Being an important hub for Muslims around the world because of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims throughout the year, Jeddah is home to some of the most significant headquarters of Islamic Cooperations such as:
1. Organization of Islamic Cooperation:
Objective:
To represent the Muslim world and meet their needs and interests in a peaceful, dialogue-oriented way. The organization has the following main bodies:
- The Islamic Summit: The supreme authority of the Organization composed of Kings and Heads of State and Government of Member States.
- The Council of Foreign Ministers: To consider ways of implementing general policies.
- The General Secretariat: The executive organ, which decides on the implementation of decisions made by the two other bodies.
History:
Date: 25 September 1969
Reason: In response to criminal arson of Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
Achievements:
- The second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations, with members from 57 states, spread over four continents.
- Resolving the clash between Jordan and Palestine, jointly led by the Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Naseer and Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal.
- Resolving the 1974 Pakistan and Bangladesh conflict.
- Resolving the oil restriction issue against Israel in 1974.
Location:
Madinah Rd., Al Sharafeyah
Contact Information:
2. Islamic Development Bank:
Objective:
An international financial institution to “foster the economic development and social progress of member Muslim countries individually and jointly in accordance with the principles of Shari’ah Law.”
The bank’s services include:
- Equity capital
- Grant loans
- Financial assistance
- Trust funds
- Foreign trade
- Technical assistance
- Training facilities
History:
Date: 20 October 1975.
Reason: Under the Declaration of Intent issued by the Conference of Finance Ministers of Muslim Countries in Jeddah.
Achievements:
- Its membership has grown to 56 member countries from the original 22.
- Gained an “AAA” long-term rating
- Classified a “zero-risk weighted multilateral development bank under the Basel Capital Accord II.”
- Successful pioneer of an alternative system of banking and financing based on Shari’ah Law.
Location:
King Khalid St., AI Nuzlah AI Yamania Dist.
Contact Information:
Tel: +966-12-6361400
3. World Association of Muslim Youth:
Objective:
An international Islamic educational organization which helps “preserve the identity of Muslim youth and help overcome the problems they face in modern society and educate and train Muslim youth in order for them to become active and positive citizens in their countries”. WAMY organizes conferences, symposia, educational workshops and research circles to address youth and students’ issues. It also aims to introduce Islam to non-Muslims.
History:
Date: 1972
By: Muslim Brotherhood member Kamal Helwabi
Achievements:
- Reportedly the world’s largest Muslim organization
- Has divisions in 56 other countries and is affiliated with around 500 other
Location: Though the headquarters are in Riyadh, there is a major branch in Jeddah.
King Fahd Rd., Mushrifah Dist.
Contact Information:
4. International Islamic Relief Organization:
Objective:
An international charity organization that originates from the Muslim World League. The aim is to help “alleviate the suffering of the distressed and needy people world-wide.”
History:
Date: 1978
Reason: A decision made at the 20th session of the Constituent Council of the Muslim World League
Achievements:
- Established a variety of vocational training centers and institutions to train needy and poor students in carpentry, blacksmith, auto mechanic, electrician, tailoring, knitting, computer, and others.
- Established the Society Development Department to address the needs of the underprivileged of society, such as widows, orphans, the elderly, disabled, the sick, poor students, needy families, productive families, drugs addicts, juveniles, and victims of disaster and calamities.
- Prepares to provide free meals every year to thousands of people fasting in Ramadan around the world, especially in areas struck by natural disasters, calamities, and poverty.
Location:
Qut Al Qulub, Al Ruwais Dist.
Contact Information:
Tel: +966-12-6512333
5. Holy Qur’an Memorization International Organization
Objective:
This charitable organization’s aim is to teach Muslims how to memorize the Qur’an, perfecting it, learning Qur’an sciences with meanings by implementing them in life, and eventually teaching it to others. It is affiliated with the Muslim World League.
History:
Date: November 2000
By: Constituent Council of the Muslim World League
Achievements:
- Hold many courses, seminars, competitions with scholarship grants around the world.
- Thousands of Hafaz graduate annually.
- Have expanded to 67 Qur’an institutes in Asia, Europe and Africa.
- Won the International Award for Services in the field of Holy Qur’an.
Location:
King Abdullah Rd., Al Naseem Dist.
Contact Information:
Tel: +966-5522252012
