’s ability to work and care for their children. It gives children a chance to succeed in school. It allows elders to live with dignity and independence. Vision is more than sight. It is connection, mobility, and freedom.

To date, Embrace Relief has completed over 40,500 cataract surgeries and delivered more than 607,500 preventative health screenings. Many of these were conducted via mobile clinics that can travel up to nine hours from a city to reach patients in remote areas. These clinics serve as lifelines, delivering not only eye care but a wide range of medical services and health education.

Cataract blindness in low-income countries is a preventable crisis. Together, we can bring it to an end, one surgery at a time.

For more information on the Embrace Relief Health program, click here.
How You Can Help: The Gift of Sight

A simple cataract surgery, which costs only $100, can transform a life. With your support, our Embrace Relief’s health clinics can provide these surgeries to those in need, giving them the gift of sight and the opportunity for a better future. Here’s how your donation can make a difference:

  • $120 Donation: Funds one complete cataract surgery, restoring sight to an individual in need.
  • $240 Donation: Supports two surgeries, doubling the impact.
  • $600 Donation: Helps five people regain their vision, enhancing their quality of life and ability to contribute to their communities.

Your donation can make a significant difference in the lives of those suffering from cataracts in Mali and Burkina Faso. For just $120, you can fund a cataract surgery and give someone the precious gift of sight.

Help us light up lives and drive away the darkness caused by cataracts. Donate now and be a part of this life-changing mission.

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Water in Space: How Astronauts Get Their Drinking Water

Posted on | by Ali

Summary

  • Astronauts in space drink water recycled from sweat, breath, and urine using advanced purification systems
  • The ISS Water Recovery System reclaims up to 93% of all wastewater, showcasing cutting-edge water recycling in microgravity
  • While water in space is a high-tech feat, millions on Earth still lack safe drinking water, and Embrace Relief is changing that

When you’re orbiting Earth in a sealed spacecraft with no rivers, rain, or running water, how do you stay hydrated?

The answer lies in one of the most remarkable examples of human ingenuity: space water recycling systems. On the International Space Station (ISS), water is a limited and precious resource. Astronauts don’t bring all their drinking water from Earth. Instead, they rely on closed-loop water recycling systems that recover and purify nearly every drop of moisture produced onboard.

That includes urine, sweat, breath vapor, shower water, and humidity from the air. In space, nothing is wasted. NASA’s Water Recovery System can reclaim up to 93% of wastewater using a multi-layered process:

  1. Condensation collection: Water vapor from breathing and sweating is captured by air conditioning units and condensed.
  2. Urine processing: Astronauts’ urine is distilled using a Vacuum Distillation Assembly, which boils the liquid at low pressure, then captures and condenses the clean water.
  3. Filtration and chemical treatment: Recovered water passes through multifiltration beds to remove organic and inorganic contaminants, then is disinfected with iodine or silver ions.

The final product is cleaner than tap water in many U.S. cities, according to NASA scientists.

Once purified, water is stored in special collapsible pouches. In zero gravity, you can’t pour water into a cup, or it would float away in blobs. Instead, astronauts drink through straws equipped with one-way valves, sipping water in small amounts to prevent it from drifting.

They also use this purified water to rehydrate freeze-dried food, make drinks like instant coffee or electrolyte beverages, and perform hygiene routines like brushing teeth.

Why is all of this necessary? Sending water into space is incredibly expensive. One gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds, and every pound of cargo costs thousands of dollars to launch. By recycling water, NASA drastically reduces the need to resupply and makes long-term space missions more sustainable.

In fact, future missions to the Moon and Mars depend on improving these systems. Scientists are exploring biological water recycling using algae, solar-powered purification, and harvesting water from the lunar ice or Martian soil.

From sweat to sip, every step of the process is a triumph of engineering. Yet, while astronauts enjoy ultra-clean water made from vapor and waste, nearly 1 in 4 people on Earth still lack access to safe, reliable drinking water.

From Orbit to Earth: Clean Water with Embrace Relief

From Orbit to Earth: Clean Water with Embrace Relief

While astronauts drink purified sweat and vapor in space, nearly 2 billion people on Earth still lack access to safe drinking water. That’s why Embrace Relief created the Clean Water Initiative, to ensure that no community is left behind.

Through this initiative, Embrace Relief builds deep-water wells in areas where clean water is scarce. These wells reach underground aquifers, pulling up fresh, disease-free water and serving over 1,000 people per well. Each well costs just $3,500, making a life-changing difference for an entire community at a fraction of what it costs to send water into orbit.

But we go further than just drilling a hole. Our wells come with a five-year maintenance warranty, ensuring that they stay functional and reliable. They are also customizable; you can dedicate a well in your name, in honor of a loved one, or on behalf of a group, school, or business.

To date, Embrace Relief has built over 1,000 wells in countries like Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Benin, providing millions of gallons of clean water where it’s needed most.

Water should not be a luxury, on Earth or in space. By supporting Embrace Relief, you help turn that belief into a reality.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s Clean Water Initiative, click here!

How Your Qurbani Donation Helps Feed Families in Need

Posted on | by Ali

For many Muslims, Qurbani is a sacred tradition performed during Eid ul-Adha as a symbol of faith, obedience, and compassion. But beyond its spiritual significance, your Qurbani donation plays a crucial humanitarian role. Every year, millions of people in under-resourced communities depend on Qurbani meat as a rare source of nutrition. In regions where food insecurity is a daily struggle, your sacrifice means more than just a ritual—it is a lifeline.

By donating Qurbani through trusted humanitarian organizations like Embrace Relief, you help ensure that nutritious meat reaches vulnerable families who might otherwise go without during the Eid season and beyond.

The Global Need for Qurbani Meat

In many parts of the world, families face chronic hunger due to poverty, displacement, and limited access to resources. For them, Qurbani meat is often the only opportunity in the year to enjoy a protein-rich meal. These are families living in refugee camps, disaster-affected areas, and remote villages where food supply chains are unreliable or non-existent.

In 2025, the need for food assistance remains high across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and underserved communities globally. Your Qurbani donation helps bridge the gap by providing fresh meat that is locally sourced, ethically slaughtered, and carefully distributed to those who need it most.

How Qurbani Distribution Works

When you make a Qurbani donation, your contribution goes toward purchasing, slaughtering, and distributing livestock according to Islamic guidelines. Organizations like Embrace Relief handle every step with care:

  • Livestock are selected based on health, age, and Shariah requirements
  • Animals are slaughtered during the official days of Eid ul-Adha
  • Meat is cleaned, packaged, and delivered to eligible families in time for the holiday

In addition to meeting religious obligations, this process creates a direct impact on local communities by supporting farmers, providing jobs, and nourishing families.

The Impact of One Qurbani Donation

A single Qurbani can feed multiple families. The meat is typically divided and shared among households, often reaching remote and high-need populations. For families that live on limited meals or subsist on grains and vegetables, receiving meat for Eid is not only a source of joy but also a valuable source of protein, iron, and essential nutrients.

Children, in particular, benefit from this nutritional support. It helps improve their overall health, supports physical development, and enhances concentration and learning.

Why Embrace Relief?

Embrace Relief has established itself as a leading charity in global Qurbani distribution. With operations in more than a dozen countries, the organization ensures your Qurbani is performed with full transparency, Islamic compliance, and humanitarian integrity.

Every Qurbani donation made through Embrace Relief is part of a larger mission to combat hunger and restore dignity to communities in need. Through carefully coordinated logistics and partnerships with local teams, Embrace Relief makes sure that your sacrifice turns into meaningful relief.

Final Thoughts

Qurbani is more than an act of worship—it is a powerful gesture of care that brings comfort and sustenance to those who struggle daily. When you donate your Qurbani in 2025, you are not only honoring a sacred tradition but also joining a global effort to fight hunger and uplift lives.

Give your Qurbani through Embrace Relief and help feed families in need this Eid ul-Adha. Your sacrifice has the power to nourish, uplift, and transform lives.

Who Must Give Qurbani? Obligations According to Islamic Schools

Posted on | by Ali

Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is a significant act of worship observed during Eid ul-Adha, symbolizing the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and the spirit of sacrifice. While nearly all Muslims agree on the importance of Qurbani, opinions differ slightly among the various Islamic schools of thought when it comes to who is required to give it. Understanding these rulings can help ensure that your Qurbani in 2025 is carried out with both sincerity and accuracy.

Whether you are preparing to donate individually or on behalf of your family, knowing your obligation according to your school of thought is essential. Let’s explore what the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali madhabs say about who must perform Qurbani—and how organizations like Embrace Relief make fulfilling that duty easier.

General Conditions for Qurbani

Across all four major Sunni schools of thought, Qurbani is required of Muslims who meet certain conditions:

  • Must be Muslim
  • Must be sane and mature (baligh)
  • Must be not traveling (muqim), according to some schools
  • Must possess wealth equal to or above the nisab threshold (similar to Zakat eligibility)

If these conditions are met during the days of Qurbani (10th to 12th of Dhul-Hijjah), the obligation may apply depending on your school of thought.

Hanafi School: Qurbani as Wajib (Obligatory)

According to the Hanafi madhab, Qurbani is considered wajib, meaning obligatory for every adult Muslim who meets the above conditions. The Hanafi view is the strictest on this issue, and missing Qurbani without a valid reason is considered sinful.

This means that if you are financially able (possess nisab wealth), of sound mind, and not traveling, you must offer Qurbani or arrange for it to be done on your behalf during the correct days.

Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools: Qurbani as Sunnah Mu’akkadah

The Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools regard Qurbani as a Sunnah Mu’akkadah—a strongly recommended act of worship, but not mandatory. According to these views, it is not sinful to omit Qurbani, but doing so without a valid reason is considered a missed opportunity for great reward.

These schools still encourage all eligible Muslims to perform Qurbani, especially heads of households who can afford to do so. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly performed Qurbani, and the act is deeply embedded in the Sunnah.

Common Misconceptions About Qurbani Obligation

  • Children and dependents: Parents are not required to give Qurbani on behalf of their children unless they choose to do so voluntarily.
  • Women: Women who meet the eligibility criteria are equally obligated (in the Hanafi view) to perform Qurbani.
  • Travelers: There is a difference of opinion on whether travelers are required to give Qurbani, with the Hanafi school generally exempting them.

Understanding these nuances allows Muslims from diverse backgrounds to approach Qurbani with clarity and intention.

Making Your Qurbani in 2025 with Embrace Relief

Whether your Qurbani is wajib or Sunnah mu’akkadah according to your school of thought, fulfilling it with sincerity and precision is essential. That’s where Embrace Relief comes in. With years of experience, Embrace Relief provides:

  • Verified Shariah-compliant Qurbani options
  • Online donation tools for easy and fast processing
  • Global meat distribution to families in need
  • Clear documentation and confirmation of sacrifice

Your Qurbani through Embrace Relief reaches vulnerable communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing them with much-needed nutrition and hope.

Final Thoughts

The obligation of Qurbani may vary across Islamic schools, but its essence remains the same: to honor a legacy of faith and share blessings with those in need. In 2025, as you plan your Eid ul-Adha, understanding your religious duty and acting upon it through trusted platforms like Embrace Relief can make your worship truly impactful.

Make your Qurbani count this year. Fulfill your obligation through Embrace Relief and bring the spirit of Eid to families across the globe.

Qurbani Share Donation Explained: Cow, Goat, and Sheep Options

Posted on | by Ali

During Eid ul-Adha, Muslims around the world fulfill the sacred obligation of Qurbani by offering a livestock sacrifice to honor the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). One of the most common questions each year is about the different types of animals used for Qurbani and how Qurbani share donations work, particularly when it comes to cows, goats, and sheep.

In 2025, with increasing participation through online platforms, it’s essential to understand the religious rulings, logistical process, and charitable impact of each option so you can make an informed and meaningful donation.

What Is a Qurbani Share?

According to Islamic teachings, larger animals like cows and camels can be divided into seven equal shares, with each share representing one person’s Qurbani. This makes Qurbani more affordable and accessible, especially for those who may not be able to purchase an entire animal individually. When you contribute to a cow share, your portion is treated as a full Qurbani on your behalf.

By contrast, goats and sheep cannot be shared—they are valid only for one individual’s Qurbani. These smaller animals are often selected by those who prefer to donate a full sacrifice on their own.

Differences Between Cow, Goat, and Sheep for Qurbani

  • Goat: One Qurbani per goat. Must be at least one year old and healthy. Ideal for individual donors.
  • Sheep: Like goats, one Qurbani per sheep. Can be six months old if it appears fully grown.
  • Cow: Can serve up to seven people. Must be at least two years old. Perfect for shared donations among family or groups.

Each animal must be free of defects and meet age and health criteria outlined in Islamic jurisprudence. The sacrifice must be carried out during the days of Eid—between the 10th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah—and only after the Eid prayer.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Qurbani in 2025

Your choice between goat, sheep, or cow may depend on budget, cultural preference, or desire for a personal versus shared donation. Many people opt for cow shares because they combine affordability with maximum impact. By contributing to a cow share, your Qurbani helps distribute a large quantity of meat to families in need, especially in food-insecure communities.

On the other hand, donating a goat or sheep ensures a complete sacrifice is performed in your name alone, which some donors find more spiritually fulfilling. In either case, your intention (niyyah), timing, and compliance with Islamic rules are what ultimately validate the Qurbani.

How Embrace Relief Makes Your Qurbani Count

When you donate through Embrace Relief, your Qurbani—whether full or shared—is managed with complete Shariah compliance, ethical standards, and transparency. The organization sources healthy animals, conducts slaughter during the proper timeframe, and ensures that meat is distributed to those most in need.

With operations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, Embrace Relief connects your sacrifice directly to orphans, widows, refugees, and low-income families who depend on Qurbani distributions for their yearly nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Qurbani share donations helps you make a more informed decision that aligns with both religious requirements and humanitarian impact. Whether you choose a goat, sheep, or a cow share in 2025, your Qurbani is a powerful act of faith and generosity.

Donate your Qurbani through Embrace Relief and ensure your sacrifice nourishes lives this Eid ul-Adha.

20 Afghan Girls Just Passed Their First Semester of College, Thanks to L.E.A.R.N.!

Posted on | by Ali

Summary

  • All 20 of Embrace Relief’s L.E.A.R.N. college students have successfully completed their first semester.
  • These young women are studying from home in Afghanistan through safe, accredited online degree programs.
  • With your help, we can empower even more girls to pursue their dreams and change their futures.

Through Embrace Relief’s L.E.A.R.N. (Learning and Education for Afghan girls’ Rights and Needs) Initiative, we have been supporting 20 young women through higher education. We are proud to announce that all 20 have successfully completed their first semester of university!

These students, enrolled in online degree programs, are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in fields like Computer Applications and English; fields that open doors to remote jobs, financial independence, and leadership within their communities. They are currently learning from the comfort of their homes, and their success is a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity meets determination.

With your support, we can build on this incredible milestone and give more girls the chance to succeed. Supporting a college student’s tuition costs just $80 a month!

Embrace Relief ensures that Afghan girls receive a safe, comprehensive virtual education tailored to real-world skills. Our high school students earn globally recognized GEDs, while our university students develop expertise in tech and communication fields that can lead directly to employment.

Online education provides a critical lifeline in a country where physical schools are not an option for most girls. It creates a safe space to learn, grow, and dream. With every success, like our 20 students passing their first semester, we’re reminded that this model works, and it’s worth expanding.

If you believe in the importance of education for Afghan girls, join us in supporting 10 more girls to start college! Our goal of $10,000 could allow 10 lives to be changed for the next three years, and open the door for countless opportunities for years to come. Donate today!

For more information on the Embrace Relief L.E.A.R.N. program, click here.

Donate For Women’s Empowerment

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Frequently asked questions about Qurbani

Posted on | by Ali

The time of Eid al-Adha and the Qurbani sacrifice are nearly upon us. For Muslims around the world, this is a time of faith, sacrifice, and caring about our fellow humans.

Qurbani is a time of sharing our blessings with those less fortunate. Through the sacrifice of livestock, and the sharing of meat with people in need, we can help create stronger communities, healthier people, and a more equitable world.

Perhaps you may have questions about what Qurbani is, what it represents, and how one can fulfill your obligation. We invite you to read on and learn more about this sacred time with this Qurbani FAQ guide:

1. Why do we have to give Qurbani?

Muslims perform Qurbani during Eid al-Adha to emulate the obedience and devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail. Ibrahim and Ismail each submitted to Allah’s will and prepared to carry out the sacrifice. But at the last moment, Allah rewarded their faith by substituting a ram for Ismail. In this way, the sacrifice of a livestock animal has been carried down through the ages to serve as an expression of gratitude for Allah’s blessings and a reminder of the importance of submission to His will in the face of trials and tribulations.

Qurbani holds significant spiritual and ethical dimensions, emphasizing the values of compassion, empathy, and generosity towards others, particularly the less fortunate members of society. By participating in Qurbani, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to fulfilling religious obligations and strengthening their connection with Allah and their community.

Why do we have to give Qurbani

2. When will Qurbani be carried out?

Qurbani is performed on the 10th, 11th, or 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, coinciding with the days of Eid al-Adha, which mark the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar, meaning that the exact dates of Eid al-Adha will vary each year according to the Western (Gregorian) secular calendar. In 2025, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin at sundown on June 6 and end on June 10.

3. Where can I carry out my Qurbani?

Qurbani can be carried out in various locations, including designated areas on farms, at slaughterhouses, or through authorized organizations that facilitate the proper implementation of Islamic guidelines governing the sacrifice, such as Embrace Relief. The chosen site should adhere to strict standards of animal welfare, ensuring the humane slaughter of the sacrificial animals in accordance with Islamic principles.

Performing Qurbani in such locations not only ensures compliance with religious requirements but also promotes transparency and accountability in the distribution process. Additionally, these sites often provide logistical support and facilities for processing and distributing the meat to needy individuals and communities, ensuring that the spirit of Qurbani is upheld with dignity and integrity.

4. When do you give Qurbani?

You may make a Qurbani donation to an accredited charitable organization at any time. The Qurbani sacrifices themselves are carried out during the three days of Eid al-Adha, following the performance of Eid prayers, which symbolize the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage and the beginning of the festive celebrations. Distribution of the meat takes place immediately after the sacrifice.

5. Who is Qurbani compulsory for?

Qurbani is compulsory for financially stable Muslims who meet specific wealth criteria, typically owning assets beyond their basic needs. If your net wealth exceeds the Nisab that determines whether you owe Zakat, the annual obligatory donation that all Muslims who meet a certain wealth threshold must give, you also must give Qurbani. By fulfilling the duty of Qurbani, Muslims demonstrate their solidarity to those less fortunate, sharing the blessings of Eid al-Adha with all.

6. What animals are eligible for Qurbani?

Animals eligible for Qurbani include sheep, goats, cattle (such as cows or bulls), and camels, so long as they meet age and health criteria specified in Islamic law. Selected animals must be in good health, and are chosen based on their suitability for sacrifice and their ability to provide nourishment to those in need. By adhering to these criteria, Muslims uphold the sanctity and integrity of the Qurbani ritual, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose of expressing gratitude to Allah and benefiting those less fortunate.

Embrace Relief and its worldwide partners guarantee that all animals selected for sacrifice meet strict standards for cleanliness, good health, and size, to ensure that your Qurbani donation reaches communities that need it most.

What animals are eligible for Qurbani?

7. How much do I need to donate to meet requirements?

Every able adult Muslim should donate at least one Qurbani share. A Qurbani share is equivalent to the meat from one sheep or goat, or one-seventh of the meat from a larger animal, like a cow or camel. The price of a share will vary depending on the local market price of each animal.

At Embrace Relief, a Qurbani share to be distributed among communities in need in Africa or Asia costs approximately $120.

8. How much meat will a Qurbani share provide?

This total depends on the size and quality of the animal selected for the Qurbani sacrifice; each organization has its own standards. At Embrace Relief, we maintain a strict policy of selecting healthy, high-quality cattle which will provide a minimum of 280 pounds of meat. This means that each $120 donation to Embrace Relief provides a Qurbani share of at least 40, this being one-seventh of the total. Each share, in turn, provides enough meat to distribute 6-pound meat packages, enough to feed a family for nearly two weeks, to six or seven families.

9. Who receives Qurbani?

Traditionally, the meat from each Qurbani share is divided in three ways. One-third of the meat is eaten by the person who has fulfilled their obligation. Another third is meant to be given as gifts to family, friends, and others. The final third should be distributed to charities, orphanages, and people suffering from food insecurity and poverty. This last piece is critical, as it provides a means of sustenance and celebration to those in need, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food. This distribution process is conducted with care and compassion, reflecting the Islamic values of generosity, solidarity, and concern for the welfare of others.

At Embrace Relief, we work with partner organizations in 20+ countries to identify vulnerable communities where access to quality nutrition is lacking. Through these partners, we are able to direct your Qurbani share to a family that needs it.

Who receives Qurbani?

10. How is Qurbani distributed in specific countries, like the United States, or in regions like Africa?

In each country, accredited charitable organizations – such as Embrace Relief – partner with community organizations, mosques, local leaders, and other nonprofit charities to distribute Qurbani meat to those in need. These organizations typically facilitate the purchase, slaughter, and distribution of sacrificial animals on behalf of donors, all within the guidelines of Islamic law.

By working together, these groups can identify the people and families who are most in need of Qurbani meat in a given local community. Successful organizations act transparently and are accountable for ensuring that Qurbani donations reach their intended beneficiaries. You can read about Embrace Relief’s step-by-step process for carrying out your Qurbani by clicking here.

11. Is the meat distributed fresh, cooked, or both?

Qurbani meat is distributed fresh, allowing recipients to prepare it according to their preferences and dietary requirements. Fresh meat ensures that recipients can enjoy the nutritional benefits and flavor of the sacrificial meat while celebrating Eid al-Adha with their families and communities. For many families in need, Qurbani is their best – and sometimes only – opportunity all year to receive high-quality, affordable meat. Delivering the meat fresh also enables many families, if they so choose, to preserve and store it for use for up to a full year.

12. What is the difference between Qurbani and Udhiyah?

These two words are related, but carry different meanings. “Qurbani” is an Arabic word meaning “sacrifice,” and refers to the act of slaughtering an animal as a symbolic expression of obedience and faith in Allah. “Udhiyah” is an Arabic word that refers to the type of animal eligible for sacrifice (goats, sheep, cattle, camels) during Qurbani. Either term may be used in certain parts of the world, but both refer to the religious obligation that Muslims must perform during Eid al-Adha.

13. If I pay for Qurbani on behalf of someone else, will their name be called out at the time of the slaughter?

If you pay for Qurbani on behalf of someone else, their name may be mentioned at the time of the slaughter as a dedication or intention for the sacrifice. While it’s not a mandatory practice, many organizations or individuals may choose to announce the names of donors and beneficiaries as a gesture of acknowledgment and gratitude. This inclusion of names serves to personalize the act of Qurbani and highlight the interconnectedness of the community in fulfilling religious obligations and supporting those in need.

What is the difference between Qurbani and Udhiyah?

14. Can you do Qurbani in the name of the deceased?

Yes, it is permissible to perform Qurbani in the name of a deceased loved one as a form of ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) on their behalf. This act allows the deceased to continue receiving blessings and rewards for their good deeds even after their passing. By performing Qurbani on behalf of the deceased, Muslims honor their memory and fulfill a religious obligation while simultaneously benefiting the less fortunate. It’s a meaningful way to commemorate the deceased’s legacy of generosity and compassion in accordance with Islamic teachings.

15. How much does Qurbani cost for each person or family?

The cost of Qurbani varies depending on factors such as the type of animal chosen for sacrifice, its size, and prevailing market rates. Generally, the price range for Qurbani can fluctuate annually due to factors like inflation, demand, and availability of sacrificial animals. At Embrace Relief, the price of a Qurbani share is as low as $120 for distribution in Africa or Asia, or as high as $300 in other regions. It’s essential to prioritize affordability and ensure that the sacrifice is within one’s means while fulfilling the religious obligation of Qurbani.

16. How do I find a worthy charity to give my Qurbani?

There are many terrific, trustworthy charitable organizations who can fulfill your Qurbani obligation. You want to be certain that your gift will reach people in need. The best way to ensure this is to search out charities with a track record of success, transparency, and collaboration with local partners.

For example, we at Embrace Relief are proud to have been able to provide Qurbani meat packages to hundreds of thousands of people in need over the last several years, including more than 165,000 people in 21 countries in 2024. Embrace Relief’s global network enables us to deliver Qurbani meat packages to people suffering from hunger and poverty wherever they exist. That means your Qurbani gift can travel farther, and make an enormous positive impact on many lives.

Give Your Qurbani, Save Lives

We hope you found this guide informative and helpful in aiding your understanding of Qurbani. This is a truly special time of year for all Muslims – a time when we share our blessings with those less fortunate.

If you would like to fulfill your Qurbani obligation, you may do so right here with Embrace Relief by using the donation box below. Simply select where you would like to direct your Qurbani – to Africa/Asia, the United States, or Where Most Needed – and donate today to provide families in need with the nutritious, life-saving meat they need to thrive!