BURBANK, CA (January 12, 2006) - In celebration of the Muslim holiday of Eid
al-Adha, 11,000 pounds of meat will be distributed to Metro Detroit's needy
population this Saturday. A press conference will be held at 9:00 am  before
the actual distribution starts.

International aid agency Islamic Relief is joining the Islamic Shura Council of
Michigan and the Muslim community in Detroit to distribute sacrificed meat to
fulfill the Islamic religious practice of Udhiyah/Qurbani performed during the
season of the yearly Muslim pilgrimage, the Hajj. The meat will be distributed
to the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and inner-
city Islamic centers in Detroit.

'Udhiyah' or 'Qurbani' is an Islamic religious practice performed at the time of
Eid al-Adha (the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul al-Hijjah) –
the "Festival of Sacrifice" - involving the sacrifice of an animal. The event
commemorates the sacrifice that Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) made
to God to show his devotion and commitment to Him.

Eid al-Adha is a day of celebration and remembrance of God. Not all,
however, are in a position to enjoy this day, and it is the duty of the more
fortunate amongst us to help those less fortunate. Islamic Relief performs
Udhiyah/Qurbani on behalf of its donors and distributes the meat to the
needy, so that everyone can celebrate this special day together.

This is the first time Islamic Relief is carrying out this project in the metro
Detroit area. Realizing the great need for such a project, Islamic Relief hopes
to make this a yearly event in Detroit.

Representatives from Islamic Relief, Gleaners Community Food Bank, and the
Islamic Shura Council of Michigan will be present at the press conference and
distribution.

WHAT:
Press conference & meat distribution to Detroit's needy population

WHEN:
Saturday, January 14
9:00 am

WHERE:
Gleaners Main Warehouse & Distribution Center
2131 Beaufait St.
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 923-3535

- END -

Media Contacts:

Misbah Shahid
Islamic Relief
misbah@irw.org
(734) 673-9430 mobile

John Kastler
Gleaners Community Food Bank 
jkastler@gcfb.org
(313) 923-3535 ext. 240

** Notes for media professionals **

In addition to the metro Detroit project, Islamic Relief will distribute Udhiyah
meat to the needy in 25 countries this year, including countries which have
suffered through recent humanitarian crises. Beneficiaries include victims of
the Pakistan earthquake, the West African food crisis in Niger and Mali, and
the tsunami in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Islamic Relief's seasonal projects such as Udhiyah/Qurbani and the Ramadan
feeding program benefit over 1.5 million people worldwide.