Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sumait عبد الرحمن السميط |
|
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Born |
Kuwait |
15 October 1947
Died | 15 August 2013 Kuwait |
(aged 65)
Nationality | Kuwaiti |
Education | Specialization in Internal medicine and Digestive Diseases |
Alma mater | University of Baghdad, Liverpool University, McGill University |
Occupation | Physician, islamic preacher |
Organization | King's College Hospital |
Known for | Philanthropic Efforts |
Awards | King Faisal International Prize |
Website | [Direct-Aid.org] |
Dr. Abd Al-Rahman bin Hamood Al-Sumait (Arabic: عبد الرحمن السميط, abd al-Rahman al-samet; 15 October 1947 – 15 August 2013) was an Islamic scholar, medical practitioner and Humanitarian from Kuwait. He was famously known for his extensive philanthropic works in more than 29 African countries benefiting millions of people in several ways.
Born and raised in Kuwait, Al-Sumait was a qualified doctor specializing in internal medicine and gastroenterology before becoming involved in charity work. He graduated from the University of Baghdad with a BS in Medicine and Surgery, a diploma in Tropical Diseases from the University of Liverpool in 1974. He completed his postgraduate from McGill University in Canada, specializing in internal medicine and digestive systems.
Al-Sumait has practiced medicine at Montreal Public Hospital from 1974 to 1978.
Abdul Rahman Al Sumait is the founder of the Africa Muslims Agency (new name, Direct Aid), and has worked as it's Secretary General from 1987 until his death in 2013. He is also the founder of Kuwait Relief Agency and worked as its CEO from 1987 - 2013 and coordinator of Health Attaché for the Kuwait Embassy in Kenya. Following is a list of charity and welfare institutions founded by Al-Sumait:
In 1981, Al-Sumait founded the Africa Muslim Agency, later renamed as "Direct Aid" society. The society provides extensive humanitarian assistance to impoverished Muslims throughout Africa. It has built 124 hospitals and dispensaries, 840 schools, 204 Islamic Centers, 214 women training centers and 2,200 mosques. The society has also established two colleges in Kenya and Zanzibar, offered 200 scholarships to Muslim African students to pursue higher studies in medicine, engineering and technology.