International Islamic Charity Organisation (IICO)

The International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the Muslim world. It is an independent, multi-faceted charity that provides its humanitarian services to those in need in the world without discrimination or intolerance away from interference in politics or ethnic conflicts. The founding of IICO dates back to 1984, when a number of Muslim scholars called for raising a billion dollars to invest and spend from revenues to combat the “triad of danger” (poverty, ignorance and disease) and face the increasing needs of poor communities, after the rise of disease, poverty, illiteracy and unemployment rates in most Muslim countries. His Highness Late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah have mercy on him, issued an Ameri Decree no. 64 of 1986 AD establishing the International Islamic Charity Organization. It states that IICO shall have a legal personality with headquarters based in Kuwait and may establish branches outside Kuwait. It may engage upon its activities in accordance with the provisions of its Statute issued on 4 Jumada II, 1407 AH corresponding to February 1987 AD. The International Islamic Charity Organization was then presided over by Uncle Yousef Jassem Al-Hajji, who acted as Chairman of the Board of Directors for twenty-five years since its establishment. During this term, he managed to expand IICO activities to achieve its noble and ambitious goals and objectives in cooperation with and support of the Board of Directors, the General Assembly and its employees. On 26 Jumada I, 1431 AH corresponding to May 10, 2010 AD, IICO General Assembly has chosen the Advisor to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Dr. Abdullah Maatouq Al-Maatouq as Chairman of IICO. Dr. Al-Maatouq has academic experience in the field of Islamic studies and has acted as Minister of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for several consecutive terms.