Draft:Ayatollah Abdul-Latif Berry

Early Life and Education
Ayatollah Abdul-Latif Berry was born in 1948 in the Shia shrine city of Najaf, Iraq. His father, Sheikh Moussa Berry, originally from the village of Tebnine in South Lebanon, had moved to Najaf to teach Islamic theology. Sheikh Moussa Berry was a respected Islamic scholar, which influenced Abdul-Latif Berry’s early life. At a young age, Berry returned to his family's village in Tebnine. However, in 1961, at the age of 13, he moved back to Najaf to commence his Islamic studies under prominent teachers in the Najaf religious school. After 14 years of intensive study, he completed his religious education in 1975.

Contributions in Lebanon
Following his education, Ayatollah Berry returned to Lebanon, where he became actively involved in the socio-political landscape, especially during the tumultuous period of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). Between 1975 and 1980, he worked towards promoting reform and peace, striving to improve relations between the Muslim and Christian communities. His efforts were pivotal in fostering dialogue and understanding during a period marked by sectarian conflict.

Migration to America and Establishment of the Islamic Institute of Knowledge
In 1981, Ayatollah Berry migrated to the United States. He settled in Dearborn, Michigan, where he founded the Islamic Institute of Knowledge (IIOK). The IIOK, established as a not-for-profit organization, aims to serve the spiritual, informational, educational, and social needs of the Muslim community in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. The institute emphasizes the teachings of Islam through the traditions of Ahlul Bayt, the family of the Prophet Muhammad. Under his leadership, the institute became a significant center for Islamic learning and community activities.

Educational Initiatives
One of Ayatollah Berry’s notable contributions in the United States was the establishment of the first Islamic Arabic-English full K-12 school in Dearborn. This school integrates academic requirements with Islamic teachings, emphasizing the values and principles of Ahlul Bayt. In addition to the full-time school, he also established various part-time educational programs, including the daily Afternoon Arabic Schools, Saturday Arabic School, and Sunday Religion School. These programs were designed to educate the newer generations about the Arabic language, the Quran, and Islamic teachings.

Religious Authority (Marja'iya)
In August 2010, Ayatollah Berry announced his Religious Authority (Marja'iya) in the West, establishing his permanent office in Dearborn, Michigan. This was a significant milestone, as it marked the establishment of a recognized Marja'iya in the Western world, providing religious guidance and leadership to the Shia Muslim community in the region.

Publications and Legacy
Throughout his life, Ayatollah Berry has written over a dozen books on various aspects of Islam. He also established the Islamic Times newspaper (جريدة العصر الإسلامي), which serves as a platform for disseminating Islamic knowledge and news. His works and initiatives have had a lasting impact on the Muslim community in the United States and beyond, contributing to the promotion of Islamic education and interfaith harmony.

Community Engagement
Ayatollah Berry has been actively involved in various Islamic conferences across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. His participation in these events highlights his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge and fostering a sense of unity among Muslims worldwide. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in the growth and development of the Islamic community in Dearborn and the broader Detroit Metropolitan Area.