More than a word: How excellence is fuelling dignity and hope in Gaza this Ramadan

April 5, 2021 Occupied Palestinian Territory -

Writing from Gaza, Bodour Abukuwaik explores how Islamic Relief is applying excellence to our life-changing programming this Ramadan and beyond.

Bodour Abukuwaik works for Islamic Relief in Gaza.

Everyone here in Gaza is excited for Ramadan – especially my father, who, every time I speak to him, reminds me how many days are left to wait.

His eagerness reminds me of when we were children making Ramadan lanterns out of paper and cardboard. We painted them, keen to make the lanterns in the best way. The simple joy of a task completed well is one of my earliest examples of excellence, ihsan – one of Islamic Relief’s core values.

We still love the rituals of Ramadan as adults. The family gathering and talking around the dining table only happens in the holy month, since we are often so busy it is hard to do this at other times.

A different Ramadan

However, this year will be different. This is the first Ramadan in which we can’t gather around one table at iftar time with our extended family, or perform Tarawih prayers together, due to the Coronavirus pandemic in the Gaza Strip.

So even though I will be doing my usual volunteering activities, such as visiting the children’s hospital, I have thought a lot about how to make Ramadan special this year. The idea of decorating my home with Ramadan lanterns came to mind. And though we will not be able to visit our family, we will prepare dishes of dates and dried fruits to send to them as gifts for the holy month.

Excellence is engraved on our hearts

Working at Islamic Relief during Ramadan has a distinct flavour. The team here is working twice as hard to ensure that the aid donated by Islamic Relief supporters from around the world reaches the poorest families in a timely manner.

Making sure to take every precaution to avoid spreading the deadly virus, we are sharing joy with those we serve, and are prouder than ever to be part of the Islamic Relief family.

We feel that excellence is not just a word written on the walls of our office, but a principle engraved on all our hearts and minds. We work together to reach perfection in all of our work. When distributing Eid clothes to orphaned children, we urge them to choose the finest clothes. Supervising the iftar party for orphans and their families, we only eat when we know the families have had enough food and drink in an atmosphere of joy.

Striving for excellence has led us to adopt a voucher system for Ramadan food distributions. This means vulnerable people choose the food they need in a dignified act of kindness. They rely on us, and I love seeing the smiles on their faces and listening to their hopes for the month.

Food vouchers distributed by Islamic Relief in Gaza mean families can choose the food they need.

Turning despair into hope

This Ramadan may be the most difficult for families in Gaza.

Many breadwinners have lost their jobs as school bus drivers, kindergarten teachers, hairdressers and other occupations due to the pandemic. Adding to the difficult economic conditions experienced by most of the families here, this has deepened their poverty and for many, pushed food and basic essentials beyond their reach.

Unemployment is increasing and there are no job opportunities for young people. They are falling into frustration and despair. Among them is Alaa’, a kindergarten teacher, who has been out of work for many months since the closure of the kindergarten in which she worked. The main breadwinner for two children, she is struggling to make ends meet.

Others, like Mahmoud, have been more fortunate. Providing for a family of 5, he was unable to find work and could not afford to repair his dilapidated house. Islamic Relief helped repair his house and gave him a tuktuk, a 3-wheeled vehicle. Now he is able to support his family and they can live in dignity.

Powering brighter futures

Right now, Islamic Relief empowering 70 families by providing them with grants for small livelihoods start-ups – young people especially are benefiting from the training that we offer, helping them to develop the skills they need to compete in the labour market. As a hallmark of excellence, we are offering ‘around the clock’ advice and support to help them succeed in their projects.

It is incredibly satisfying for me to meet these young people, and hear their stories. With Islamic Relief’s help they are at the beginning of the road, and with determination they are working toward a brighter future for them and their families.

I was once in the same position, fresh out of university and looking for a job opportunity. Islamic Relief gave me training which developed my practical skills so I could secure a decent livelihood. Now, alhamdulillah, I am able to support my family and complete my studies.

An orphaned child chooses Eid clothes provided by Islamic Relief in Gaza.

Sharing love this Ramadan

Here in Gaza we face difficult economic conditions, high unemployment, and deepening poverty, which is only worsening amid the Covid-19 pandemic. But hope is still burning brightly this Ramadan.

I see it in the cheerful eyes of children, the determination of young people, and the blessings offered by adults. And I see it in the good hearts of Islamic Relief’s donors, who, recognising that we are all one global family, are sharing love with vulnerable people during the holy month.

This year, let’s show our brothers and sisters that We Are One. Donate to our Ramadan appeal today.

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.