About Us
Our Team
The team brings together decades of experience
Br. Abdul Rauf Khan
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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. Ishaq Alpar
Ishaq Alpar is a dedicated and experienced leader in the fight against hunger, serving as the Director of Hunger Prevention at ICNA Relief USA, a prominent nonprofit focused on alleviating food insecurity. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Ishaq has played a key role in developing and overseeing initiatives that provide nutritious food to vulnerable populations. He is committed to addressing the root causes of hunger through advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community-based programs.
In his role, Ishaq manages collaborations with local organizations, creates outreach programs, and works to raise awareness about hunger’s systemic issues. His focus is on creating sustainable, long-term solutions that incorporate education, empowerment, and community involvement.
Ishaq holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from the City University of New York and has earned several recognitions for his efforts in hunger prevention through ICNA Relief’s Halal pantries. His passion for service is driven by the fulfillment he finds in making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, bringing him closer to his mission of ultimately defeating hunger.
Dr. Amber Haque
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
Sr. Hala Halabi
Sr. Zoubeida Ahmed
Zoubeida Ahmed, also known as Sister Zuby, has been an integral member of the ICNA Relief team since 2019, where she currently serves as the Back2School Program Manager and Chicago Grant Manager. With over 14 years of experience in the non-profit sector and a strong educational background in Business Administration and Computer Science, Sister Zuby brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to her role, consistently driving results that positively impact communities.
She has successfully launched several key initiatives throughout her tenure, including the EMPOWER Grant, Student Financial Assistance, and Parent Support through Parent Support Live Sessions as part of the Back2School Program. Her leadership extends to managing essential grant processes that support vital community projects. As an Agile Servant Leader, she fosters collaboration, streamlines processes, and delivers impactful programs efficiently, ensuring sustainable outcomes for the communities served.
Guided by integrity, honesty, excellence, and compassion, Sister Zuby is committed to empowering individuals and helping communities lead dignified lives aligned with Islamic values. She aspires to make a significant difference in the lives of many.
Shaykh Shamikh Sahadat
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
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
Muhammad Arshad Mehmood
Muhammad Arshad Mehmood is a dedicated community leader and social activist with a lifelong passion for creating meaningful change. Hailing from Punjab, Pakistan, he has been at the forefront of efforts to improve access to healthcare, education, clean water, and orphan support, working tirelessly to uplift underserved populations. His leadership journey began in grassroots movements and evolved into influential roles in politics and social services, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
After immigrating to the United States in 2015, Muhammad Arshad joined ICNA Relief Virginia in 2016, bringing his vision and dedication to the organization’s mission. Through his leadership, he has played a pivotal role in expanding programs that address food insecurity, disaster relief, refugee assistance, and other vital services. As the Regional Director for the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, he continues to empower communities by developing sustainable social programs that foster resilience and hope.
Committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities, Muhammad Arshad exemplifies the spirit of service. His tireless efforts and strategic initiatives have earned him recognition as a compassionate leader who transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration.
