Kuwaitis Have Been Philanthropists For 400 Years

Since 400 years ago, Kuwaitis have advocated relieving and assisting people in distress and need, long before the oil boom of the last century. Kuwaitis, when they depended on the sea to make a living, were known for various kinds of “fazaas,” the mobilization of people particularly tribesmen to support and relieve fellows in difficulties or under threat.

"Fazaat Al-sari (ship sail)" was used for salvaging damaged or sinking dhows, and "Fazaat Al-iktitab (subscription)" was used to raise donations for the impoverished or afflicted.

In 1624, there was a "fazaa" that backed the Omanis against the Portuguese, helped tribes living nearby, afflicted nations, raised donations to aid the Ottomans in catastrophes, helped the Kazakhs after the Astana fire in 1912, and renovated Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1924, in addition to constructing mosques in Kuwait as well.

Many of the names of the late Amirs were glorified with calls connected to charity, such as that of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, known as "Jaber Al-Atharat," collecting money to relieve defaulters. As to Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, he established a guest house. Moreover during his era, the first charitable association was established, named "The Arab Charitable Society."

In 2014, the United Nations took an initiative, honoring Kuwait with the title, “the international center for humanitarian action,” and designating its late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as “the leader of humanitarian action,” despite Kuwait's record of uncountable good deeds abroad, such as building schools, hospitals, roads, and water wells..”

Dr. Abdullah Al-Maatouq, chairperson of the International Islamic Charity Organization and Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General, celebrated International Day of Charity on September 5. KUNA quoted Abdullah Al-Maatouq as saying that Kuwait takes pride in the event, given its humanitarian message and pioneering international role in aid.

Kuwait will continue to make generous humanitarian contributions aimed at improving people's lives, he said. He affirmed its unwavering commitment to helping others, driven by its cultural, religious and social heritage. Humanitarian values are a constant basis and immortal heritage in the Kuwaiti society, he added, noting that the philanthropic action has become a lifestyle adopted by a Kuwaiti generation after another.

Humanitarian action constitutes the core of the sagacious leadership’s vision, adopted by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the well-guided Government. The concept of humanitarian action, he continued, has become an inseparable part of the state.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Kuwait, Nisreen Rbaiaan, expressed her appreciation of Kuwait's distinguished history of good deeds in remarks to KUNA.

In addition, Kuwait's eminent international status is attributed to its continuous charity and leading role in helping the weak and vulnerable in the Middle East and around the world, she explained. Kuwait has so far aided more than eight million refugees and displaced people, she confirmed. Additionally, Rbaiaan described Kuwait's assistance to people suffering from wars, conflicts, and natural disasters, as well as its participation in international peace dialogues.

Khaled Al-Shatti, head of the Kuwait Center for Documenting Humanitarian Action, spoke on the occasion about Kuwait's charitable activities since the 4th century.

 

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