Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation
Definition and Overview
The Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation was established in the late 1980s in honor of Ayatollah Abol-Qassem al-Khoi (d. 1992), who was a marja al-taqlid (authority to be followed) for the majority of Shi’i Muslims worldwide. The foundation’s aim is to provide Islamic education through religious centers and institutions, engage in humanitarian activities, and supervise religious endowments (waqfs) and assets globally.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: مؤسسة الخوئي الخيرية (Muʾassasat al-Khoei al-Khayrīya)
- Turkish: Al-Khoei Yardım Vakfı
Establishment and History
The foundation was set up in New York to ensure its governance over Islamic assets under Western law. Following Ayatollah Al-Khoi’s death in 1992, the assets managed by the foundation were treated as waqfs, managed by appointed trustees in various countries.
Administrative Branches
The Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation has its two major administrative branches located in New York and London. Over time, it has grown into an entity managed through cooperative efforts from its board, comprising mainly of businessmen. It has been registered as a nonprofit corporation with the aim to:
- Solicit, raise, accept, hold, administer, invest, and reinvest funds.
- Manage other properties associated with its objectives.
Activities and Goals
While the Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation’s primary mission remains the representation of Shi’i interests worldwide, its specific goals are established and pursued by the foundation’s board. Successors to the position of marja al-taqlid act as ceremonial patrons following Al-Khoi’s death.
Further Studies
Suggested Books
- “Faith, Unity, Discipline: The Interplay of Politics and Islam in Modern Iran” by Roy P. Mottahedeh – Provides insights into the role of religious foundations like Al-Khoei in Iran’s socio-political landscape.
- “The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future” by Vali Nasr – Discusses the modern developments within Shi’i communities, including organizations like the Al-Khoei Foundation.
- “Islam: A Very Short Introduction” by Malise Ruthven – Offers a general overview of Islam, providing context for understanding charitable and religious foundations within the faith.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation showcases the integral role of religious foundations within Islamic communities, particularly in diaspora contexts. By fostering Islamic education, managing religious assets, and engaging in humanitarian efforts, the foundation embodies Ayatollah Al-Khoi’s vision of sustained spiritual and communal guidance. Through its sustained global activities and stewardship under recognized religious and business leaders, the foundation continues its mission to support Shi’i interests and Islamic principles on a global scale.
This entry encapsulates the key facets of the Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation, endowing readers with a comprehensive understanding of its inception, objectives, and ongoing legacy within the global Shi’i community.
