The Islamic Institute of Knowledge (IIOK), founded in 1983 under the leadership of Imam Abdul Latif Berry, concentrates its programming on education and youth [1].
The Berry family has been described as large and powerful in both Lebanon and Detroit. They supported Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, one of the most influential spiritual guides to Hezbollah [2].
In 2010 after Fadlallah died, IIOK held a prayer service and dinner in commemoration of his life. Imam Baqir Berry, speaking about Fadlallah’s legacy, said, “He managed to bring up the true explanation of Islam.” [3]
In 2009, Sheikh Baqir Berry wrote an article accusing “Zionists” of promoting hate of Islam for their own personal gain [4]
In 2009, IIOK held a commemoration ceremony for Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini, the founder of the Iranian Islamic Revolution. Imam Abdul Berry spoke at the event [5].
Sources:
[1] Islamic Institute of Knowlege website, “About The IIOK,” Accessed July 11, 2018, https://www.iiokonline.org/about-the-iiok/
[2] Howell, Sally, “Old Islam in Detroit: Rediscovering the Muslim American Past,” Page 265, Oxford University Press, 2014
[3] Meyer, Nick, “Local Muslims mourn Fadlallah,” The Arab American News, July 9, 2010, https://www.arabamericannews.com/2010/07/09/Local-Muslims-mourn-Fadlallah/
[4] Shaikh Berry, Baqir, “Understanding and Countering Islamophobia,” Islamic Insights, 2009, https://www.islamicinsights.com/religion/clergy-corner/understanding-and-countering-islamophobia.html
[5] “Imam Khomeini – Sh Abdul Latif Berry June 2009 – Arabic,” ShiaTV, Accessed July 11, 2018, https://www.shiatv.net/view_video.php?viewkey=9f7f0857260404eab4d4
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