Nationality Kuwaiti Name Abdul Al-Sumait Role Medical practitioner | Religion Islam Website [Direct-Aid.org] Known for Philanthropy | |
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Awards King Faisal International Prize Children Asmaa Al-Sumait, Naseeba Al-Sumait, Sohaib Al-Sumait, Sumayah Al-Sumait, Abdullah Al-Sumait Education McGill University (1974–1978), University of Liverpool (1974), University of Baghdad (1972) | ||
Organization King's CollegeHospital | ||
A True Legend - Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Sumait
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.
Contents
- A True Legend Dr Abdul Rahman Al Sumait
- Education
- Career as Physician
- Medical Research
- Philanthropic Efforts
- Direct Aid
- Detention and Imprisonment
- Publications
- Awards and honors
- Final Months and Death
- References
Education
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.
Career as Physician
Al-Sumait has practiced medicine at Montreal Public Hospital from 1974 to 1978.
Medical Research
Philanthropic Efforts
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:
Direct Aid
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.
Direct Aid has its offices in 29 African countries. In addition to that, it was considered a General Consultant in the Economical and Social Board of the United Nations in 1998.
Detention and Imprisonment
As-Sumait was imprisoned twice in his life. The first in Baghdad in 1970 and the second time in 1990 when he was arrested by Iraqi intelligence forces during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. He was shipped to Baghdad and subjected to severe torture. Later in his life when looking back at this terrible ordeal he stated:
I had no doubt whatsoever that I would not die except at the moment Allah had ordained for me.
.
Publications
- Labyyak Africa Book.
- Africa Tear Book (with others).
- Journey of Good in Africa Book “ A message to my father”.
- Antimour Tribes In Madagascar Book.
- Features of Evangelizing Book, Scientific Study.
- Managing the crisis faced by the labors of the Islamic Organizations (Under Printing).
- Safety and Evacuation in Disputed Areas.
- Al Boran Tribes Book.
- Al Dinca Tribes.
- Manual of Relief Centers Management.
Awards and honors
Final Months and Death
Al-sumait struggled his way through the last few months of his life; traveling from Kuwait to numerous places including Germany in search of medical treatment for his ever-worsening medical state.
On 15 August 2013, it was announced that Al-sumait died from complications of a heart condition.