Eid al-Fitr this year is a chance to focus on the things we can do, not those we can’t

May 22, 2020 -

Eid al-Fitr, known as ‘the festival of breaking the fast’ marks the end of a month of fasting in Ramadan. It is usually a time when family and friends get together and celebrate after a month of abstinence from food and drink during daylight hours.

However, with social distancing measures in place in large parts of the world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, creating the spirit of Eid will be more difficult this year. Muslims in some parts of the world will be unable to perform Eid prayers as mosques remain closed and rather than going out to greet people, the day may have to be spent at home without seeing many loved ones.

It will certainly be different to any Eid we’ve experienced in the past, but it can still be a time of giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives, focussing on the sunnahs we can fulfil and reaching out to those facing greater challenges than us.

Focus on the sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr

As well as being a time of well-deserved feasting, greeting and joy, Eid al-Fitr is also an opportunity to practice the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and connect with Allah.

In fact, the night preceding Eid al-Fitr is considered to be one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would not sleep on the night preceding the day of Eid and spend the whole night in worship. He (peace be upon him) said: “There are five nights on which dua is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Shaban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Adha,” (As-Suyuti).

After the blessed month of Ramadan, the night before Eid is an opportunity to seek forgiveness, ask for acceptance our good deeds throughout the month and pray for our needs and desires to be fulfilled.

Some of the sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr we may still be able to fulfil in the current circumstances are:

  • Washing on the morning of Eid, wearing our best clothes and perfume
  •  Eating something sweet in the morning. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would not attend Eid prayers until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number,” (Hadith, Bukhari)
  • Saying takbeer (Allahu Akbar) in the morning (until the time of the Eid prayer)
  • Greeting one another and showing joy, though this may have to be done remotely this year. A traditional greeting for Eid is “Taqabbal Allahu minna ma minkum,” – May Allah accept it (worship and good deeds) from you and us.”
  • Giving zakat al-Fitr and sadaqa
  • Give sadaqa and thanks for your blessings

Give sadaqa and thanks for your blessings

For most families, the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr are centred around food, with tables laden with their favourite dishes. However, it’s important to remember that many families across the world will have little to eat even on Eid.

For this reason, Muslims are required to pay zakat-al-Fitr (otherwise known as fitrana) which is a charitable donation of food given before the time of the Eid prayer. It is an obligation on every Muslim who has food in excess of their need (read more about zakat al-Fitr here).

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as zakat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere sadaqa for the one who gives it after the prayer,” (Hadith, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).

The minimum amount one must pay is the equivalent of around 2kg of staple foods such as flour or rice. In the UK this works out to be approximately £5. Find about more about zakat-al-Fitr here.

Eid ul-Fitr is also a great opportunity to give additional sadaqa. As we plan our Eid celebrations it is important not to forget vulnerable families across the world such as those suffering in Yemen and Syria who struggle to provide food for their families.

Distributing gifts to vulnerable children: Our Eid-al-Fitr programme

Another widespread tradition of Eid-al-Fitr is the exchanging of gifts, known as Eidi or Eidiya. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged this practice saying: “Give gifts to one another, you will love each other” (Hadith, Al Mufrad). For children, receiving Eid gifts is unsurprisingly a key highlight of the day and many look forward to being spoilt by parents and relatives.

Every year, we run a global programme to provide gifts to children whose caregivers are unable to do so, giving them something to smile about while they face difficult circumstances.

These gifts provide children with useful items such as Eid clothes, school bags and other educational equipment. We also provide gifts which will simply be enjoyed by children, such as toys, balloons and sweets. This year we’ll be providing 12,388 gift packs to children in eleven of the poorest countries across the world.

Show gratitude for your blessings this Eid and donate now to share with those in need. There are many things we cannot change this Eid, but let’s take action to change what we can.

Eid Mubarak!

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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.