Introduction

Husaini Foundation Thailand (HFT)
Established on June 20, 2024, Husaini Foundation Thailand (HFT) is a Shia Ithna-Ashari Muslim religious and cultural community center. HFT is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, cultural enrichment, and interfaith understanding through a range of services:

• Providing spiritual and ethical guidance for the wider Muslim community
• Supporting the social, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of community members, with a special focus on women and youth
• Promoting authentic Islamic knowledge to enhance understanding among people of all faiths
• Creating Islamic think tanks to address contemporary issues, including public health challenges and environmental concerns
• Building bridges with individuals of different faiths and cultures globally to encourage mutual respect and cooperation

HFT History
Husaini Foundation Thailand (HFT) traces its roots to the Alipuri community from India, whose members gradually migrated to Bangkok over the years. Unlike the earliest Alipuri settlers, Mr. Mumtaz Hussain arrived in Thailand in the 1960s, and later, in the 1970s, Mr. Dabeer Ali arrived with support from the Irani community. There was then a long period during which Alipuris were largely absent from Thailand, until the 1980s when Mr. Fasahat Ali arrived, bringing Mr. Aslam Raza, followed by other key community members, including Mr. Aijaz Ali Jouhari, Mr. Zainul Abiden (known as Bapu), Mr. Akram Raza, Mr. Bahadur Hussain, Mr. Raza Ali, Mr. Sibte Ahmed, Mir Ehsan Ali, and Anjum Raza. Many of these early settlers went on to build successful businesses, particularly in the gem industry.

The first jewelry business, Fanoos Jewellery, was opened by the Raza’s Group in 1987, marking the beginning of a thriving community enterprise. This was followed by the establishment of Hassan Jewellers by Zainul Abiden and his sons, as well as Almas Impex by Mr. Aijaz Ali Jouhari and Nihal Gems by Mr. Bahadur Hussain in the early 1990s.

Today, Thailand is home to a vibrant Alipuri community, primarily concentrated in Bangkok, Maesot, and Chanthaburi. About 95% of this community is involved in the gem trade. With a growing population, the Alipuris founded the Alipur International Traders Association (AITA) in 2003, beginning with 22 founding members. AITA was established to support the Alipuri community with moral, intellectual, and financial assistance, based on Islamic principles.

Originally headquartered on Surawong Road in Bangrak, Bangkok, AITA acquired land for a larger community center in June 2024 to better serve the needs of its growing membership. This new center, now officially named Husaini Foundation Thailand (HFT), continues AITA’s mission of supporting the Alipuri community while fostering cultural, social, and spiritual enrichment.

HFT Activities
Husaini Foundation Thailand (HFT) actively serves the religious and cultural needs of the local community. Weekly supplications and lectures are held on Thursday nights, creating a space for spiritual reflection and learning. In addition to these regular Thursday programs, HFT is a vibrant center of activity throughout the year. The foundation hosts interfaith programs in collaboration with local groups, inviting community leaders to discuss important social and cultural issues.

HFT also organizes special events during significant times in the Islamic calendar, including Ramadan, Muharram, Safar, and Eid celebrations. To support the religious education of the next generation, HFT offers daily Deeniyath classes for children, nurturing their spiritual and moral development.

Center Registration and Leadership Team
The center was officially registered under the leadership of the IBS-AITA Management Committee, serving from 2021 to 2024, along with 44 trustee members. The committee members are:

• Syed Alim Raza – President & HFT President
• Syed Athqiya Hussain – Secretary
• Syed Dilair Abbas – Treasurer
• Syed Dawood Raza – Vice President
• Syed Zargham Hyder – Joint Secretary
• Syed Azim Raza – Joint Treasurer
• Moulana Sarkar Abidi Saheb – Resident Alim (2021 to 2024)
• Moulana Tasdeeq Aabidi Saheb – Current Resident Alim

Site Details:
The total site area covers 54.5 + 50 square wah, approximately 4,500 square feet.

Planned Facilities:

• Ground Floor: Reserved for parking.
• First Floor: Designed for the Imam Bargah (Men’s prayer area) and includes an office space.
• Second Floor: Designed for the Imam Bargah (Women’s prayer area), a two-bedroom flat for the Resident Alim, and a children’s playroom.
• Third & Fourth Floors: Feature rooms available for rental, as well as a dedicated guest room for visitors of HFT.
  

For more information about Husaini Foundation Thailand (HFT),
please contact the President, Alim Raza, at +66 81 616 2633.

Location: Husaini Foundation Thailand (HFT) is located at Soi 42, Chan Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10120