Arrival of live sheep for korban at four mosques may be delayed, says MUIS

SINGAPORE - The arrival of live sheep from Australia for korban services at four mosques here may be delayed, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) on May 21.

The export permit for one korban operator is still pending, MUIS said.

The potential delay could involve about 400 sheep, affecting Al-Firdaus Mosque in Choa Chu Kang, Petempatan Melayu Sembawang Mosque and Pusara Aman Mosque in Lim Chu Kang, and partially affecting Jamae Chulia Mosque in Chinatown, which has other suppliers.

Korban refers to the Islamic ritual of slaughtering farm animals such as sheep and lambs, and is performed on Hari Raya Haji or over the following three days. The meat is distributed to worshippers and the needy.

As at May 21, local korban operator The Meat Brothers’ export permit under Australia’s Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System is still pending, said MUIS.

MUIS added that it was informed of the delay by The Meat Brothers, which is the only operator affected.

Local korban services by other appointed licensed korban operators at Al-Istighfar Mosque in Pasir Ris, Omar Salmah Mosque in Thomson and Tentera Diraja Mosque in Clementi will proceed as planned on Hari Raya Haji, said MUIS.

Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the annual haj pilgrimage, and will take place in 2026 on May 27.

MUIS said it understands that The Meat Brothers will be contacting affected sohibul korban – individuals who would like to perform the korban ritual.

“We recognise how deeply meaningful korban is, and we understand that this incident may be unsettling for sohibul korban who have made their local arrangements through The Meat Brothers in fulfilling korban,” said MUIS.

It added that it is working closely with The Meat Brothers to ensure korban is fulfilled for those who would like to perform it in 2026.

Among those affected is Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim. He said on Facebook on May 21 that he has been following the situation closely while away overseas on official duties.

He said he had arranged for korban for his family though Al-Firdaus Mosque, and thanked those involved – including MUIS, mosques and volunteers – for their swift response, assistance and reassurance to affected Muslims.

He added that while those affected hope the livestock will arrive in time for Hari Raya Haji, it is permissible for korban to be carried out within the permitted days after Hari Raya Haji.

“InsyaAllah (God willing), may matters be eased for all affected congregants and may all our ibadah (worship) and sacrifices be accepted,” he said.