HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED International Aid Charity (IAC) is a US-based 501c3 non-profit organization under the patronage of His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad al Yaqoubi, who is the visionary and guiding light of the work we do. IAC provides emergency and ongoing aid relief, education, orphan sponsorship and social support services to marginalized peoples throughout the world. Our donors and volunteers work directly with communities to offer both physical and emotional health through education, housing and vocational training for orphans and widows, sports and creative arts programs. IAC offers a foundation of hope and resources upon which those in need can build and thrive. OUR PATRON His eminence Shaykh as-Sayyid Muhammad al-Yaqoubi is a distinguished Islamic scholar, jurist, writer, teacher and orator. Hailing from Damascus, Syria, Shaykh Muhammad began his studies as a young child under the tutelage of his father, the great Sufi Shaykh Ibrahim al Yaqoubi. After years of rigorous study under some of the most renowned scholars of Syria, Shaykh Muhammad mastered the English language in order to bring the true teachings of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to the west. For the past two decades Shaykh Muhammad has devoted his time to teaching, writing, diplomacy, and humanitarian service. Having risked his life speaking out against the brutal Syrian regime and demanding an end to the war, Shaykh Muhammad was forced into exile. He now resides in exile in Morocco, where he continues to teach and write.