Every year, Muslims around the world welcome Eid al-Adha with gratitude, reflection, and the opportunity to fulfill the sacred act of Qurbani. Beyond being an act of worship, Qurbani is a powerful reminder of compassion, sacrifice, and our responsibility to care for those in need.

Yet in a country as rich in resources and potential as Indonesia, one question is sometimes asked: Is Qurbani still needed today?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Behind Economic Growth, Millions Are Still Struggling

Indonesia has made significant progress over the years. Economic growth has created new opportunities, infrastructure continues to improve, and many communities have benefited from development across the country.

However, these achievements do not tell the whole story.

Millions of Indonesians continue to face economic hardship. Many families work tirelessly just to meet their daily needs, while others remain vulnerable to rising living costs, limited employment opportunities, and unexpected financial challenges. For households living on the edge of poverty, even a small increase in food prices can have a significant impact on their well-being.

In many rural and underserved areas, access to nutritious food remains a challenge. For some families, meat is not a regular part of their diet and may only be enjoyed on special occasions such as Eid al-Adha.

This reality reminds us that economic growth does not always reach everyone equally, and that the spirit of sharing remains as important as ever.

Qurbani Is More Than the Distribution of Meat

At its heart, Qurbani is about much more than providing food.

When a family receives Qurbani meat, they receive more than nourishment. They receive a reminder that they are remembered, valued, and connected to a wider community that cares about their well-being.

For a child, it may be the most special meal of the year. For parents, it can be an opportunity to prepare a nutritious meal that would otherwise be beyond their reach. For communities in remote areas, it is a moment of joy and togetherness that strengthens social bonds.

Qurbani transforms an act of worship into an act of solidarity, bringing people together across economic, social, and geographic boundaries.

Economic Challenges Continue to Affect Everyday Lives

Although national indicators may point toward recovery and progress, many Indonesians still feel the pressure of daily expenses. The costs of food, transportation, education, and household necessities continue to place a burden on low-income families.

There are also many people who may not be classified as poor by official standards, yet remain financially vulnerable. A lost job, a medical emergency, or a rise in living expenses can quickly push them into hardship.

For these families, support programs and food assistance can make a meaningful difference. This is where Qurbani continues to play a vital role—providing not only food, but also dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging.

Connecting Generosity Across Borders

As a philanthropic organization rooted in Indonesia, Dompet Dhuafa understands the realities faced by vulnerable communities throughout the country. For more than three decades, Dompet Dhuafa has worked to empower communities, alleviate poverty, and provide humanitarian assistance to those most in need.

Through Dompet Dhuafa USA, this spirit of compassion extends beyond borders.

Qurbani entrusted by donors in the United States and around the world becomes a bridge of kindness, reaching families and communities across Indonesia. Every sacrifice offered by a donor carries with it a message of care, connecting people separated by thousands of miles through a shared commitment to humanity.

For Dompet Dhuafa USA, Qurbani is not simply about distributing meat. It is about ensuring that the blessings of Eid reach those who need them most and reminding vulnerable communities that they are not forgotten.

A Celebration That Includes Everyone

Eid al-Adha teaches us that blessings are meant to be shared. While some are blessed with abundance, others continue to face challenges that make even basic necessities difficult to obtain.

Qurbani allows us to close that gap, if only for a moment, by ensuring that more families can experience the joy and dignity of Eid.

As long as there are families struggling to put food on the table, communities facing economic hardship, and children who rarely have the opportunity to enjoy nutritious meals, Qurbani will remain deeply relevant.

Because in the end, Qurbani is not only about what we give.

It is about the hope we share, the lives we touch, and the reminder that even across great distances, we are still one community bound together by compassion and faith.