Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a humanitarian aid and international development organization, with 26 years experience serving humanity. The organization was founded by Dr. Hany El Banna in Birmingham, Great Britain in 1984 as a response to the devastating famine in the horn of Africa. Since then Islamic Relief has grown to become a worldwide active organization. Islamic Relief is active in providing emergency aid and assistance and has initiated development projects in 28 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Islamic Relief employs local people because they understand the needs of their own communities.

Islamic Relief Germany was founded in 1996. Its main concern is to raise donations to fund much-needed humanitarian projects. The Islamic Relief headquarters in Germany is based in Cologne, and two branches operate in Berlin and Essen. Islamic Relief Worldwide works together with more than ten other partner offices around the world, mainly located in North-America and Western Europe. Each partner office runs fundraising campaigns in their respective countries.
Islamic Relief is the first Islamic humanitarian organization to operate in Europe. It forms a bridge between beneficiaries and individual donors as well as the international donor community.