In Memory of Prof. Ishaq Y. Al-Qutub (1935-2024)

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Prof. Ishaq Y. Al-Qutub, the founding President of Arab Student Aid International (ASAI), who led the organization with unwavering dedication from its establishment in 1976 until 2024. His life’s work has left an indelible mark on the world of education and social justice.

Born in Hebron – Palestine in 1935, Prof. Al-Qutub dedicated his life to empowering individuals through education. His academic journey took him from Bluffton College in Ohio to Michigan State University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology, focusing on cooperative movements and socio-economic development in the Arab world. These early accomplishments set the stage for a remarkable career that spanned over seven decades.

Prof. Al-Qutub’s work as a scholar, advisor, and global consultant touched countless lives. He held key academic and leadership positions across the Middle East. From the University of Jordan, Kuwait University, York University & McMaster University, University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario & Huron College to UNESCO and the UN Development Program. His expertise shaped policies on housing, urbanization, and rural development, influencing governments and international institutions alike. In the Gulf States, his groundbreaking research on urban growth and demography earned him recognition as a leading authority in his field.

 Under his leadership, ASAI became a lifeline for students from the Middle East, offering them opportunities to pursue higher education through scholarships and interest-free loans. His vision for the organization transformed it into a bridge between Arab and Western universities, helping generations of students achieve their academic dreams.

Prof. Al-Qutub’s impact extended beyond the lecture hall. He published over 20 books and 50 articles. Presented at 62 international conferences, always advocating social justice and development. His passion for community service was evident in every role he took on, including his work with the Palestinian Housing Council and his leadership in numerous NGOs.

His legacy of compassion, leadership, and relentless pursuit of educational equity will continue to inspire us. As we “ASAI” mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the countless individuals he empowered through his work.

His famous quote “And verily (The rewards of deeds) are decided by the last action “ (deeds).  Sahih Al Bukari 6607  “إنما الأعمال بالخواتيم“

We invite all those who knew him to share their memories and tributes, honoring a life that was truly dedicated to the betterment of others by reaching out to ASAI main office by reaching out to ASAI main office via email at [info@arabstudentaid.org], or by filling out the tribute form Here. 

With heartfelt sympathy,

Hussam Qutub
Vice President, Arab Student Aid International

1. Early Life and Education (1935 – 1966)

  • January 12, 1935: Born in Hebron, Palestine, to a family deeply rooted in the traditions and values of the Middle East. This early environment fostered a strong sense of responsibility toward social justice and community development.
  • 1953 – 1957: Completed his Bachelor’s in Social Service at Bluffton College, Ohio, USA. This early education laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to social psychology and community service.
  • 1957 – 1959: Earned a Master’s in Sociology from New York City College USA. His thesis focused on the impact of international projects on rural and urban development in Jordan, a theme that would resonate throughout his career.
  • 1962 – 1966: Obtained a Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology from Michigan State University, USA. His doctoral thesis on the role of cooperatives in socio-economic development in rural Jordan marked the beginning of his significant contributions to rural development and cooperative movements in the Arab world.

2. Early Professional Career (1965 – 1976)

  • 1965 – 1969: Assistant Professor at the University of Jordan, where he led groundbreaking research on urban planning, social psychology, and refugee camp conditions. His work focused on housing, community integration, and women’s issues in rural and urban Jordanian contexts.
  • 1969 – 1972: Joined UNESCO’s Regional Training Center in Egypt as a Social Science Expert, leading training programs on functional literacy and policy formulation for rural and urban development in Arab countries. He also consulted with Arab governments on these projects, gaining widespread recognition for his expertise. Supervised research in Palestinian refugee camps and conducted action research informing local and international development and housing policies.

3. Leadership and International Impact (1973 – 1990)

  • 1973 – 1974: Worked as a UN Development Program Expert in Saudi Arabia, advising on community development, evaluation training, and local NGO coordination.
  • 1974 – 1990: Professor of Sociology at Kuwait University, where he became a thought leader in urban demography, industrial sociology, and policy planning. He advised the Kuwaiti government on its five-year development plan, focusing on urban community development and industrial planning. Published influential papers on urbanization and city growth in the Gulf States, cementing his status as a leading authority on Middle Eastern urban development.
  • As a member of the Kuwait National Planning Council, he managed a team analyzing data relevant to the social sector and prepared social developmental projects for the Ministry of Social Planning.
  • 1976 – 1990: Founder of Arab Student Aid International (ASAI), he spearheaded fundraising efforts, developed educational plans, and strengthened relations with universities and research institutions.
  • He organized training courses for NGOs across Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Arab Network of NGOs, and served as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees Committee in Palestine.

4. Global Consultant and Development (1990 – 2005)

  • 1991 – 1995: Moved to Canada, where he chaired the Cross-Cultural Ethnic & Race Relations Committee in London, Ontario, and served as an advisor to several Canadian institutions, including the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), World Bank, and CID. He was also a member of the Translators & Interpreters Association of Canada.
  • 1992 – 1994: He lectured at various Canadian Universities, including York University, McMaster University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Western Ontario.
  • 1994 – 1996: Director of Planning and Research at the Palestinian Housing Council in Jerusalem. He played a key role in strategic planning for affordable housing and worked with international donors like the EU, USAID, and Japan to secure funding for low-income families in Palestine.
  • 1997 – 1998: Appointed as a Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist for UNDP in the West Bank, where he evaluated over 60 rural development projects and helped formulate key policies for the Palestinian National Development Plan. Introduced innovative strategies for housing policy and conducted impact assessments of housing projects in the West Bank and Gaza, earning recognition for his strategic vision and expertise.

5. Visionary Leader of Arab Student Aid International (2005 – 2024)

  • 2005 – 2024: Appointed as President of Arab Student Aid International (ASAI), a US-based non-profit educational organization providing interest-free loans and scholarships to outstanding students. His leadership helped the organization expand its reach and impact, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to pursue higher education in prestigious institutions.
  • 2002 – 2004: Directed the Financial Resources Development Unit at Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, focusing on mobilizing contributions, grants, and endowments for university projects and student programs. Pioneered fundraising strategies that helped Al-Quds University secure much-needed financial support during a time of political and economic instability.
  • 2012: Updated his personal and professional profile to reflect additional achievements, including consulting for ESCWA, the Palestinian National Authority, and various international NGOs.

6. Lifelong Contributions and Legacy

  • Published over 20 books, more than 53 articles in reference journals, and 83 research papers on urban management, decentralization, and community development. He presented at 62 international conferences on topics ranging from urbanization to socio-economic development.
  • Worked as a translator and interpreter for high-level civic affairs, courts, and hospitals, leveraging his fluency in English and Arabic.
  • Instrumental in shaping policies and advising governments and international agencies on community development, housing, education, and social services across the Middle East and North America.
  • His work, spanning over seven decades, left a profound legacy of social justice, education advocacy, and community development that will continue to inspire future generations.