I and the one who cares for an orphan will be together in Paradise like this” and he (SAW) held his two fingers together to illustrate.
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The blessed month of Rabi Al-Awwal is an important month in the Islamic Calendar as it marks the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
There are so many precious and beautiful aspects of the Sunnah of the blessed Prophet (PBUH) that we can benefit from and strive to embody all year round. For example, The Prophet (PBUH) was an orphan and looking after orphans is a highly rewarding Sunnah.
I and the one who cares for an orphan will be together in Paradise like this” and he (SAW) held his two fingers together to illustrate.
Rabi Al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic calendar and a significant time for Muslims, as it is the birth month of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who would change the course of humanity forever.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was born an orphan, in Makkah in 570 CE, and is described by Allah (SWT) as a mercy to the worlds:
“It was only as a mercy that We sent you (Prophet) to all people.” (Qur’an, 21:107)
It has been relayed that the Prophet (PBUH) was born on a Monday, but there remain differing opinions on the exact birth date of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Some suggest he (SAW) was born on the 12th day of Rabi Al-Awwal.
Whilst it is not obligatory to fast on Mondays, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended it as part of his Sunnah:
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked about fasting on Mondays, whereupon he said: “On it, I was born and on it, revelation was sent down to me.” (Muslim)
Rabi Al-Awwal is sometimes spelt as Rabi Ul-Awwal, but the correct spelling should be Rabi Al-Awwal, as ‘Al’ most closely resembles the Arabic spelling of the month.
This year, the month of Rabi Al-Awwal is expected to begin on Sunday 24th August 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The Islamic Hijri Calendar is based on the lunar calendar which consists of 12 lunar months. Each month begins when a new moon is sighted.
Rabi Al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic calendar, after the sacred month of Muharram and Safar.
There are countless virtues that we have inherited from the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The month of Rabi Al-Awwal also provides us the opportunity to reflect and take stock of the lessons we can derive from his precious life.
The Seerah (life story) of the Prophet (PBUH) is incredibly valuable, and an opportunity to learn from how the Prophet (PBUH) navigated through both momentous challenges and blessings. Importantly, it also situates a lot of the revelation provided to the Prophet (PBUH) by Allah (SWT).
What better time to embark on learning from the life of the Prophet (PBUH) than the month of his birth?
There are so many precious and beautiful Sunnah of the blessed prophet (PBUH) that we can benefit from and strive to embody all year round.
“The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Tirmidhi).
“..Speak a good word or remain silent” (Bukhari).
“Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set free the captives.” (Bukhari).
As well as marking the birth of our beloved Prophet (PBUH), the majority of scholars hold the view that he also passed away in this month, in the 10th year of Hijrah, following a period of illness.
This momentous month of the birth and death of our Prophet (PBUH) holds great significance in Islam, commemorated by many people worldwide as a time of gratitude and reflection on the life and teachings of the beloved.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
Indeed Allah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting unto them His verses, and purifying them, and instructing them (in) the Book (Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah, (the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), while before that they had been in manifest error.
The Prophet (PBUH) was born an orphan, and in a famous hadith said:
“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be together in Paradise like this” and he (SAW) held his two fingers together to illustrate. (Bukhari). You can find out more about our orphan sponsorship programme here.
For over 20 years, supporting orphans and children has been an integral part of Islamic Relief’s mission. We have supported helped 85,595 orphans across 27 countries. Help us to continue our lifesaving work around the world.
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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.