On 12 September 2026, Islamic Relief removed what is now the former Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) from our federation. However, we remain fully committed to continuing the amazing journey that started in the 1990s when our founders established IRUSA.
In 1993, responding to the aspirations of the American Muslim community, Islamic Relief Worldwide’s founders and supporters set up Islamic Relief USA in Los Angeles, California. Within decades, Islamic Relief USA had grown into a leading Muslim organisation in the US. Its first emergency response was in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where volunteers raised money to provide vital humanitarian aid, including food, clean water and clothing, to families suffering from the war.
In the early years, Islamic Relief USA was quick to respond to the suffering of those in need in need in the US and around the world. Islamic Relief was among the first humanitarian organisations to respond to the needs on the ground during the First Chechen War, raising $300,000 for families across the region. In 1996, Islamic Relief USA donors began their long-standing tradition of sharing qurbani meat with their brothers and sisters around the globe, and while it began in a small handful of countries across Africa and Asia, it later expanded to Europe, the Middle East, and the US.
In the 2000s, Islamic Relief USA’s first ever water, sanitation, and hygiene intervention was established in parts of Africa and water wells were built for communities without access to safe, clean water. In 2001, after the September 11 attacks, Islamic Relief USA volunteers organised blood drives for survivors and distributed food to rescue workers across New York City. Shortly after, Islamic Relief also launched an emergency campaign for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan.
The 2000s also saw some other major milestones. In 2002, it held its first ever “Humanitarian Day”, now more commonly known as the annual, US-wide “Day of Dignity.” In 2003, Islamic Relief started giving American donors the opportunity to support orphaned children through our Orphan Sponsorship Programme.
Over the next decade, the number of Islamic Relief USA staff, donors, and volunteers grew as the programming portfolio grew: the community responded to natural and man-made disasters across the world, as well as in the US when Hurricane Katrina devastated several states and entire communities. The portfolio of long-term development projects also grew to include health interventions, specifically in Afghanistan. And in 2008, Islamic Relief USA marked 2 milestones: moving its headquarters from California to Alexandria, Virginia, right outside of the nation’s capital in Washington, DC.
The following decade also saw great change. In 2011, it trained its first Disaster Response Team and became the first Muslim organisation to partner with the American Red Cross. In 2016, this team responded to 8 emergencies across the US, including the water crisis in Flint, Michigan where they delivered water to affected communities. In 2020, Islamic Relief USA navigated an unprecedented global crisis – the Covid-19 pandemic – and adjusted programming to serve people affected, including working with World Central Kitchen to deliver food aid to families in need across the US. In 2021, it launched Hot Meals Monday, providing hot, nutritious meals to vulnerable communities in cities across the US. In 2023, Islamic Relief USA marked its 30th year of humanitarian work.
On 12 September 2026, Islamic Relief’s International General Assembly – the federation’s highest governing body – voted unanimously to remove what is now the former Islamic Relief USA from the Islamic Relief federation.
Since the announcement of our International General Assembly’s unanimous decision and the subsequent rebranding of our former US member office, questions have emerged from partners, donors and supporters about what this means.
The decision to end IRUSA’s membership means it is no longer part of the Islamic Relief federation and is not involved or associated with its operations and programmatic work delivered across the globe. The former US member office has no right to operate or trade using the Islamic Relief name, marks or assets anywhere in the world. Those rights remain with the Islamic Relief federation.
We are aware that the former office has now rebranded itself under a different name. For the avoidance of any doubt among partners, donors and the public: this rebranded entity is operating outside the Islamic Relief federation. It is not part of the Islamic Relief brand, programmes or global delivery network. That network, built and safeguarded over 40 years, is available only to Islamic Relief member organisations and their approved partners, and any suggestion to the contrary should be verified with Islamic Relief Worldwide and its member countries directly.
Islamic Relief is not leaving America. On behalf of the whole federation, Islamic Relief Worldwide remains fully committed to continuing the amazing journey it started in the 1990s when our founders established IRUSA.
If you would like to support Islamic Relief’s work, you can make a donation through our official website.
Important: Islamic Relief does not currently have an operating office in America. If you come across any organisation in the USA claiming to be, or formerly claiming to be, Islamic Relief, we strongly urge you not to make any donations, as these funds will not support the projects and programmes being carried out by Islamic Relief.
If you are an existing donor, please contact us if you need to update your payment details or have questions about your monthly donations.
Donations that have already been made will have been processed in accordance with the arrangements in place at the time of donation. If you have an ongoing monthly donation, please contact us so that we can advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Currently, Islamic Relief does not have any operating offices in the USA.
On behalf of the entire federation, Islamic Relief Worldwide remains fully committed to continuing the work and legacy that began in the 1990s, when our founders established Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA).
For the latest updates on our activities in the USA, please sign up to our newsletter and follow us on our official social media channels.
There are no contact options available for Islamic Relief USA however, we can still support you with any queries via email. Please drop an email to our team at Islamic Relief Worldwide – Irw@irworldwide.org.
You can find our full list of FAQs here.
We will always treat your personal information with the utmost care and will keep it private (read our privacy policy). You can opt out at any time by contacting us via email at IslamicReliefWorldwide@irworldwide.org or by clicking the unsubscribe button on one of the emails you receive from us.
Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
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.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
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.
