The Islamic Foundation Bangladesh
A governmental institution dedicated to promoting Islamic values, education, and research across Bangladesh.
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What is the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh?
A Government Mandate
The Islamic Foundation Bangladesh is a pivotal government organization operating under the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bangladesh. Its core mandate involves the dissemination of Islamic values and ideals, alongside the execution of various activities aligned with these principles. Established on March 22, 1975, it has served the nation for over five decades, playing a crucial role in the religious and cultural landscape of the country.
Core Objectives
The Foundation's primary objectives are multifaceted, encompassing Islamic education, publication, and research activities. It strives to foster a deeper understanding of Islamic philosophy, culture, and way of life among the populace. Through its various initiatives, it aims to uphold and propagate the teachings of Islam in a structured and organized manner, contributing to the spiritual and intellectual development of Bangladeshi society.
Central Administration
With its head office strategically located in Dhaka, the capital city, the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh maintains a centralized administrative structure. This central hub coordinates the extensive network of its operations across the nation, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in its programs and outreach. The Director General serves as the chief executive, overseeing the day-to-day functions and strategic implementation of the Foundation's goals.
Organizational Structure & Reach
Nationwide Network
The Islamic Foundation Bangladesh boasts an extensive organizational structure designed to reach communities across the entire nation. This network includes:
- 6 Divisional Offices: Strategic centers for regional coordination.
- 64 District Offices: Localized presence in every district to implement programs.
- 7 Imam Training Academy Centers: Dedicated institutions for the education and professional development of Imams.
- 29 Islamic Mission Centers: Hubs for outreach, community engagement, and missionary activities.
This widespread presence underscores the Foundation's commitment to serving the diverse religious needs of Bangladesh.
Leadership and Staff
The Foundation is led by a dedicated team, ensuring its operational efficiency and adherence to its mission. Key leadership roles include:
- Chairman: A F M Khalid Hossain
- Director General: Abdus Salam Khan (Chief Executive)
- Secretary: Mohammad Ismail Hossain
The organization is supported by a substantial workforce of 1477 staff members, who are instrumental in carrying out its diverse activities. The budget for the Foundation is allocated by the Government of Bangladesh, reflecting its status as a state-sponsored entity.
Key Organizational Data
For a quick overview of the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh's foundational details:
Mission: Education, Publication, Research
Advancing Islamic Education
A cornerstone of the Islamic Foundation's mission is to promote and facilitate Islamic education. This involves not only formal training through its Imam Training Academy Centers but also broader educational initiatives aimed at the general public. The goal is to enhance religious literacy and understanding, ensuring that the principles of Islam are accessible and comprehensible to all segments of society. This commitment to education underpins the Foundation's role in shaping religious discourse and practice in Bangladesh.
Publication and Dissemination
The Foundation is a prolific publisher of Islamic literature, including scholarly works, religious texts, and educational materials. These publications serve to disseminate knowledge, preserve Islamic heritage, and provide resources for religious study and reflection. By making a wide array of Islamic texts available, the Foundation supports both academic inquiry and personal spiritual growth, reinforcing its role as a key intellectual institution within the Islamic community of Bangladesh.
Fostering Islamic Research
Beyond education and publication, the Islamic Foundation is dedicated to fostering research into Islamic philosophy, culture, and way of life. This research component is vital for addressing contemporary issues from an Islamic perspective, contributing to scholarly dialogue, and ensuring the continued relevance of Islamic teachings in modern society. By supporting rigorous academic inquiry, the Foundation aims to deepen understanding and provide informed perspectives on complex religious and social matters.
Historical Trajectory
Early Beginnings (1959-1974)
The roots of the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh trace back to 1959 in Dhaka, where two distinct organizations emerged with the shared goal of propagating Islamic teachings. The Baitul Mukarram Society undertook the construction of the iconic Baitul Mukarram mosque, a significant landmark. Concurrently, a group of Islamic scholars established a 'Darul Ulum' (House of Knowledge) to advance Islamic philosophy, culture, and lifestyle through popularization and research. In 1960, this Darul Ulum was rebranded as the Islamic Academy and integrated as a branch of the Central Institute of Islamic Research, headquartered in Karachi.
Formal Establishment and Growth (1974-1980)
The current iteration of the Islamic Foundation was formally inaugurated in 1974 by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking a pivotal moment in its institutional development. This establishment consolidated previous efforts into a unified governmental body. The Foundation quickly gained momentum, notably organizing a seminar in March 1978, sponsored by the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), which saw participation from representatives of 16 countries, including Bangladesh. The period between 1979 and 1980 witnessed significant developmental strides for the Foundation, solidifying its operational framework and expanding its reach.
Notable Controversy
The "Chairs in Mosques" Fatwa (2015)
In 2015, the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh became the center of public debate following its issuance of a fatwa (religious edict) that prohibited the use of chairs by elderly worshipers in mosques. The then-head of the Foundation, Shamim Afzal, justified this decision by stating that there were no historical instances of the Prophet Muhammad praying while seated on a chair. He further asserted that the presence of chairs detracted from the aesthetic appeal of mosques.
Widespread Outcry and Rebuttal
This fatwa provoked considerable outrage and strong protests from more learned ulema (Islamic scholars), who unequivocally condemned it as an "incorrect and exaggerated decision." They pointed to numerous hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet) that contradicted the Foundation's claim, indicating that praying while seated due to physical inability is permissible in Islam. The controversy quickly escalated, drawing national attention.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not religious or governmental advice. The information provided on this website should not be considered a substitute for official statements, religious guidance from qualified scholars, or governmental directives. For matters pertaining to religious practice, policy, or official information regarding the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh, always refer to official sources and consult with recognized religious authorities or government bodies. Never disregard official or scholarly advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.