Annual reports

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2022

In 2022 Islamic Relief channelled record-breaking income into touching more lives than ever before, reaching an incredible 17.3 million people worldwide. This Annual Report brings to life our wide-ranging work across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, to help those affected by humanitarian crises and to lift communities out of poverty.

In a year shaped by once-in-a-generation and once-in-a-lifetime humanitarian crises, Islamic Relief provided much needed humanitarian aid and development interventions. These include a £3.8 million Global Hunger Prevention and Response Programme which helped communities in 8 African countries to tackle hunger; support for 1 million people affected by devastating floods in Pakistan; and a new partnership with UNDP in Afghanistan, delivering a £19m million project to boost food production and local livelihoods.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2021

In 2021 the world faced a raft of challenges, from new and ongoing conflicts and a sharp rise in hunger, to the prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. In the face of these challenges, Islamic Relief assisted over 11 million people in 36 countries.

We also saw the quality of our work and our accountability to the communities we serve recognised by recertification against the prestigious Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) – the most robust independent audit offered in the humanitarian sector.

Despite the worldwide economic uncertainty, our supporters continued to give generously, raising £183 million for our life-saving and life-changing work around the world.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2020

In 2020 Islamic Relief eased the suffering of an unprecedented 13.8 million people across 39 countries. This was in spite of the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, in which we helped protect millions of people in 26 countries from the devastating consequences of the virus.

Rapidly adapting our operations in light of the global pandemic, we continued to assist families suffering amid conflict and natural disasters including millions of people in war-torn Yemen and crisis-stricken Syria. We invested £55 million to deliver 364 development projects, and campaigned on issues like gender justice and tackling climate change, which will benefit generations to come.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2019

As Islamic Relief Worldwide marks 35 years of serving humanity in 2019, our Annual Report and Financial Statements provide a snapshot of our impact and growth.

From a single project supporting famine-stricken communities in Sudan in 1984 to reaching 9.5 million people in 31 countries in 2019, our relief and development programmes have supported 120 million people to date, thanks to the generous support of our donors and partners.

In 2019 we provided a lifeline for 3.4 million people in war-torn Yemen and essential services to 2.3 million in Syria. We also reached communities the world hears little about, like the people of Mali and Niger whose lives and livelihoods have been transformed through our development programmes. And we continued to campaign on issues like gender justice and tackling climate change, which will benefit generations to come.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2018

Year after year Islamic Relief works tirelessly to ease suffering in vulnerable communities around the world.

In 2018, we continued our lifesaving work. We supported 1.3 million people in dire need in conflict torn Syria and were a lifeline for 1.2 million suffering as a result of war in Yemen.

As well as responding to many emergencies, we also delivered 267 development programmes – reaching almost 2.5 million people.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2017

Islamic Relief Worldwide’s Annual Report 2017 highlights our humanitarian, development and advocacy work around the world, as well our financial statements for the year.

Islamic Relief Worldwide responded to 16 natural disasters in 2017. From drought and famine in East Africa to floods in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, three million people were supplied with emergency aid including food and shelter.

Protracted conflicts in Syria and Yemen have driven 15 million people from their homes, and Islamic Relief has been in the forefront of supporting those affected.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2016

In 2016, we increased our humanitarian efforts in some of the world’s most challenging environments. As the war in Syria entered its sixth year, our £26.6 million emergency response programme supported over three million vulnerable people living in Syria as well as refugees in three neighbouring countries. In Iraq and Yemen, as the crises continued to shatter lives, we provided life-saving aid, often in areas that other organisations are unable to access.

The year also witnessed scores of natural disasters, from earthquakes in Afghanistan and Italy, to flooding in Mali, Somalia, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and a tornado in the USA. In response to every emergency, Islamic Relief was able to swiftly assist those affected, thanks to the generous support of our donors.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2015

In a complex and challenging year we witnessed the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War, while conflict continued to fracture families, natural disasters devastated communities and millions of people still struggled in poverty. For Islamic Relief, these challenges only strengthened our determination to extend our global presence and assist those in dire need of our help.

We pushed for a safer, fairer world for all by brokering the first Islamic Declaration on Climate Change and published our first gender justice policy

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2014

Islamic Relief Worldwide marked three decades of fighting poverty and suffering in 2014, a year in which we broadened our shoulders to meet expectations that were greater than ever before. The challenges were complex, the demands acute and urgent in a year scarred by conflict. 2014 reminded us why Islamic Relief Worldwide was founded in the first place.

We are humbled by the trust which continues to be placed in us as we work together to save lives and empower communities across the planet. There is no better measure of our success than the positive impact we are making on those that we exist to serve.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2013

In 2013, Islamic Relief served more people than ever before. The year saw us bring about lasting change in new and innovative ways, and minimise the impact of disasters in a more disruptive world as part of our vital work to alleviate poverty and suffering worldwide.

We also aligned more of our international programmes to an integrated sustainable development model and achieved breakthroughs in creating significant new partnerships. This report sets out how we are continuously pushing ourselves to deepen the impact and effectiveness of our work.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2012

For over a quarter of a century Islamic Relief has been blessed to serve millions of people around the world, recognising that those with wealth have a duty to those with less. But as the world’s largest not-for-profit organisation that is inspired by Islamic principles, we feel more than ever the heavy responsibility to humanity and the world around us.

In the global Islamic Relief family there is no time to rest, as much more can and must be done.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2011

This year marked one of the most significant milestones for Islamic Relief since it was established more than 27 years ago.

2011 was the year we embraced a new and important strategic direction which responds to the emerging challenges that we face in the battle against poverty, suffering, and social injustice.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2010

Islamic Relief was born out of emergency response programmes and, in 2010, our emergency response included programmes to help communities rebuild their lives and boost their resilience to disasters.

We were one of the first agencies distributing aid on the ground in the aftermath of the worst floods to hit Pakistan in living memory. In Haiti, we responded soon after the earthquake to provide emergency aid and opened the first tented camp for earthquake survivors.

Islamic Relief Worldwide Annual Report 2009

During a period of considerable change, 2009 saw Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) come to the end of a successful three- year strategy, and, building on the aspirations and ideas of the whole organisation, look ahead to a new set of objectives for the next five years.

In 2009, we marked our 25th year of working with vulnerable communities around the world. Islamic Relief has come a long way since we opened our first office in the United Kingdom in 1984 and received our first donation of 20p. Today, we raise £58 million a year, supporting 360 development projects.

BROWSE OTHER OPINIONS

new director

Director of Network and Resource 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

General Counsel

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

Director of Network and Resource 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.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

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.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

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.