About Us

Our Team

The team brings together decades of experience

Br. Abdul Rauf Khan

CEO - ICNA Relief USA

Abdul Rauf Khan holds a Master’s degree in Business Management. As the Chief Operations Officer, he exceled in Executive Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Strategic Planning, Networking, and Public Speaking. Abdul Rauf’s contributions have earned personal recognition and prestigious awards for ICNA Relief, including the White House Community Service Award during the Obama Presidency and many others. 

His efforts helped ICNA Relief gain the status of the largest Muslim-run non-profit, working exclusively within the USA, His other successful endeavors include; empowering underprivileged Americans through social service programs, strengthening families with education, empowering the marginalized with skill development, enabling them to become self-sufficient, and fostering partnerships with Islamic Centers and governmental agencies. 

He is actively engaged in community services. He serves on boards for various national and local Islamic organizations, Islamic centers, and Muslim community service groups. Currently, a South Florida Muslim Federation Board member, he also holds leadership positions in the Islamic Center of Boca Raton, Young Muslims, Garden of Sahaba Academy, Youth Coalition of South Florida, ICNA South East Region, and is a National Shura member of ICNA. 

Dr. Saima Azfar

CSO - Chief Strategy Officer

Dr. Saima Azfar pursued her medical education at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences before relocating to Chicago in 1998. Her journey into community engagement commenced when she started voluntary work across various branches of ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America). In 2012, she earned her medical license, a turning point that solidified her commitment to ICNA programs and organizations. She currently holds the esteemed position of Chief Strategy Officer. Her journey with ICNA Relief, a nationwide agency, reflects her commitment to the noble mission of fostering resilient communities. This mission entails providing support to families, uplifting neighbors confronted with adversity while preserving their dignity, and tirelessly advocating for their essential requirements. 

Br. Altaj Ilyas

CFO – Chief Financial Officer of ICNA Relief USA

Altaj Ilyas brings a wealth of 35 years of experience in Finance and Accounting, with a significant portion of 25 years dedicated to the nonprofit sector. He currently holds the esteemed position of CFO – Chief Financial Officer and oversees the financial management of ICNA Relief. Moreover, he has pursued studies in CMA (Cost and Management Accounting) and Corporate Secretarial Practices. Additionally, he has demonstrated his commitment by serving as the Treasurer of NYDIS (New York Disaster Interfaith Services) for the past 18 years. 

Br. Amir Saeed

CIO – Chief Information Officer of ICNA Relief USA

Amir Saeed holds pivotal leadership positions as the Head of Information Technology, Marketing, Donor Management, and Volunteer Management departments. His academic background is distinguished by a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. With a keen focus on digital transformation, Amir has successfully streamlined responses from donors and volunteers. This achievement includes the seamless migration of reporting and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) operations to Salesforce, positioning ICNA Relief as a benchmark for efficiency and innovation in the industry. His expertise extends beyond managing 24/7 systems for financial institutions but also extends to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for steering complex, multimillion-dollar programs, contributing to cost reduction and enhanced efficiency. Amir’s efforts are dedicated to supporting operations, optimizing efficiencies, ensuring compliance, and driving initiatives for cost reduction.  

Br. Hammad Shaheer

CAO – Chief Admin Officer of ICNA Relief USA

Hammad Shaheer’s dedication to community service is emblematic of his unique synthesis of academic rigor and practical wisdom. Holding an MPhil-Business Administration from NUML, MS Business Administration, and MS Accounting from Stony Brook University New York, with over 15 years of experience in the profit and non-profit sectors, he is a distinguished expert in strategic and financial management, human resources, and enterprise risk management. Trained by the renowned Ron Kaufman, he has cultivated extensive expertise in uplifting and building a service culture. His scholarly contributions to Corporate Social Responsibility reflect his commitment to ethical business practices. His leadership capabilities, coupled with his professional achievements, underscore his passion for community-centric programs. As Chief Administrative Officer at ICNA Relief, he is leveraging his comprehensive business acumen, organizational skills, and managerial prowess to steer the organization towards socially responsible objectives. He has a passion for social activism and is committed to uplifting communities.

Chair of the Board

Br. Mohammad Arif , NY

Board Members

Br. Hashim Badat, TX

Br. Junaid Ahmed, CA

Br. Muzaffar Hussain, TX

Br. Najam ud Din, CA

Br. Hanif Harris, TX

Sr. Robina Ali

Sr. Sobia

Sr. Uzma Ahmed, TX (Advisor)

Br Hassan Niaz, TX

Br. Mohammad Aftab, CO

Br. Hayder Mir, MD

Br. Masood Ranginwala, NJ

Br. Amin Jibril

Imam Rafiq Mahdi (William E. Henderson)

Director of Disaster Relief and Outreach

Imam Rafiq Mahdi, born as William E. Henderson II in Knoxville, Tennessee, underwent a profound transformation from his Christian upbringing to Islam at the age of 23. Imam Mahdi’s thirst for knowledge led him to The Islamic University of Madinah, where he earned a diploma in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies. Under the guidance of Sheik Abu Bakr Al-Jazairy, he immersed himself in the intricacies of tafseer at the Masjid of The Prophet Muhammad in Madinah. Imam Mahdi co-founded The Muslim Community of Knoxville Inc., assuming leadership roles as its first Imam and vice president. He served as Imam in various communities, including Miami, FL, FT. Lauderdale, FL, and Knoxville, TN. Currently, Imam Mahdi serves as the Director of Disaster Relief Services and Outreach for ICNA Relief USA, aligning with his belief in the organization’s mission as a true expression of Islam’s core values.  

Sr. Malika MacDonald

Director of Transitional Housing

Malika MacDonald-Rushdan, embarked on her journey by embracing Islam in 1995. With over a decade of experience working with at-risk youth, Malika co-founded the Al-Huda Society during her tenure at ROCA, a program designed to address the unique needs of refugee and immigrant families. Upon relocating to New York, Malika served as the Assistant Director of the 21st Century Community of Learners at Hillcrest Public High School in Jamaica, NY, where she played a crucial role in an after-school enrichment program. Later, as the Assistant Director of the 911 Civil Liberties Project with ICNA Relief USA, she developed a successful women’s transitional housing model, inaugurating the first facility in Jamaica, NY, in 2006. Currently, as the National Director of Transitional Housing, Malika oversees 26 facilities dedicated to housing homeless women, including the Amal Women’s Center in Boston, MA.  

Dr. Reshma Khan

Director of Health Services

Dr. Reshma Khan has dedicated her life to making a positive impact by serving as the Director of Health Services and the founder and Medical Director of Shifa Free Clinic in South Carolina. She earned her medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, followed by the completion of her Ob/Gyn residency at Saint Elizabeth Youngstown Ohio. In addition, she has received numerous prestigious awards, including the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Laurels Award, the Nonprofit Leader Award, and the Leadership in Diversity Award. She is further honored with “Reshma Khan Day,” as proclaimed by Charleston’s Mayor. Dr. Khan’s influence extends beyond the local community; she has been recognized as one of the 100 most inspiring Muslim women from India in the US and acknowledged as one of the 10 trailblazers in South Carolina by the Women’s Right and Empowerment Network. 

Br. Arshad Jamal

Regional Director of North East Region

Arshad Jamal, an accomplished Electrical Engineer with a BSC in Engineering, features a 22-year career that commenced with Pakistan Airlines and later extended to Saudi Airlines in Riyadh. His expertise in flight operations and international planning led him to establish offices in various countries like Turkey, Dubai, and Singapore, managing for events like Hajj and summer holidays mass movement operations. In 2006, he ventured to the USA, starting a franchise business with YUM Group in PA. Additionally, he joined ICNA Relief in 2016, currently serving as the Northeast Regional Director, overseeing 6 offices across MA, NY, NJ, PA, MD, and VA. Arshad’s commitment to ICNA is evident through his roles as NY Secretary General, a 2-year term as a National ICNA Shura member, and his service as the 2020 President of ICNA NY. His multifaceted experience reflects a deep dedication to humanitarian efforts and community service within the ICNA organization. 

Dr. Khalid Memon

Regional Director of Western Region

Dr. Khalid Memon earned his Medical School Degree at Liaquat Medical College in Pakistan, followed by the completion of his Medical Post-Graduation at Brompton Hospital, University of London, UK. After establishing a lengthy career as a Pulmonary Physician, Dr. Memon relocated to California in 1989 with his family. Driven by a passion for assisting the underserved, he initially served as a Clinic Manager at the Al-Shifa Clinic in San Bernardino. In 2010, Dr. Memon joined ICNA Relief, initially as the Director of the Southern California program, and presently holds the position of Director of the Western Region. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Memon dedicates his free time to cherished moments with his family and enjoys the company of his four wonderful grandchildren. 

Br. Zahid Hussain

Director of Hunger Prevention

Zahid Hussain has a robust foundation built upon 15 years of distinguished experience in the IT industry, followed by a transformative career shift into the realm of non-profit work. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, supplemented by numerous certificate courses in the IT industry. As the National Director of Hunger Prevention, Zahid steered the Hunger Prevention Program to achieve remarkable milestones. In 2002, he embarked on his philanthropic journey, volunteering in hunger prevention, homeless initiatives, and winter clothing programs. In 2009, he assumed the role of operations manager at the first food pantry in Dallas. His IT proficiency proved invaluable in automating food pantry processes through Salesforce.com, revolutionizing operations nationwide. In February 2012, he successfully established a food pantry addressing the diverse needs of refugee families and the impoverished. 

Dr. Amber Haque

Director of Muslim Family Services

Dr. Amber Haque is the Director of Muslim Family Services ICNA Relief USA. Formerly, he was a professor and Director of Clinical Psychology Master’s programs at UAE University, UAE, and Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar. He was also the Head of the Psychology Department at International Islamic University Malaysia. He was also a visiting scholar at Cornell University and UPenn, and served as an adjunct faculty at Aligarh Muslim University in India.  Before his academic career, he practiced psychology in Michigan and New York for over 12 years. Dr. Haque earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Haque is currently engaged in research activities at the Muslim Mental Health Consortium, Department of Psychiatry, Michigan State University. His literary contributions include nine edited books and more than one hundred publications.   

Sr. Hala Halabi

Director of Refugee Services
Hala Halabi holds the esteemed position of Director of Refugee Services at ICNA Relief USA. She embarked on her remarkable journey with the organization back in 2011, initially as a dedicated volunteer. Hala’s educational background is distinguished by her Bachelor of Arts in French Literature and a Master’s in Social Work, Community and Administrative Practice, which she obtained from the University of Texas at Arlington.  Hala has made substantial contributions including the improvement of the food pantry, the streamlining of refugee assistance programs, and the efficient management of car donation initiatives. In addition to her multifaceted role, she is also the Director of the Dallas Women’s Transitional Home, showcasing nearly 13 years of valuable experience in the non-profit sector.  

Shaykh Shamikh Sahadat

Director of Revenue

Shaykh Shamikh Sahadat, a graduate of Darul Uloom Institute, Florida, pursued his Islamic Studies under the guidance of Shaykh Shafayat Mohamed from 1998 to 2006. He is originally from Guyana, South America, obtained his Qiraat Ijaza in Imam Hafs’s Riwaya under Qari Abdul Jaleel from England, and received teachings from renowned Qur’aan reciters across Senegal, the United Kingdom, and Egypt.

Shaykh Shamikh expanded his knowledge with Comparative Religion and Theology studies at Broward Community College, Florida. He shared his expertise internationally, lecturing on Islamic Economics, Positive Mental Attitude, and Leadership Skills at universities and organizations in many international countries.

Currently serving as the Director of Revenue for ICNA Relief National, Shaykh Shamikh resides in Atlanta, Georgia. He actively engages with communities, delivering lectures, and working with various organizations across the United States and around the world.

Mohamad Dahsheh

Director of the South-Central region

Mohamad Dahsheh is an ardent advocate for social services, whose journey from a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon to the Director of the South-Central region and Assistant Director of Disaster Relief Services at ICNA Relief USA reflects unwavering dedication to local communities. After completing high school and undergraduate studies in Palestine and Jordan, Mohamad returned to the US, earning an MBA at Nova Southeastern University. Driven by a genuine interest in community service, he actively participated in local Masajid activities, eventually finding his purpose with ICNA Relief USA, an organization committed to making a positive impact in local communities. Mohamad focuses on disaster preparedness and response, embodying a sincere commitment to enhancing grassroots-level social services. His impactful work spans the United States, reaching those in need without seeking excessive recognition, underscoring the transformative potential of dedicated service and the crucial role of social services in constructing resilient and empowered communities. 

Ikram Hussain

Director of the Midwest 2 region
Ikram Hussain, a dedicated community organizer and peace activist, tirelessly uplifts underprivileged and economically challenged communities, particularly in inner cities. With personal attention to individuals and families, he advocates for social justice and equality. He has a 35-year career in Allied Health, including radiology, and also headed initiatives like Helping Hand and served on the board of ICNA Relief. 
 
Currently, as the Regional Director for the Midwest 2 region, he extends his efforts to rural areas, initiating new locations and mentoring others. Ikram’s commitment to community service drives his life’s mission and is inspiring for those around him to strive for positive change.