Korban registration opens in S'pore, portion of meat to be distributed in Gaza

Registration for the annual Hari Raya Haji korban ritual is open from April 10 to May 31, with a portion of the donated meat to be distributed to Palestinians in Gaza.

Korban refers to the Islamic ritual of slaughtering farm animals such as sheep and lamb, followed by the distribution of the meat to worshippers and the needy.

Some 52 mosques in Singapore will be offering overseas korban services, said the SalamSG Korban sub-committee on April 10.

The livestock will be slaughtered in Australia, before the meat is chilled, packed and sent to Singapore - an arrangement that began in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Six mosques in Singapore have been identified as sites for the local korban ritual. More details will be announced by the approved korban vendors.

Hari Raya Haji is expected to fall on June 7.

Three different livestock - cattle, lamb and sheep - will be offered for the korban ritual. The availability of each livestock varies from mosque to mosque.

A korban sheep costs $360, lamb costs $365 and one-seventh of a cattle costs $365. A whole cow costs $2,555.

This year, a portion of donated sheep meat will be processed, canned, and distributed to Palestinians in Gaza facing a humanitarian crisis.

The sub-committee said it has partnered with experienced vendors that have established relationships with humanitarian organisations in Jordan to facilitate the secure delivery of the canned meat to Gaza.

Meanwhile, the meat that will be sent to Singapore will be distributed to the less privileged in the community, including Zakat beneficiaries, families of incarcerated individuals, and migrant transient workers.

"These distribution drives reflect SalamSG's commitment to fostering gratitude and generosity, while ensuring the Korban ritual enriches the lives of Muslims both in Singapore and globally in areas of conflict."

Those who would like to participate in the ritual can register online at www.ourmasjid.sg/korban or head over to participating mosques to make their purchase.

Those who have booked and paid for their korban will receive their chilled packed meat from 11 June onwards.

SalamSG Korban has ensured that all overseas vendors comply with the necessary requirements for the importation, storage, and distribution of meat products.

All vendors will also be on-site at the abattoirs to ensure that the proper religious rites are being conducted, added the sub-committee.