Who We Are

Founded in 2020, LOAF was inspired by the admirable legacy of the Ahlul Bayt (as). The Ahlul Bayt (as) are also known as the family members and rightful descendants of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), beginning with Imam Ali (as) and Lady Fatima (as). Throughout their lifetimes, these individuals were the embodiment of generosity, sacrifice, and humility, and their dedication to serving others motivates us to give back to our own community as well.

We dedicate each of our events to a member of the Ahlul Bayt (as) to honor their legacy and advocate about their individual stories. To learn more, visit our blog under our "Legacies" tab or visit our social media pages. You can also click on this link to access a Google Drive with additional resources.

About Imam Ali (a.s.)

Imam Ali (as), a 7th century leader, was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the Messenger of God and founder of Islam. Though he had access to power and wealth, he lived the humblest lifestyle. He stitched his own shoes and his meals included the hardest bread with salt while he gifted the poor and fed them royal food. He governed his people with justice during the day and served the needy and sick during the night. He encouraged struggle towards self improvement and was the bravest yet filled with kindness for all. His words and actions have become pearls of wisdom, and his deep knowledge in diverse topics like philosophy, literature, astrology, science, math and spirituality has made people at awe. 1400 years later his legacy continues, inspiring us and many to give back.

"People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity" - Imam Ali (as)

"Better than a beautiful face, is a beautiful heart and better than a beautiful heart and better than a beautiful heart is a beautiful deed." - Imam Ali (as)

"Life consists of two days, one for you and one against you. So when it's for you don't be proud or reckless and when its against you be patient, for both days are tests for you" - Imam Ali (as)

"You should desire for others what you desire for yourself and hate for others what you hate for yourself. Do not oppress, just as you do not like to be oppressed. Do good to others just as you would like good to be done to you." - Imam Ali (as)

"Hate no one, no matter how much they have wronged you. Live humbly, no matter how wealthy you become. Think positively, no matter how hard life is. Give much, even if you have been given little. Keep in touch with the ones who have forgotten you, and forgive who have wronged you, and do not stop praying for the best for those you love." - Imam Ali (as)

About Lady Fatima (a.s.)

Lady Fatima (as), a 7th century leader and role model, was the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the Messenger of God and founder of Islam. She accompanied and comforted her father in all his struggles, earning the title "The Mother of her Father" due to her caring soul. Her immense generosity was also evident as she donated things that she loved the most, whether it be food of the best quality, a precious necklace, or even her own wedding dress. On one occasion, Lady Fatima (as) and her family intended to break their fast, but when needy individuals stopped by their home, they shared all their meals instead. The family experienced extreme hunger simply to aid those who were in need. Their sacrifice was so great that a revelation was sent from the heavens to honor their altruism and intention. Lady Fatima (as) lived a humble life while also sharing profits from her land to uplift society. During an era when women were oppressed, Lady Fatima (as) was at the forefront, defending women's rights. She courageously stood alongside her husband Imam Ali (as) and defended her inheritance that was to be unjustly taken away from her. Her daughter Zainab (as) later followed her example by standing against injustice in the face of death and captivity and sparked a revolution against Yazid, the most tyrant ruler of the time. She is truly an inspiration, and her legacy continues, inspiring us and many to give back.

When she was praying in the night for others and was asked why not for herself to which she replied "Neighbors first, our household next" - Lady Fatima (as)

"God has asked you to be kind and obedient to your parents. Your parent's happiness will protect you like a shield." - Lady Fatima (as)

"God has prescribed charity for the purification of the soul and for the increase of sustenance" - Lady Fatima (as)