Islamic Relief Worldwide
Charity 328158
Overview
Summary
Islamic Relief Worldwide appears to be a large, faith-rooted humanitarian organisation whose role extends beyond emergency aid into long-term development, fundraising infrastructure, sector learning and advocacy. Its public model combines Islamic giving mechanisms with broad international programmes, allowing it to connect donor communities, local partners and crisis-affected populations. The available material also suggests an organisation actively expanding its network and leadership capacity, although parts of the leadership information appear internally inconsistent.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Bordesley and Highgate
Confidence: medium
Direct official evidence identifies 19 Rea Street South, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6LB as Islamic Relief Worldwide's registered office and public contact address, and an official modern-slavery statement describes UK-based operations as being based in Birmingham and London. The assignment of this address to Bordesley and Highgate is a reasonable postcode-to-ward interpretation, rather than a statement made directly by Islamic Relief.
- Islamic Relief Worldwide, Terms and conditions
Islamic Relief Worldwide states that its registered office is at 19 Rea Street South, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6LB. - Islamic Relief Worldwide, Modern Slavery Statement 2023
The statement describes the organisation's UK-based operations as being based in Birmingham and London. - Check My Postcode, B5 6LB postcode record
The postcode record places B5 6LB in Birmingham's Bordesley and Highgate ward and identifies 19 Rea Street South as office premises.
Remaining uncertainties
- There is clear evidence of an operational office base in Birmingham, but the available current evidence does not identify any continuing Birmingham-based frontline service, beneficiary programme, charity shop, event venue or other delivery site operated by Islamic Relief Worldwide.
- The evidence supports Birmingham as an organisational and operational base for a globally active charity, rather than showing that its humanitarian programmes are delivered to Birmingham residents.
- Islamic Relief's public reporting confirms delivery through hundreds of projects internationally, but the reviewed sources do not provide sufficiently current, location-specific evidence of Birmingham partnerships that materially extend the organisation's local operational footprint.
- The Bordesley and Highgate classification is based on postcode geography; Islamic Relief's own materials describe the location as Digbeth rather than naming the ward.
Additional evidence needed
- A current Islamic Relief Worldwide or Islamic Relief UK directory of Birmingham service, fundraising, training or community-delivery locations.
- Current project documentation naming Birmingham delivery partners, venues, target communities and the respective role of Islamic Relief Worldwide.
- Confirmation from the organisation of which functions are routinely carried out at 19 Rea Street South and whether it is its only active Birmingham site.
Areas of work
- Economic/community Development/employment
- Education/training
- General Charitable Purposes
- Other Charitable Purposes
- Overseas Aid/famine Relief
- The Advancement Of Health Or Saving Of Lives
- The Prevention Or Relief Of Poverty
Who they help
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Acts As An Umbrella Or Resource Body
- Makes Grants To Individuals
- Makes Grants To Organisations
- Provides Advocacy/advice/information
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
A humanitarian organisation with an ecosystem role
Islamic Relief Worldwide appears to operate not only as a frontline aid charity but also as a convenor and capacity-builder for a wider humanitarian network. Its stated umbrella/resource role, member-office development and Humanitarian Academy suggest it may influence how other organisations work, not only what assistance it delivers.
Why it matters
This distinguishes it from organisations defined solely by direct service delivery. Potential collaborators may find value in its training, international connections and institutional experience as well as its programme funding.
Show evidence
“Acts As An Umbrella Or Resource Body.”
Source:Charity Commission“The Humanitarian Academy for Development is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness.”
Source:Organisation“Islamic Relief has launched and grown member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland.”
Source:Organisation
Faith-based giving is an operating architecture, not just fundraising language
The organisation appears to use Islamic charitable practices such as Zakat, Sadaqah, Waqf and Kaffarah as structured routes through which supporters can fund distinct humanitarian priorities. This may give it a distinctive ability to translate religious obligation and values into sustained global assistance.
Why it matters
Understanding this helps explain its donor relationships, public identity and potential reach within Muslim communities, rather than viewing faith references as merely symbolic.
Show evidence
“The organisation offers Zakat, Sadaqah, Waqf, Sadaqah Jariyah, Fidya and Kaffarah donation options.”
Source:Organisation“Its Zakat policy is verified by Scholars to ensure it is Shari’ah-compliant.”
Source:Organisation“It supports over 93,200 orphans around the world.”
Source:Organisation
Leadership information may be in transition or poorly synchronised
The available website material suggests a possible transition in senior leadership, but it contains conflicting information about the chief executive role. This may indicate rapidly changing governance arrangements or incomplete updating across organisational pages.
Why it matters
Leadership continuity affects accountability, strategy and the reliability of public information. It would be worth confirming who currently holds executive authority before relying on the leadership profile.
Show evidence
“Nadeem Malik will serve as interim CEO from October 2025.”
Source:Organisation“Waseem Ahmad was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.”
Source:Organisation“The website footer states © Copyright 2026 Islamic Relief Worldwide, Inc.”
Source:Organisation
- How much assistance is delivered directly versus through local partners, member offices or grants.
- Which countries and communities receive the greatest share of programme resources.
- Whether the listed CEO and interim CEO information reflects a completed transition.
Remaining uncertainties
- A recent annual report showing expenditure, delivery partners, geographic reach and programme outcomes.
- Current trustee, executive and governance records with publication dates.
- Evidence on local partner relationships and participation by crisis-affected communities.