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.
This Q&A explains what has happened, why it happened, and what it means going forward.
Henceforth Islamic Relief USA is referred here as ‘our former US member office’. Acting on behalf of the federation, Islamic Relief Worldwide retains the rights to the name ‘Islamic Relief’.
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 its founders established IRUSA.
Islamic Relief was founded in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 1984 by Dr Hany El-Banna OBE and fellow medical students to support people affected by famine in Sudan. It later grew into the Islamic Relief federation, with Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) mandated to serve as the secretariat tasked with full responsibility, oversight, and management of the delivery of global programming on behalf of the federation. IRW now operates in more than 40 countries and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and a company registered with Companies House.
In 1993, responding to the aspirations of the American Muslim community, the founders of IRW and their supporters established Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA).
The relationship between IRW and federation members, including its former US member office, is governed by legally binding Membership and License Agreements. The purpose of these Agreements is to treat all members fairly, coordinate operational matters and protect the Islamic Relief brand. The Agreements fully recognise each member country’s independence and their right to appoint their own board and leadership. The IRW Board of Trustees itself is purposefully made up of representatives of different member countries from across the federation. IRUSA’s own board members have been elected to serve as trustees on the board of IRW. A previous Chair of the board of IRW, was formerly a board member of IRUSA. In 2024, IRUSA’s former chair was appointed to the board of IRW but later stepped down from his role.
For more than three decades, IRW and its former US member office successfully collaborated in a joint spirit of good faith and good will to strive together to achieve the mission and vision underpinning our life-saving humanitarian work across the world. IRUSA honoured the commitments it made to its American donors with the full support of IRW, channelling their generosity to deliver assistance to people in need, primarily through the effective global delivery system of the Islamic Relief federation built and nurtured over 40 years.
In December 2025, the former US member office unilaterally decided to cease funding key humanitarian and development programmes and projects delivered by IRW across many parts of the world. This was in contravention of its legally and morally binding commitments. Regrettably, this resulted in a significant negative impact on thousands of the vulnerable people we serve.
On 12 September 2026 the International General Assembly (IGA) – Islamic Relief’s highest governing body – passed a resolution that the former US member office is no longer a member of the federation. It no longer has the right to operate or trade using the Islamic Relief name, marks or assets, anywhere in the world. It has no involvement nor access to the humanitarian aid infrastructure and delivery system that Islamic Relief operates across the world, nor any association to the work of our staff in those countries where we deliver aid.
The federation is now in discussions with American donors who are keen to continue supporting Islamic Relief’s impactful humanitarian and development work.
Over the past decade, the Islamic Relief federation has faced a sustained, well-funded and coordinated disinformation and misinformation campaign designed to obstruct its humanitarian work, and both IRW and IRUSA have been targets of it.
As its own statement of 12 September 2026 indicates, our former US member colleagues claim to have acted due to the political pressure resulting from this. Instead of standing alongside the Islamic Relief federation to work in a spirit of collaboration to challenge the disinformation and make its case to fair-minded stakeholders, IRUSA chose to address these challenges alone and to the exclusion of IRW and member countries.
This was a collective decision taken by the International General Assembly (IGA), which is the federation’s highest governing body and is made up of elected representatives from member countries around the world.
As per the federation’s by-laws, the IGA held an extraordinary meeting at the request of member countries who were concerned about IRUSA’s recent actions and their impact on the federation’s work.
In December 2025, IRUSA stopped transferring money as per its morally and legally binding commitments for existing projects and programmes around the world, including the orphan sponsorship programme. Thousands of vulnerable people, families, and children were suddenly faced with significant disruption to their essential support and assistance. To fill the gap left by the former US member office, other member countries in the Islamic Relief federation worked with IRW to support our Rightsholders and fulfil the trust given to us from our generous donor community.
In March 2026, the former US member office filed a lawsuit against Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), which is mandated to serve as the secretariat for the Islamic Relief federation, with full responsibility, oversight and management of global programming. The lawsuit made several damaging claims against IRW, which IRW strongly refuted and contested in its legal submissions and filings.
At an open hearing, the presiding New York judge ordered a stay on the litigation and directed both parties to resolve the matter in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the governing legal agreements signed between IRW and the former US member office. It was IRW’s assertion from the very outset that IRUSA erroneously filed its lawsuit instead of first going through the internal dispute resolution mechanisms defined by these agreements and agreed by all member countries. The court noted that IRW’s motion to compel arbitration “strongly appears meritorious”; it made no finding of fact. The ruling is available here.
As a result of the former US member office’s actions, other member countries subsequently called for a vote to consider it continued inclusion of the federation. They concluded that the former US member office must be expelled from the federation.
The IGA is entirely independent. The suggestion made by the former US member office that IRW “forced” the Resolution is entirely false and misrepresents how the federation is governed. Every member country is constituted as a separate and independent legal entity, and they chose collectively, and unanimously, to pass the Resolution.
For more than 40 years, the strength of the Islamic Relief name has rested on member countries choosing to work together under shared standards and values. Donors and the communities we serve place their trust in that name. The International General Assembly concluded that the actions of the former Islamic Relief USA were damaging to the work of the whole federation. It was a decision taken with deep regret.
Membership of the federation carries obligations as well as benefits: to uphold shared standards, to resolve disputes through agreed channels, and to protect the reputation of the shared name on which every member relies. The federation has both the right and the responsibility to protect the interests of the millions of people who depend on its work. That is what the International General Assembly did.
The former US member office’s own statement acknowledges that the Committee cited no wrongdoing on its part, and a call to investigate is not a finding of wrongdoing.
The facts are these: as an organisation whose humanitarian workers themselves have lost their lives to acts of terror, we are firmly against all forms of extremism and terrorism. Any suggestion to the contrary is not borne out in the evidence.
Our record is clear and we are happy to engage with any authority to discuss our work. Our programmes are trusted and funded by governments and by international governmental agencies. More than 500 independent audits over the past decade have consistently found robust systems and no evidence of any wrongdoing. We have held Core Humanitarian Standard certification for nine consecutive years, the sector’s most rigorous measure of quality and accountability, and we screen every major donor, supplier and partner against more than 540 international watchlists, including those of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
This is the system a donor’s money reaches when they give to Islamic Relief – and it is as rigorous and as accountable as any in the humanitarian sector.
In March 2026 IRUSA filed a lawsuit against Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), which is mandated to serve as the secretariat for the Islamic Relief federation, with full responsibility, oversight and management of global programming. The lawsuit made several damaging claims against IRW, which IRW strongly refuted and contested in its legal submissions and filings.
On 15 July, the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that IRW’s motion to compel the case to arbitration ‘strongly appears meritorious’. As such, the Court has put a stay on proceedings and ordered both parties to pursue the dispute resolution mechanisms stipulated in Islamic Relief’s Members Agreement – something IRW has consistently and strongly advocated from the very outset. Despite the actions of our former US member office, this remains an ongoing matter in the US courts.
No. The organisation formed by individuals from our former US member office has nothing to do with Islamic Relief Worldwide, the Islamic Relief federation, or its global humanitarian network and infrastructure which has been built and nurtured over the past 40 years.
It has no association to the Islamic Relief federation or its work. It describes itself as having evolved from Islamic Relief USA, while continuing to use the name, goodwill and following that were built during its membership of the Islamic Relief federation. It did not take the Islamic Relief brand, programmes or global delivery network with it, and that network remains available only to Islamic Relief member organisations and their approved partners. Partners and donors who worked with it on that basis are welcome to contact IRW or another federation member office with any questions.
Our American supporters expect us to. American donors have trusted Islamic Relief for more than thirty years, and Islamic Relief Worldwide, on behalf of the whole federation, is committed to giving them a trusted way to continue the humanitarian and development work they have so faithfully sustained.
Islamic Relief USA began in 1993, in answer to the aspirations of the American Muslim community. Ever since, generous and hardworking donors across the United States have trusted Islamic Relief to reach people in need with integrity and impact. That trust has been carried by a global delivery network serving more than 145 million people across over 40 countries, including some of the hardest-to-reach places on earth, a network available only to Islamic Relief federation members and their approved partners. Our former US member office, now operating under a different name, is no longer part of it.
We will not let the partnership with American donors be lost, and we will keep supporters informed as these arrangements take shape.
The consequence of our former member office’s decision has been a withdrawal of funding from people who depend on it. The people who rely on Islamic Relief — in the United States and around the world — remain our sole focus, and continuity of support for them is our priority.
When the former US member office stepped back from its commitments to the Orphan Sponsorship Programme in 2025, and stopped transferring funds to many contracted projects, other members of the federation moved quickly to step in. Their support has protected delivery across many programmes, though the scale of the shortfall means some needs remain unmet, and the federation is actively working to close that gap.
Donations given to the rebranded entity do not go to Islamic Relief, and do not reach the people served by the federation’s global humanitarian delivery system. This is a coordinated, independently audited network that Islamic Relief’s members have built over more than 40 years to steward donor funds to people in need: safely, accountably and at scale.
Currently, there is no IRUSA. The name “IRUSA” belongs to IRW, on behalf of the federation, and IRW is in discussions with its American supporters to see how we can provide a trusted way to continue the vital humanitarian and development work around the world they have so faithfully sustained.
The Islamic Relief federation continues to welcome generous donations from anywhere in the world.
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 Interim 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.
