Islamic Relief Worldwide’s (IRW) international general assembly has passed a resolution to expel the charity’s US member organisation from its federation.
The assembly’s decision follows a long-running dispute between Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) and the international organisation, which is headquartered and registered in the UK.
In 2024 and 2025, US authorities called for IRUSA’s tax-exempt status to be reviewed due to concerns over its affiliation with IRW.
IRUSA subsequently suspended its association with IRW in October 2025 and made several allegations against the UK-based charity including that it had targeted American donors through its fundraising activities.
The US organisation then filed a federal lawsuit in March this year against IRW, which it contested.
In July, IRW welcomed a judge’s order to stay proceedings, and instruction that the parties should attempt to resolve their dispute.
But after the resolution passing on Saturday, IRUSA will no longer have permission from the network to use the Islamic Relief name or assets it currently holds.
US charity responds
IRW chair Haroun Atallah said IRUSA had “damaged the work of the entire federation”.
“It is with deep regret that we therefore feel compelled to take collective action to remove Islamic Relief USA, as it is no longer in the best interests of the federation for them to remain a member,” he said.
“This unanimous vote affirms a simple truth: the millions who rely on the Islamic Relief family are best served when its members pool their expertise and work together to maintain the highest standards. They remain, as they always have, our sole focus.”
In a statement, the US charity said it viewed its expulsion as a “bad faith and ineffective attempt to bypass the very accountability IRUSA has consistently demanded”.
It said: “IRUSA will not allow a foreign entity to compromise three decades of independently built operational excellence, rigorous compliance, transparent financial stewardship, and donor trust.
“IRUSA remains fully compliant with US laws and national security standards, steadfastly committed to expanding its world-class programs and delivering vital aid both at home and internationally with uncompromising integrity.”
In 2025, IRW received £36.8m from IRUSA, which amounts to 13% of its total income.
