Discover insights, experiences, and views from our colleagues and those we serve right across the world
Writing from Nepal this World Environment Day, Islamic Relief’s Pratap Maharjan argues that to preserve vital biodiversity – and communities – we must listen to local voices. With their rolling green hills and beautiful rivers, the Dolakha and Ramechhap districts of central Nepal are known to be rich in biodiversity. They are the…
Read moreAs communities across the globe grapple with coronavirus this World Environment Day, we must not forget the bold and urgent climate action needed to ensure humanity’s survival, argues Islamic Relief’s head of global advocacy, Shahin Ashraf. When I first heard that Italy was locking down all those weeks ago, I feared it wouldn’t…
Read moreThis Ramadan I’m missing the sweet smell of ‘kinkeliba’ tea in the air and the sound of preachers in every neighbourhood but I’m learning how resilient families are facing down hardship, says Islamic Relief’s Moussa Goita from Bamako, Mali. Ramadan is a blessed month. A time of year when I reflect on my…
Read moreIslamic Relief’s Rully Prayoga tells of a quieter but still spiritual Ramadan in Indonesia, where coronavirus is forcing people to find new ways to embrace togetherness during the holy month. In Indonesia the smell of kolak, a sweet dish made from banana or banana milk with palm sugar, is a sure sign that…
Read moreWriting from Pakistan, Islamic Relief’s Hiba Siddiqui reflects on a holy month that is changed, but not quelled, by the outbreak of coronavirus. Ramadan and I have been friends since childhood! From a young age, my ama (mother) would always let me stay up well into the night to fold samosas and make…
Read moreAs coronavirus devastates lives and livelihoods, this Ramadan many people are relying on Islamic Relief more than ever. Zaheer Afzal reveals how we’re adapting our Ramadan distributions to safely provide food to almost one million people in need. Every year since 1984, Islamic Relief has given food to vulnerable families at Ramadan, reaching…
Read moreWriting from partial lockdown in Kenya, Islamic Relief’s Charles Njanga reports on the ways in which Islamic Relief is adjusting to coronavirus to help communities under threat. 2020 started out very well and promised to be a good year. It was the beginning of another decade and things looked bright and full of…
Read moreCoronavirus is increasing the risk to women and girls experiencing abuse, says Islamic Relief’s head of global advocacy, Shahin Ashraf. In times of crisis, the most vulnerable members of society are always at highest risk of harm. The stateless, the impoverished, the displaced, the abused. These are the people who already lack access…
Read moreIslamic Relief Palestine Child Welfare Worker Mohammed Ismail writes from quarantine in Gaza. We’re about a week into quarantine here in Gaza and it reminds me of the conflict back in 2014. Yes, there are huge similarities. There’s a threat that might hit you anywhere at any time. Lots of precautions are being…
Read moreChildren may face heightened risks during the coronavirus epidemic and Islamic Relief is working to keep them safe, says Neelam Fida, our Child Protection and Inclusion Advisor. In times of crisis, the most vulnerable are often dealt the greatest share of suffering. Evidence from previous pandemics indicate that existing child protection risks are…
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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.
