Dr. Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sumait (Kuwait): A great Muslim preacher

Dr. Abd Al-Rahman bin Hamood Al-Sumait (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 29African countries benefiting millions of people in several ways. He is also said to have inspired eleven million Africans to revert to Islam. He founded 5700 mosques,860 madrashas,4 universities and 204 Islam preaching centres. He also provided maintenance to1500 orphans and set up 9500 wells for drinking water. 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:  Founding member of the Montreal branch of the Muslim Students Society, 1974-1976. Malawi Muslims Committee – Kuwait 1980, Kuwaiti Relief Committee, International Islamic Charity Authority – Kuwait & , International Islamic council for Call and Relief – Kuwait,  Member of Charity Rescue Society – Kuwait,  General Secretary of the African Muslims Committee, 1981 – 1999,  Chairman of Direct Aid, 1999 – 2008 Member of the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society – Kuwait,  Editor-in-Chief of Al Kawther Magazine, 1984 until his death.,  Member of the council of trustees of Islamic Call Organization – Sudan,  Member of the council of trustees of Science and Technology University – Yemen,  Chairman of the board of Faculty of Education – Zangbar,  Chairman of the board of Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies – Kenya and  Chairman of Charity Work Studies Center – Kuwait In 1981, Al-Sumait founded the Africa Muslim Agency, later renamed as “Direct Aid” society.

. The society has also 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. 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.