The Board of Trustees is Islamic Relief’s highest governing body, responsible for overseeing operations globally and setting strategy. The Board is made up of nine members who each bring a diverse set of skills and experience to the Board, while also representing partner offices in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa and the United States.
The Board of Trustees is elected by the International General Assembly, with each trustee term lasting four years. The Board is diverse and made up of nine trustees – six men and three women, representing countries from five continents.
Each trustee is a volunteer that brings different skills, knowledge and experience that together will help Islamic Relief to develop and respond to key challenges.
Chair of Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide and member of the Audit and Finance Committee for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Haroun Atallah holds Egyptian and Irish nationality. He is the Finance and Support Services Director for the International Development Law Organisation. He is a chartered accountant, auditor and aid worker, and his previous positions have included serving as a Group Director for Corporate Services at Transparency International. Haroun was also Islamic Relief Worldwide’s Chief Executive Officer from 2003 to 2008.
Haroun has contributed to research on humanitarian work, with a specific emphasis on the impact of counter-terrorism measures on charitable activities. He is an active participant in Financial Action Task Force consultations, and also frequently trains and advises multiple government agencies in the Gulf region on accountability, governance, corporate finance and strategic development.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Dr Faiza El-Higzi is an academic, research fellow and a nationally recognised social change expert living in Australia. She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2020 for her work in community development and an Outstanding Individual Award in 2018 (Queensland Government). Her work in refugee advocacy and cultural diversity was recognised by a Human Rights Award from the Australian Institute for International Affairs (2013). Faiza has qualifications in architecture, management, education and a doctorate in political science and has extensive experience across the public, private, not-for-profit and academic sectors.
She is an advisor to the Queensland Government through bodies such as Domestic and Family Violence Implementation Council (2016-2026) Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council (2020-2025), and Metro South Health Consumers Council. She has worked in strategic policy development in Queensland government and in international development with the Australian Agency for International Development. An executive director with several not-for-profit organisations, Faiza is the Deputy Chair of the National Ethnic Media and Broadcasters Council; chairs the Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland; and is a board member of the Queensland Council of Social Services.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Dr Hany Soliman is a practising Radiation Oncologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto. He graduated with a BSc from the University of Toronto’s Medical School in 2005 and, in 2011, went on to complete residency and fellowship training in Radiation Oncology. He is an expert in the treatment of brain and spine tumours and has contributed to and delivered numerous peer reviewed publications, book chapters and lectures. He is also actively involved in post-graduate and international education.
Hany currently serves as a board member of Islamic Relief Canada and is the Chair of Islamic Relief Canada’s Finance and Risk Management Committee. He has been involved in the Muslim community in the Toronto area as a grassroots level for many years and has a passion for charitable work.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Chair of the Remuneration and Appointments Committee for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Dr Muhammad Osman, originally from South Africa, is a medical doctor and public health academic. He teaches and supervises Undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral students, while continuing research on the epidemiology and public health response to tuberculosis. His work is frequently published in international journals and publications.
He graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2004, going on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management (Oliver Tambo Fellowship), MSc Epidemiology as a Fogarty Fellow at Columbia University in 2015, and his PhD at Stellenbosch University in 2021. He then relocated to the United Kingdom and in 2023 became a Fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy. He is currently a Senior Lecturer and Public Health Portfolio Lead at the University of Greenwich, London.
Muhammad’s interests include a passion for youth development and mentorship. He joined the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief South Africa and Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2020.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Dr Hossam Said holds British and Egyptian nationalities, and graduated from Cairo University with a MBChB, Medical Doctor, in 1981. Hossam completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Aston University, UK, in 2004.
He has more than 35 years of experience working for charitable organisations in Egypt, Pakistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the UK. With 27 years of experience with Islamic Relief, Hossam has built strong relationships with our key stakeholders and contributed to strategy development and overseeing operations as a member of our then Executive Committee and later our Board of Directors. He also led Fundraising and Programmes teams through which he learned firsthand the challenges facing the charity in pursuit of our mission to save lives and tackle poverty and suffering.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Chair of Investments Committee for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Nurhayati Hassan is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), an Islamic Financial Planner (IFP) and a certified coach. She lives in Malaysia, where she is a licensed financial adviser and an experienced human resources consultant with an MBA in Management from Golden Gate University, USA, and a degree in Accounting with Computing from the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia, Association of Financial Advisers and the Malaysian Association of Certified Coaches.
Nurhayati has spent her career in investment banking, focusing on investment research and analysis, and corporate finance-related work. Her expertise includes strategic planning, business planning, performance management, performance coaching, talent assessment and succession planning initiatives. Nurhayati sits on the Board of Islamic Relief Malaysia.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Ahmed Azam is an information science and technology engineer with over 24 years of university teaching experience in the greater Los Angeles area. Ahmed holds a bachelor’s in mathematics and computer science and master’s in information science and technology as well as a Master’s Information Systems Management (MISM). He is a member of the Operation Research Society of America, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and American Society for Engineering Education.
An active member of the American Muslim community in his local area, Ahmed has held several leadership positions on both local and national non-profit and humanitarian organisations. He serves on the Board of Trustees of one of the largest and most diverse Islamic organisations in North America. As a founding member of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, he served in multiple capacities including the Board of Directors and Vice President. Ahmed was a founder of the Islamic Center of Hawthorne and has served as President of the mosque for over 25 years.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide, member of the Board of Trustees for the Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD), member of the Audit and Finance Committee for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Dr Aqsa Aziz is an Assistant Professor in Finance with over 15 years of experience in the higher education sector. She teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students at Coventry University, UK, and her special interest is Islamic Finance. With a master’s degree in Islamic Banking, Finance and Management from the University of Gloucestershire, Aqsa also has a PhD from the University of Manchester. She is a Senior Teaching Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has several publications including research papers. Aqsa is an Associate Fellow of Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance (AFIIBI).
She joined the Board of Trustees of Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD) in 2018 and became a member of Islamic Relief Worldwide’s Audit and Finance committee in 2022, before becoming a member of the Board of Trustees in March 2023.
Member of the Board of Trustees for Islamic Relief Worldwide, Chair of the Membership Accreditation Committee for Islamic Relief Worldwide
Dr Kasim Randeree’s work in the higher education and charity sectors spans more than 30 years. Dean of Faculties and a senior leader at Northeastern University London, Kasim has served as Research Fellow at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and Kellogg College, Oxford, leading on Islamic economy. Kasim was Associate Professor in Leadership and Business Management and Director of MBA Programmes at Coventry University, and Lecturer in Islamic Law and University Muslim Chaplain, receiving the Association of Muslim Chaplains prize in 2012. He also worked at universities in the Gulf, alongside numerous visiting professorships at universities across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.
Kasim has a PhD in Operations Management from the University of Hull and a master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Wales. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Certified Management and Business Educator. Kasim is also a researcher and writer and was awarded the Emerald Literati Award for his work on organisational leadership and people management in the Muslim world. Kasim sits as a criminal magistrate in Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.
His work with Islamic Relief Worldwide began as Senior Policy Advisor in 2011, later becoming Head of Research and Development at the Islamic Relief Academy. A former trustee at Human Appeal and the Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD), he joined the Board of Trustees at Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2023 and also chairs our Membership Accreditation Committee.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Adnan Hafiz
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.
