Barakah Muslim Charity provides hope on Jefferson Avenue

Robert Bell, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Updated ·1 min read

Families lined up outside Barakah Muslim Charity to receive free prepared meat Saturday afternoon, and they were greeted by Barakah's new executive director, Zaviour Zuhair-Johnson.

"Even though this neighborhood has continuous challenges, the community acknowledges what we're trying to accomplish," Zuhair-Johnson said. "The community watches out for us because they know we're here to help."

To provide food to an underserved population amid rising food costs, Islamic Relief USA, a nonprofit humanitarian and advocacy organization, and Barakah Muslim Charity on Jefferson Avenue provided food in the form of fresh meat to community members.

Inside the kitchen at Barakah Family Charity.
Inside the kitchen at Barakah Family Charity.

They did so as part of the Islamic tradition of "Qurbani," which means sacrifice. Qurbani programs enable donors worldwide to buy freshly prepared cuts of meat for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Zuhair-Johnson said Barakah offers many programs for community members, including support for the influx of refugees they've seen come to the Rochester area.

The meat was prepared according to Islamic guidelines to ensure it was halal. Muslims recently marked one of their major holidays, Eid al-Adha, during which meat is commonly served.

Barakah Family Charity on Jefferson Avenue provided food in the form of fresh meat to community members, as part of an Islamic tradition known as Qurbani.
Barakah Family Charity on Jefferson Avenue provided food in the form of fresh meat to community members, as part of an Islamic tradition known as Qurbani.

While the meat is prepared for those practicing Islam because of the sacrificial component associated with Eid al-Adha, Barakah has its doors open to the members of the Jefferson Avenue community that may have other beliefs.

Zuhair-Johnson's mission as the new director of Barakah is to show Rochester the results of staying committed to a cause.

During the conversation, a significant police presence taped off a nearby street.

"Transformation is possible," he said. "Every cause has its challenges, but we're still here, our doors are open, and Allah has called us to do this. Jefferson Avenue can be a hub for change."

Contact Robert Bell at: rlbell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @byrobbell & Instagram: @byrobbell.

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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Islamic Relief USA, Barakah family distributes halal meat in Rochester