![The livestock market in Egypt is well stocked but the country's economic situation has left citizens unable to afford Qurbani meat [Ahmed Al Sayed/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2017_8_31-Egypts-economy-cases-Qurbani-sales-to-dwindle-ahead-of-Eid-Al-Adha20170831_2_25511606_25414225.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) and a South African NGO on Sunday partnered to slaughter over 250 cows and sheep to be given to underprivileged communities in South Africa, says Anadolu Agency.
According to a statement issued by Awqaf South Africa, the meat was distributed to at least 18,000 underprivileged families in the region.
“Some of the recipients only eat meat once a year during Qurbani (the Muslim holiday of Eid where animals are slaughtered),” the statement said.
READ: Qurbani meat being distributed in Gaza
Muslims with financial ability are required to slaughter an animal during the holiday of Eid al-Adha as a form of sacrifice.
The meat slaughtered is distributed to poor members of the community, a practice that began during the time of prophet Abraham.
During his time, Prophet Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Ismail, but he was later shown a sign of mercy and given an animal to sacrifice instead.
Eid al-Adha coincides with Hajj, a major Muslim pilgrimage held in Makkah.
Muslim NGO’s across the world distribute meat every year during Eid al-Adha to empower the less privileged.