Imtiaz Sooliman: A Mercy to All

Imtiaz Sooliman and the Gift of the Givers: A Mercy to All, a medical doctor practising in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, visited a Shaikh in Istanbul in 1992. The Sufi teacher gave him a message that would dramatically change the lives of countless people.

Imtiaz Sooliman: A Mercy to All

‘To my absolute astonishment he told me I would help people for the rest of my life. He then instructed me to form a humanitarian organisation called the “Gift of the Givers,” and repeated the phrase “the best among people are those who benefit mankind.”

Almost 30 years later Imtiaz Sooliman and the Gift of the Givers, Africa’s largest humanitarian and disaster agency, has a reputation for speedy responses to floods, war, famine, fires, tsunamis, kidnapping and earthquakes.

Well-known for their interventions in South African and international disasters, teams of volunteers have undertaken missions to places such as Bosnia, Palestine, Japan, Haiti, Indonesia, Malawi and Mozambique. They have put up hospitals, run clinics, dug wells, drilled boreholes, built houses, offered scholarships and provided shelter, food, and psychological succour to millions.

Imtiaz Sooliman: A Mercy to All remarkable journey and the establishment of the Gift of the Givers Foundation are stories of compassion, dedication, and humanitarian excellence. Founded in 1992, the organization has grown to become one of the most effective and respected disaster response agencies globally. Driven by a philosophy of mercy and a commitment to alleviate human suffering, the Gift of the Givers has provided aid to millions of people across the world.

The Genesis of a Humanitarian Vision

Imtiaz Sooliman: A Mercy to All, a South African medical doctor, was deeply inspired by his spiritual mentor, Sufi Sheikh Muhammed Saffer Effendi al Jerrahi, who gave him a clear directive: “To serve all people of all races, all religions, all classes, all cultures, and all colors.” This spiritual calling led Dr. Sooliman to establish the Gift of the Givers Foundation, based on principles of compassion, selflessness, and service to humanity.

Founding Gift of the Givers

In the early 1990s, South Africa was transitioning from apartheid to democracy, a period marked by significant social and economic challenges. Recognizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, Dr. Sooliman founded Gift of the Givers with a mission to provide rapid and effective disaster response, humanitarian aid, and development projects. The organization began with a focus on local needs but quickly expanded its reach to international crises.

Humanitarian Efforts and Impact

Over the years, Gift of the Givers and Imtiaz Sooliman: A Mercy to All has responded to numerous natural and man-made disasters, providing critical relief to affected populations. The foundation’s work includes delivering food, water, medical supplies, and shelter to those in need. Their interventions have saved countless lives and brought hope to communities devastated by tragedy.

Disaster Response and Relief

Gift of the Givers and Imtiaz Sooliman: A Mercy to All has been at the forefront of disaster response, from earthquakes and tsunamis to conflicts and famine. Their rapid deployment teams are renowned for their efficiency and effectiveness, often arriving in disaster zones within hours. Notable interventions include relief efforts in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the Syrian refugee crisis.

In South Africa, the foundation has provided critical support during floods, droughts, and other emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gift of the Givers played a vital role in supplying hospitals with PPE, ventilators, and other essential equipment, while also distributing food parcels to vulnerable communities.

Healthcare and Medical Missions

Healthcare is a cornerstone of Gift of the Givers’ work. The foundation has established and supported numerous medical facilities, provided free medical care, and conducted complex surgeries in underserved regions. Their medical missions have reached countries like Somalia, Yemen, and Malawi, where access to healthcare is limited.

One of the organization’s notable achievements is the establishment of the Ar Rahma Hospital in Syria, a fully equipped medical facility providing comprehensive healthcare services in a war-torn region. The hospital has treated thousands of patients and stands as a beacon of hope in an area ravaged by conflict.

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