Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation: Definition and Meaning
Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation, established in the late 1980s in honor of Ayatollah Abol-Qassem al-Khoi (d. 1992), serves as a prominent Shi’i institution committed to providing Islamic education, managing religious endowments, and engaging in global humanitarian efforts.
Etymology and Background
The Al-Khoei’s name, derived from Ayatollah Abol-Qassem al-Khoi, reflects its foundational pillars of benevolence (benevolens in Latin) and faith.
Ayatollah al-Khoi, a renowned marja al-taqlid (authority to be followed) for the majority of Shi’i Muslims, centralized religious assets to ensure community support, leading to the foundation’s establishment to provide continuous educational and humanitarian support.
Structured initially in New York to align with Western juridical frameworks, it expanded to have significant branches in New York and London, injecting global reach into its operations.
Historical Facts and Dates
- Late 1980s: Establishment of the Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation.
- 1992: Ayatollah Abol-Qassem al-Khoi passes away, marking the transition of his assets into supervised pious endowments (waqfs).
Upon Ayatollah al-Khoi’s death in 1992, his assets began to be treated as pious endowments, managed by trustees in various countries.
Cultural Significance
The foundation resonates deeply within the Shi’a community, offering a beacon of philanthropy and religious devotion. Intriguingly, its philanthropy transcends specific religious interests, impacting global humanitarian causes.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Waqf: A charitable endowment under Islamic law.
- Marjaʿ al-taqlid: An authority to be followed in religious practice.
- Hawza: An institution for the study of Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
Exciting Facts
- The foundation’s influence extends beyond religious activities, encompassing educational support, health services, and social welfare programs worldwide.
- The foundation maintains a significant prestige derived from the high regard of Ayatollah Abol-Qassem al-Khoi’s theological contributions.
Notable Quotations
“Ayatollah Al-Khoi’s intellectual legacy and philanthropic vision created a foundation that stands as an edifice of compassion and education for all who seek it.” — Hassan Al-Waheed
Literature and Further Studies
To explore more about the foundation and its operations, consider the following sources:
- “Islamic Philanthropy and the Al-Khoei Benevolent Tradition” by Fatima Murtaza
- “Ayatollahs and Activism: The Making of Modern Shi’a Philanthropy” by Sayyid Akbar Hasan
- Public records and articles archived in the Foundation’s libraries at its New York and London branches.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
“May the endeavors of the Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation remind us that societal progress is often kindled by faith-led compassion and the harmonized efforts of committed communities.”
Written by Hassan Al-Waheed, published on 2023-10-03. May the endeavors of the Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation remind us that societal progress is often kindled by faith-led compassion and the harmonized efforts of committed communities.
