Mohammed Aleem – A Life of Faith, Service, and Innovation

Some lives are more than biographies; they are journeys of faith, bridges between worlds, and beacons of service. The life of Mohammed Aleem is such a journey. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the historic streets of Oxford, from America’s cutting-edge aerospace industry to the digital frontiers of humanitarian work, Aleem’s story is one of resilience, vision, and an unshakable commitment to making the world better through knowledge and compassion.

Born in 1958 in Karachi, Pakistan, Aleem inherited a legacy of education and determination. His parents, Mohammed Abdul Haleem and Muzaffar (Bibi) Haleem, were themselves pioneers of their time. His father, who studied chemistry and English literature in the United States, and his mother, one of the rare women of her generation to earn a law degree, instilled in their children the value of learning and service.

When the family moved to Oxford, England, Aleem absorbed the richness of diversity, learning alongside people of different faiths and traditions. That early exposure planted in him a lifelong respect for dialogue, inclusion, and bridge-building—qualities that would define his later work.

In 1979, Aleem traveled to the United States to pursue higher education. At Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, he earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in Management Information Systems. It was not just academics that shaped him; it was the spirit of exploration. After graduation, he and his cousin embarked on a cross-country road trip, embracing America’s vast diversity and finding a new home in California.

Aleem began his career with Bechtel Power Corporation, working on nuclear power projects, and later joined TRW Aerospace, where he contributed to advances in technology that would shape the modern world. These early professional years gave him insight into the power of science and innovation—but Aleem’s heart sought more than career success. He was seeking ways to harmonize technology with humanity.

In 1986, Aleem returned to Karachi and met Maleeha Ahmed, the daughter of Justice M.B. Ahmed, a distinguished figure of Pakistan’s independence movement. Their marriage was not only a personal blessing but also the beginning of a service partnership. Together, they returned to California and built a family rooted in faith, compassion, and a vision for uplifting others.

The Gulf War of 1991 opened Aleem’s eyes to the urgent humanitarian needs of the world. Alongside his brother Muneeb and friends, he co-founded Human Assistance and Development International (HADI). What began as food and medicine deliveries to Iraq soon transformed into something even more forward-looking: using technology to empower people.

During the Balkan wars of the 1990s, HADI established computer training centers in Croatia, Bosnia, and Albania, offering young people the skills to rebuild their lives. At a time when the internet was still in its infancy, HADI’s office in Hermosa Beach became a hub of technological learning and collaboration.

By 1995, Aleem and his colleagues launched IslamiCity, one of the world’s first comprehensive Islamic knowledge platforms. With domains like Islam.org and Allah.org, they envisioned a global digital library for seekers of authentic knowledge. By the turn of the millennium, nearly 3 million people a year were visiting the site.

After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, IslamiCity emerged as a lifeline—a trusted space for dialogue, understanding, and peace. When misinformation spread like wildfire, IslamiCity became a beacon of truth, showing how technology could be used not to divide, but to connect.

Aleem’s leadership did not stop at IslamiCity. In 2007, he co-founded CLASSRoad (Center for Languages, Arts, and Societies of the Silk Road), promoting the diverse cultures and languages that once connected civilizations. And in 2023, HADI revived HADI Relief, returning to its humanitarian roots with a renewed focus on education and sustainable partnerships.

Today, as CEO of HADI, Aleem continues to guide three flagship initiatives:IslamiCity (est. 1995): A pioneering digital platform serving millions worldwide with accessible, authentic Islamic knowledge. CLASSRoad (est. 2007): An educational initiative promoting Silk Road languages and cultures. HADI Relief (revived 2023): A global humanitarian program focused on education and sustainable community development.

The story of Mohammed Aleem is not only about what he accomplished, but also about what it teaches us.

Rooted in his Islamic tradition, Aleem never saw faith as isolation, but as a bridge to others.

From nuclear plants to classrooms in Bosnia to digital platforms worldwide, Aleem turned knowledge into a force for empowerment.

Whether through food aid, cultural education, or digital outreach, his work reminds us that technology finds its noblest purpose when it uplifts humanity.

Mohammed Aleem’s life reminds us that true success is not measured only in titles or careers, but in the lives touched, the bridges built, and the hope kindled. His journey—from Karachi to California, from engineer to humanitarian, from technologist to bridge-builder—is a call to all of us, a call to use what we know to serve, a call to let faith guide our innovation, and a call to build bridges, not walls.

For in the end, the most significant legacy is not what we gather, but what we give.