Al-Hariri Foundation of Lebanon
King Faisal Prize in Service to Islam 2005 Laureate
Moral politics, besides being an honorable service to the people, is a developmental work as well
Al-Hariri Foundation is one of the most respected philanthropic organizations in the Arab and the Islamic worlds. Established in 1979 by the late Rafiq Al-Hariri 1944-2005 of Lebanon, the Foundation has branches in France, Britain, and the U.S.A.
Al-Hariri Foundation is best known for its passionate support of education, Islamic institutions, and general social welfare in Lebanon, and for contributing substantial resources to relief efforts and reconstruction in that country in the aftermath of the Lebanese civil war.
It is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, and not-for-profit organization, originally formed in Sidon under the name of “The Islamic Institute for Culture and Higher Education” then re-named “Al-Hariri Foundation” and its Headquarters moved to Beirut, with branches in several Lebanese regions. In its endeavors to promote national unity and moderation among the Lebanese,
it has – over the past 25 years – built and financially supported schools, technical colleges, mosques, orphanages, hospitals, and facilities for the elderly and the disabled throughout Lebanon.
The Foundation’s role in the advancement of education and conservation of Islamic architecture and culture is further evidence of its commitment to the Lebanese people. The Foundation has restored and refurbished several historic buildings in Lebanon, including mosques in Baalbek, Sidon, and Sur (Tyre).
To help build human resources to meet Lebanon’s current and future needs, Al-Hariri Foundation has assisted in the education or training of nearly 35,000 Lebanese students, including some 4000 engineers, 1500 physicians and more than 835 Ph.D. students, regardless of their religion or political affiliation. Hundreds of postgraduate students supported by the Foundation have completed their studies at leading universities and colleges in the West. The Foundation has also supported some educational, social, medical, and scientific centers in other countries.
This biography was written in the year the prize was awarded.
