The Marafie Legacy
A distinguished Kuwaiti entrepreneur and philanthropist, the late Mohammad Rafie Husain Marafie was an enlightened man with a firm belief in the transformative potential of education. He sponsored the first charity school, which was established by his cousin in Kuwait. As Patriarch of a prominent family, he also contributed generously to relief efforts and community Welfare all over the world. He founded the Marafie Foundation for organizing his humanitarian work. He believed that the poor should share in the prosperity of the rich. Thus, in addition to setting up the Foundation, he also willed one-third of his fortune to charitable causes.
In 1976, the family lost its benevolent patriarch, but they committed anew to continuing the Philanthropic work he had started. After his demise, the family formalized the management of The Marafie Foundation, restructuring it to continue the charitable work started by the founder. It has continued to grow in size and scope, making a difference in the lives of countless people in need across the globe.
Mohammad Rafie Hussain Marafie (1909-1976)
The Founder
Abdul Ilah Marafie
Chief Patron Trustee
The establishment of the Marafie Foundation in 1986 started with Abdul lllah Marafie’s visit to Skardu, Baltistan. He witnessed without access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities due to a lack of education. Moved by their plight, Abdul lllah Marafie assumed the responsibilities of Deputy Chief Patron Trustee of Marafie Foundation, later being appointed as its Chief Patron Trustee in 1993. In this role, he has played a key role in improving the way the foundation operates for maximum efficacy and in expanding the scope of its welfare activities by adopting best corporate practices for organizational efficiency and transparency. Abdul llah Marafie initiated new projects centered on the construction of community buildings, the establishment of schemes for the provision of clean drinking water, and the setting up of libraries, computer literacy and technical/vocational training programs. The inclusive approach of “working together for humanity” distinguishes the Marafie Foundation from others and also sets it apart as a role model for others to emulate. Abdul llah Marafie is a true “symbol of synergy,”, especially in the field of community development. In recognition of his public service, the Government of Pakistan has conferred on him Tamgha-e-lmtiaz.
Abdul Fatah Marafie was the first person to visit the Northern areas of Pakistan in 1986.He was commitment to making a positive impact on the world goes beyond mere words, reflecting the essence of the age-old saying, “If you want to change the world, be that change.” His transformative journey began in 1986 when he visited Baltistan and witnessed the harsh reality of abject poverty that gripped the local community. In the face of this dire situation, marked by a lack of basic healthcare and educational infrastructure, Abdul Fatah Marafie felt a profound responsibility to act.
Motivated by a deep sense of empathy and guided by his family’s longstanding tradition of philanthropy in the Kuwaiti Emirate and beyond, Abdul Fatah Marafie decided to translate his compassion into a tangible plan for sustainable development. Recognizing the need for more than just sympathy, he embarked on a mission to be the catalyst for change, dedicating his life to the implementation of a practical strategy to uplift the community in Baltistan.
Abdul Fatah Marafie
Deputy Chief Patron Trustee