• PERSONS

OF THE YEAR
•

Muslim 500
The

THE WORLD’S 500 MOST

INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS
•  2023  •
B
Muslim 500
The

THE WORLD’S 500 MOST

INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS
•  2023  •

i
 The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Chief Editor: Prof S Abdallah Schleifer
Muslims, 2023 Editor: Dr Tarek Elgawhary
ISBN: print: 978-9957-635-64-0 Managing Editor: Mr Aftab Ahmed

© 2022 The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre Editorial Board: Dr Minwer Al-Meheid, Ms Lamya
20 Sa’ed Bino Road, Dabuq Al-Khraisha, Mr Moustafa Elqabbany, and Ms Zeinab
PO BOX 950361 Asfour
Amman 11195, JORDAN
Researchers: Ms Lamya Al-Khraisha, Mr Moustafa
www. rissc. jo Elqabbany, Ms Zeinab Asfour, Ms Noora Chahine,
Ms Sarah Moore, and Haji M AbdulJaleal Nasreddin
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be repro-
duced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic Typeset by: Haji M AbdulJaleal Nasreddin
or mechanic, including photocopying or recording or by
any information storage and retrieval system, without
the prior written permission of the publisher.

Views expressed in The Muslim 500 do not necessarily

reflect those of RISSC or its advisory board.

Set in Garamond Premiere Pro

Printed in The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Calligraphy used throughout the book provided courte-

sy of www. FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

Title page Bismilla by Mothana Al-Obaydi

MABDA
ii
 • Contents •
INTRODUCTION 1
Persons of the Year - 2023 5
A Selected Survey of the Muslim World 11

THE HOUSE OF ISLAM 31

THE TOP 50 43

HONOURABLE MENTIONS 113

THE 450 LISTS 121

Scholarly 123
Political 133
Administration of Religious Affairs 142
Preachers & Spiritual Guides 149
Philanthropy, Charity & Development 156
Social Issues 159
Business 169
Science & Technology 174
Arts & Culture 179
Qur’an Reciters 188
Media 190
Celebrities & Sports 195
Top Extremists 198

THE OBITUARIES 201

GUEST CONTRIBUTIONS 205

Protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque (also known as Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa or Al-Haram 207
Al-Sharif )
Dr. Wasfi Kailani
Economics of Growth: An Ecological Conundrum 216
Fazlun Khalid
The Clash of Artificial and Natural Intelligences: Will It Impoverish Wisdom? 218
Dr Osman Bakar
Understanding Difference and Diversity 223
Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said
The Necessity of Peace Education 232
Qamar-ul Huda, PhD
Martial Arts, Masculinity and Muhammad g 235
by Nisar Shaikh

iii
 BOOK REVIEWS 241

MAJOR EVENTS 245

APPENDIX I: POPULATION STATISTICS 253

APPENDIX II: SOCIAL MEDIA STATISTICS 261
GLOSSARY OF ISLAMIC TERMS 267
THE INDICES 273
Index by Name 274
Index by Country 280

And He will provide for him from whence he never expected. And
whoever puts his trust in God, He will suffice him. Indeed God fulfils
His command. Verily God has ordained for everything a measure.
Divorce, 3
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

iv
INTRODUCTION

1
 In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
By the night as it enshrouds, • and by the day as it unveils, • and by the One Who created the
male and the female. • Assuredly your efforts are dissimilar. • As for him who gives and is fearful,
• and affirms the truth of the best word, • We shall surely ease his way to the abode of ease. •
But as for him who is niggardly, and deems himself self-sufficient, • and denies the best word, •
We shall surely ease his way to hardship; • And his wealth shall not avail him when he perishes.
• Truly with Us lies all guidance. • And truly to Us belong the Hereafter and the first life. • So I
have warned you of a raging fire, • which none shall enter but the wretched one • he who denies
and turns away. • The God-fearing one shall be spared it, • he who gives his wealth to purify
himself, • and no one has any favour outstanding with him that must be requited; • but only
seeking the pleasure of his Lord the Most High; • and verily soon he shall himself be pleased. •
The Night, 1-21
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com
W
 elcome to the fourteenth annual issue well as global influence. This means that our list of
of The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 names will change gradually, rather than dramatical-
Most Influential Muslims. We are very ly, year-on-year.
pleased that we have made it this far and that the The Top 50 individuals are ranked and listed
book has evolved as it has. We thank you for all your first. The remaining 450 names are then listed (not
support and suggestions and look forward to contin- ranked) in categories of influence, with a small num-
ually receiving them. ber also chosen to be in our Honourable Mentions
There are 1.94 billion Muslims in the world today, section to value the notable contributions made in
making up approximately a quarter of the world’s their fields.
population. As well as being citizens of their respec- Our 13 categories are:
tive countries, they also have a sense of belonging to • Scholarly
the ‘ummah’, the worldwide Muslim community. • Political
This publication sets out to ascertain the influence • Administration of Religious Affairs
some Muslims have on this community, or on behalf • Preachers and Spiritual Guides
of the community. Influence is: any person who has • Philanthropy/Charity and Development
the power (be it cultural, ideological, financial, polit- • Social Issues
ical or otherwise) to make a change that will have a • Business
significant impact on the Muslim world or Muslims. • Science and Technology
Note that the impact can be either positive or negative, • Arts and Culture
depending on one’s point of view of course. The selec- • Qur’an Reciters
tion of people for this publication in no way means • Media
that we endorse their views; rather we are simply • Celebrities and Sports Stars
trying to measure their influence. The influence can • Extremists
be of a religious scholar directly addressing Muslims The individuals are ordered in each category ac-
and influencing their beliefs, ideas and behaviour, or cording to geographical region (Middle East and
it can be of a ruler shaping the socio-economic fac- North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe,
tors within which people live their lives, or of artists Oceania, North America, South America), then in
shaping popular culture. The first two examples also alphabetical order by country and finally by surname.
point to the fact that the lists, and especially the Top This publication combines aspects of a review of
50, are dominated by religious scholars and heads of the past year, including a timeline and statistics, but it
state. Their dominant and lasting influence cannot be also hopes to serve as a prospective guide to the new
denied, especially the rulers, who in many cases also year, much like a Who’s Who.
appoint religious scholars to their respective positions.
This doesn’t discount the significant amount of in- WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE?
fluence from other sectors of society. How to meas-
ure this influence is of course the most challenging We have our Persons of the Year; these individuals are
aspect of the publication, and the one where opin- recognized for their significant contributions in the
ions diverge the most. Influence can sometimes be past year or over their lifetime.
gauged on a quantitative basis, the number of follow- Our editor then offers his Selected Survey of the
ers, the number of books written, the amount of sales major events which have affected the Muslim world
etc., but more often it is not something measurable over the past twelve months.
in quantitative terms and is more related to the qual- Then we have our regular House of Islam essay
itative and lasting effect of that influence. A combi- which gives an overview of Islam and its branches.
nation of social metrics, public opinion (we have a An updated Top 50 and 450 lists (including Hon-
month-long open call for nominations every year, ourable Mentions) then follows.
and all suggestions are considered) and expert opin- The final part of our lists is the Obituaries section
ion are the basis of this attempt to measure influence. which lists the people from last year’s book who have
The achievements of a lifetime are given more weight since passed away.
than achievements within the current year. People Our Guest Contributions section has exclusive ar-
who are trailblazers, or the lone voice in a remote ticles covering a wide range of issues. These are sure
area are also taken into account as we give weight to stimulate thought and discussion around current
to people breaking barriers and to local influence as pressing issues.
3
 Our Book Reviews cover some books that have er to pause and reflect as you go through the book.
been published recently. The ‘Major Events’ section We have also added write-ups within the main body
provides a timeline of the major events that have tak- of the text about major initiatives (see the Amman
en place over the past year. Message on page 59, A Common Word on page 127,
Appendices I and II provide us with lots of statis- the Marrakesh Declaration on page 134, The Muslim
tics. Appendix I shows total population and Muslim Council of Elders on page 131, Free Islamic Callig-
population by country, for all the countries in the raphy on page 148, UN World Interfaith Harmony
world. Appendix II compiles a list of the most pop- Week on page 162, Altafsir.com on page 173 and
ular Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Muslim users, Quranic Thought on p. 30)
as well as worldwide. Our website—www.TheMuslim500.com—is a
To give a richer visual experience we have also popular destination. We welcome your feedback and
included several calligraphy pieces throughout the will take nominations for the 2024 edition through it.
book, which we hope will serve as a beautiful remind-

He created the heavens and the earth with the truth, and He shaped you
and made your shapes excellent; and to Him is the journey’s end.
Mutual Disillusion, 3
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

4
 PER SONS OF THE YEAR— 2023

Man of the Year

MAULANA MAHMOOD A. MADANI

Maulana Mahmood Madani is the Indian Muslims (including the right to citizenship,
President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and the right to practice religious duties).
( JUH), one of the oldest and With the ruling BJP party promoting Hindu na-
most-respected Muslim organi- tionalism—Hindutva—to ever-more harmful levels,
sations in India. He served as its General Secretary Indian Muslims are killed and discriminated against
for nearly two decades before assuming the position as never before. The response to this has been mul-
which his illustrious father, Maulana As’ad Madani, ti-pronged. First, to provide protection against the
had held for over 50 years. He has invigorated the growing cases of Islamophobia and hatred, Maulana
organisation by tackling head on critical issues of the Mahmood Madani has founded JEIM (the Justice
day such as terrorism and Islamophobia, as well as and Empowerment Initiative for Indian Muslims).
never losing sight of the grassroots work that is at the This initiative records cases of Islamophobia in a
heart of the day-to-day concerns of Indian Muslims. systematic manner and provides advocacy and other
Maulana Madani is an Islamic scholar, public forms of assistance to victims. It is a simple, logistical
speaker, social worker and preacher of Islamic hu- and necessary step to show to the outside world the
manitarian values, tolerance, and peace. Through scale of the problem.
the platform of the JUH, he has fought the twin Coupled with this defence of Muslim rights,
battles of condemning terrorism in all its forms as Maulana Madani has always been a vocal supporter
well as calling out those who would use the issue to of unity in diversity and has consistently emphasised
scapegoat the Muslim community. He has regular- harmonious relations between different faiths in In-
ly arranged massive public rallies and international dia. As his famous grandfather Maulana Husain Ah-
scholarly conferences dealing with all the ramifica- mad Madani was in the 1920s, he is a firm believer in
tions of these issues. He has consistently and clearly the concept of nationalism. The practical outcome
called out the evil of da’ish. On the flip side, he has of this was Maulana Mahmood overseeing over 1000
defended hundreds of cases Muslims who have been interfaith conferences, sadhbhwana sansad, to pro-
falsely implicated in terror cases. He has also taken mote communal harmony and involving leaders of
on other cases with regard to securing the rights of all faiths.

Maulana Mahmood Madani chairs a meeting marking the unity of religions against growing hatred in India.

5
 The basis of the JUH has been humanitarian, wel- standard) education without any adverse change to
fare and educational activities. During his 25 years their existing religious curriculum.
of service at JUH, he has served the victims of trage- This has been a historic development. Coupled
dies in Gujarat, Bihar, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kashmir, with this, the Jamiat Yout Club ( JYC) empowers
Kerala, Assam, UP, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha etc. He youth with other skills. It is an affiliate of Jamiat Ul-
is also a great supporter of the rights movement of ama-i-Hind, and works under the umbrella of the
minorities and the marginalised. His presence mat- world-renowned autonomous body “Bharat Scouts
ters to India and its principles of secularism and & Guides” of which Maulana Mahmood Madani
pluralism. is its chairman. Its vision is to support the youth to
Responsible for the education of over a million achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and
children in tens of thousands of maktabs and madra- spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citi-
sahs, Maulana Madani has worked on upgrading the zens, and as members of the local, national and inter-
educational curriculum to meet the demands of the national communities.
modern age. Always a sensitive subject for outsiders Maulana Madani is a leading voice in the Indian
to approach, he has the expertise and legitimacy to Muslim community, which is 200-million strong.
upgrade the Dar Ulums’ curriculum and he has intro- Their challenges are unprecedented and the success
duced a system whereby madrasah students are certi- of his work has a major influence on how they fare.
fied and recognised as having secondary level (10th

Logo of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind

Members of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hindin Pakistan celebrate the peace agreement between the US and the Taliban.

6
 Woman of the Year
AISHA BEWLEY

Aisha Abdurrahman Bewley (b. unstintingly; making available many key Islamic texts
1948) is one of the world’s most to the global English-speaking Muslim community,
prolific and accomplished transla- many of whom are introduced to these texts for the
tors of classical Islamic works from first time through her translation.
Arabic to English. Since converting to Islam in 1968, Many of Hajja Aisha’s works are available for free
she has spent the past 5 decades faithfully learning on the internet on her website, or have been pub-
the Islamic tradition and making its key texts avail- lished through popular Muslim publishers. Her
able to the global English-speaking Muslim commu- translation of Imam Malik’s Al-Muwatta (Madinah
nity, sometimes in collaboration with her husband, Press, 1991) and Qadi Iyad’s Ash-Shifa are especially
Abdalhaqq Bewley, with whom she translated The well-known and form the backbone of thousands of
Noble Qur’an. The subjects she has covered in trans- teaching circles throughout the world. Another of
lation and in her own writings range from the Noble her notable translations is the Tabaqat of Ibn Sa’d se-
Qur’an, commentary on the Qur’an (tafsir), Hadith, ries of books.
works on Islamic law, sufism, and Islamic history In collaboration with her husband, Shaykh Ab-
among others. The WorldCat union catalog lists her dalhaqq Bewley, Hajja Aisha has translated The
as the author or translator of “73 works in 172 publi- Noble Qur’an, and the Tafsir of al-Qurtubi (so far 6
cations in 3 languages and 855 library holdings.” volumes have been published). In her own right she
Born in the United States in 1948, Hajja Aisha is an author on a wide range of topics. Some of her
obtained an MA in Near Eastern Languages from titles include: The Subatomic World in the Qur’an
the University of California at Berkeley. She spent (Diwan Press, 1980); Islam: the Empowering of
a year at the American University in Cairo and at- Women (TaHa, 1999), and Democratic Tyranny and
tended a seminar on Sufism at Cairo University’s the Islamic Paradigm (Diwan Press, 2018). She has
Philosophy Department. In the early seventies she lectured at Dallas College in Cape Town and Lady
met and became a murid of Sheikh Dr Abdalqadir Aisha College in Cape Town. Alongside this work,
as-Sufi al-Murabit (d. 2021). Hajja Bewley started she travelled with her husband and family to many
her traditional Islamic learning following the teach- countries, including Nigeria, Bermuda, Germany
ings of Shaykh Muhammad ibn al-Habib of Meknes and Spain, spreading knowledge of Islam and helping
(d. 1972) under the late Shaykh Abdalqadir as-Sufi establish communities of Muslims, seeking to follow
al-Murabit. Under the former’s guidance and inspi- the first Madinan model. Her life’s work has been
ration she began to translate classical Islamic works remarkable and her intellectual output truly signifi-
from Arabic to English. She has continued this work cant; long may it continue.

Sunset over Meknes, Morocco

7
 PUBLISHED BOOKS

• The Subatomic World in the Qur'an, Diwan Press, • The Nasiri Du‘a (Shaykh Muhammad Fatha),
1980. Black Stone Press, 2001.
• Signs on the Horizons: The Sun, the Moon, the • On the Mysteries of Bearing Witness, Ibn al-‘Arabi,
Stars, Zahra Publications, 1981 Kazi, 2002 (selections from al- Futuhat al-Makki-
• Islam: the Empowering of Women, TaHa 1999. ya)
• Glossary of Islamic Terms, TaHa 1998. • On the Mysteries of Fasting, Ibn al-‘Arabi, Kazi,
• Mu‘awiya: Restorer of the Islamic Faith, Dar 2009 (selections from al-Futuhat al- Makkiya)
Al-Taqwa, 2002. • On the Mysteries of Purification and Formal Prayer,,
• Muslim Women: A Biographical Dictionary, TaHa, Ibn al-‘Arabi, Kazi, 2009 (selections from al-Futu-
2004. hat al-Makkiya)
• Democratic Tyranny and the Islamic Paradigm, Di- • On the Mysteries of the Pilgrimage, Ibn al-‘Arabi,
wan Press, 2018. Kazi, 2009 (selections from al- Futuhat al-Mak-
kiya)
There is also an unpublished text book which had a • On the Mysteries of Purifying Alms, Ibn al-‘Arabi,
small printing: Survey of Arabic Historical Methodol- Kazi, 2009 (selections from al- Futuhat al-Mak-
ogy with Textual Examples dealing with Women in the kiya)
Ridda Wars and the Battle of the Camel • Gardens of the Gnostics, Bustan al-‘Arifin by Imam
an-Nawawi, Bookwork, 2001.
Published Translations • Sufis and Sufism: A Defence, (Shaykh 'Abdu'l-Hayy
al-'Amrawi and Shaykh 'Abdu'l-Karim Murad)
• The Tawasin of Mansur al-Hallaj, Diwan Press, Madinah Media, 2004.
1974. • The Gardens of the Hadith Scholars, Shah Abd Al
• The Islamic Book of the Dead (Hadith on the Gar- Aziz Ad-Dehlawi, Turath Publishing, 2008.
den and the Fire), Diwan Press, 1977 • Al-Wasiyyah (The advice of the esteemed scholar),
• The Meaning of Man by ‘Ali al-Jamal of Fez, Diwan Muwaffaq ad-Din al-Maqdisi, Turath Publishing,
Pess, 1977 2009.
• Self-Knowledge (Commentaries on Sufic Songs), • Bidayat as-Sul fi Tafdil ar-Rasul, Izz ad-Din ibn
Diwan Press, 1978. Abd as-Salam, Turath Publishing, 2009.
• The Darqawi Way (Rasa'il Mawlay al-‘Arabi • al-Arba‘in, as-Suyuti, Turath Publishing, 2009.
ad-Darqawi), Diwan Press, 1979. • al-Arba‘in, Ibn ‘Asakir, Turath Publishing, 2010.
• The Diwans of the Darqawa, Diwan Press, 1980 • Kitab at-tabaqat al-kabir, volumes 2, 3 and 6, Mu-
• The Invocations of Shaykh al–‘Alawi, Diwan Press, hammad ibn Sa‘d, Taha Publishers, 2912. (All 8
1980. volumes to be reproduced)
• The Seals of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam) by Ibn • Risalah, Ibn Zayd al-Qayrawani, Diwan Press,
al-‘Arabi, Diwan Press, 1980. 2010.
• Muwatta' of Imam Malik (joint translation with
Ya‘qub Johnson), Diwan Press, 1982. New revised Published Joint Translations
edition, Kegan Paul International, 1989. Later Di- (with Abdalhaqq Bewley):
wan Press editions
• Muhammad Messenger of Allah (ash-Shifa' of Qadi • Handbook on Islam, Iman, Ihsan (a translation of
‘Iyad), Madinah Press, 1991. Later editions by Di- Kitab Usul ad-Din and Kitab ‘Ulum al-Mu‘amala
wan Press and TaHa. by ‘Uthman dan Fodio), Diwan Press, 1980.
• Women of Madina, Vol. 8 of Tabaqat Ibn Sa‘d, • The Soul's Journey After Death, Ibn al-Qayyim, Dar
TaHa 1995 at-Taqwa, 1987
• Defence Against Disaster, Qadi Abu Bakr ibn • The Jinn in the Qur'an and the Sunna, Mustafa
al-‘Arabi, Madinah Press, 1996. Diwan Press. Ashour, Dar at-Taqwa, 1989
• Men of Madina, Vol. 7 of Tabaqat Ibn Sa‘d, TaHa • Stories from Islamic History for Children, Abul-
1997. Hasan Ali Nadwi, UK Islamic Academy. 1992
• Men of Madina, Vol. 5 of Tabaqat Ibn Sa‘d, TaHa • Stories of the Prophets, Abul-Hasan Ali Nadwi, UK
1999. Islamic Academy, 1993.
8
• Muhammad, the Last Prophet, Abul-Hasan Ali • The Noble Qur'an: A New Rendering of its Meaning
Nadwi, UK Islamic Academy, 1993. in English, Madina Press, 1999.
• Fate and Predestination, Muhammad al-Sha‘rawi, • The Four Imams, Muhammad Abu Zahra, Dar
Dar at-Taqwa, 1994. at-Taqwa, 2001.
• Good and Evil, Muhammad al-Sha‘rawi, Dar • Intercession, at-Tayyibi, Yassin Roushdy, Dar
at-Taqwa, 1994. at-Taqwa, 2000
• The Interpretation of Dreams, Ibn Sirin, Dar • The Heart and the Tongue: Their Sicknesses and
at-Taqwa, 1994. Cure, Yassin Roushdy, Dar at- Taqwa, 2000
• How Allah Provides, Muhammad al-Sha‘rawi, Dar • The Madinan Way, Sihhat Usul Madhhab
at-Taqwa, 1994. Ahli'l-Madina, Ibn Taymiyya, Bookwork, 2000.
• Magic and Envy, Muhammad al-Sha‘rawi, Dar • Tafsir al-Qurtubi vol. 1, Dar Al-Taqwa, 2003
at-Taqwa, 1994. • The Mercy: In the Difference of the Four Sunni
• The World of the Angels, ‘Abdu'l-Hamid Kishk, Dar Schools of Islamic Law, as Safadi Muhammad Ibn
at-Taqwa, 1994. Abd Ar Rahman, Dar Al-Taqwa, 2004.
• The Laws of Marriage in Islam, Muhammad Rafit • The Inhabitants of Hell, Muhammad Mitwalli
‘Uthman, Dar at-Taqwa, 1994. Al-Sharawi, Dar Al-Taqwa, 2004.
• Dealing with Lust and Greed, ‘Abdu'l-Hamid • Tafsir al-Jalalayn, Dar Al-Taqwa, 2007.
Kishk, Dar at-Taqwa, 1995. • The major sins, adh-Dhahabi, Dar at-Taqwa, 2012.
• The Water of Zamzam, Dar at-Taqwa, 1996. • Mukhtasar al-Akhdari, Diwan Press, 2019
• Yajuj and Majuj, Dar at-Taqwa, 1997. • Tafsir al-Qurtubi, so far 6 volumes published,
• The Mahdi, Dar at-Taqwa, 1997. more in production.
• The Day of Rising, Layla Mabruk, Dar at-Taqwa, • Four Gems of Tasawwuf, Ibn ‘Ajiba, Diwan Press,
1997 2021.
• Circumcision in Islam, Abu Bakr ‘Abdu'r-Razzaq,
Dar at-Taqwa, 1998. A large number of unpublished translations are avail-
• Journey Through the Qur'an, Muhammad al-Ghaz- able on the websites, including the Sahih al-Bukhari.
ali, Dar at-Taqwa, 1998.
• Allah: The Divine Nature, Yassin Roushdy, Dar • Currently working on Akhbar Makka by al-Azraqi.
at-Taqwa, 1999.

O you who believe, seek help through patience and

prayer; surely God is with the patient.
The Cow, 153
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

9
 Or did you suppose that you should enter Paradise without there having come upon
you the like of those who passed away before you? They were afflicted by misery
and hardship and were so convulsed that the Messenger and those who believed
with him said, 'When will God's help come?' Ah, but surely God's help is nigh.
The Cow, 214
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

10
 A SELECTED SURVEY
of the MUSLIM WORLD
by Tarek Elgawhary

INTRODUCTION “We are not doomed to make history repeat itself; it

is open to us, through our own efforts, to give history,
This past year was a Dickensian best-of-times-worst- in our case, some new and unprecedented turn. As
of-times situation. The world has largely moved on human beings, we are endowed with this freedom of
from the devastating social and economic effects of choice, and we cannot shuffle off our responsibility
COVID. Country after country has reduced or re- upon the shoulders of God or nature. We must shoul-
pealed COVID protocols that left many of us crip- der it ourselves. It is up to us.”
pled and immobile for so long. Even with new strands
floating about and new potential viruses like Mon- PART I
keypox, the world has had enough and is fatigued MUSLIM WORLD SURVEY
with pandemic news. Everyone, overall, is looking
to move on and countries are opening their board-
ers, their markets, and hoping for better days ahead. MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA
Accordingly, bright spots and happy stories abound,
and in the pages that follow you will read about some This past year was full of elections, anniversaries, and
of them as they relate to the Muslim world. At the new challenges for the Middle East and North Af-
same time, however, there are still systemic issues fac- rica. On the back of higher oil prices and a stronger
ing the Muslim world that, while delayed due to the global economic environment, the Middle East gen-
two-year global pandemic, have remerged either as is erally returned to economic growth with a number
or with new mutations and variants of their own. of governments taking the opportunity to imple-
If there is a lesson in this, it is the need for us to ment long-term plans aimed at diversification and
reflect. While it is indeed a relief that COVID is modernisation. Following a year in which economies
behind us, we should welcome this reprieve as an in the Middle East contracted due to the fallout of
opportunity to fix what was wrong with our world COVID, the region experienced a positive economic
before. Too many of our co-religionists continue rebound with the IMF predicting that the region as a
to be mired in problems that can be and should be whole would expand by 2.7 percent this year.
fixed. If we do not reflect and improve, we will only Looking more closely at the GCC, the World
fulfil the prophecy of George Santayana who wrote Bank estimated in December that the six-member
in The Life of Reason “Those who cannot remem- bloc would record an aggregate growth rate of 2.6
ber the past are condemned to repeat it.” Only then percent for the year. Bahrain is forecast to have grown
can we escape the inevitable historical cycle and by 3.5 percent, followed by Qatar and Oman (3 per-
follow Toynbee’s iteration of Santayana when he cent), the UAE (2.7 percent), Saudi Arabia (2.4 per-
commented in The Role of the Americas in History cent) and Kuwait (2 percent).
Top Ten Wealthiest Arab Countries

11
 A key factor as stated in this growth is the rise in IRAN
oil prices. After starting 2021 at just over $50 a barrel, Perhaps the main factor in shaping Iran’s internation-
the price of oil increased to yearly highs of more than al ties this past year was its nuclear program. After
$85 in October of the same year and reaching a peak a five-month hiatus that started before the Iranian
of slightly over $120 in March 2022. Towards the presidential election in June 2021, a new nuclear ne-
end of the year prices fell again; however, the effect of gotiating team from the Ebrahim Raisi administra-
rising oil prices has been felt throughout the world. tion sat down with the remaining signatories of the
Yet, other large Muslim majority nations in the re- 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA).
gion continue to deal with systemic issues. During the seventh round of talks between 29 No-
vember and 3 December 2021, Iran walked back a
IRAQ proposal agreed upon by the previous administration
In July 2022, Iraq marked a record 290 days without of Hassan Rouhani and offered less for less: more
a government. Following elections in October 2021 sanctions relief than what was promised in the 2015
no president or prime minister has so far been cho- accord and less nuclear compliance. As Future of Iran
sen. With no new government agreed, the existing Initiative Director Barbara Slavin explained, “Some
President, Barham Salih, and Prime Minister, Musta- in Iran are understandably ambivalent about reviving
fa Al-Kadhimi, remain in place. the JCPOA given the ease with which the Trump
The Iraqi presidential election of 2022 was sched- administration quit—when Iran was in full compli-
uled to be held on 7 February 2022 as outgoing ance—and the fact that no US administration can
President Barham Salih is eligible for re-election. guarantee the actions of its successor.”
The vote has been postponed due to the boycott of On 16 September 2022, a 22-year-old Iranian
parliamentary sessions by the majority of deputies. woman named Mahsa Amini, who was arrested a
Elections were scheduled again for 6 April 2022 to few days prior for incorrectly wearing her hijab in
elect by indirect suffrage the President of Iraq for a public, died in police custody. Up until the time of
four-year term but failed due to the quorum not be- this writing there are no details of what transpired
ing met. Some members of parliament also protested while in custody, nor the precise details of her de-
against the decision of the Supreme Court to rule out tention. However, her death has sparked a series of
the candidacy of Hoshyar Zebari, who is supported nationwide protests. While the immediate incident
by the main winning parties of the elections of Octo- of Mahsa Amini is their catalyst, these protests also
ber 2021. Elections were once again postponed to 26 highlight other grievances such as a weakening econ-
March 2022 but delayed further due to the quorum omy, alleged government corruption, and isolation
also not being met. On 30 March it was postponed from the international community.
yet again to the quorum not being met once again.
Protests in Tehran, Iran, following Mahsa Amini's death

12
 While there have been protests in Iran in the Israeli strikes and militant rockets continued in
past, something feels different about these. Women the minutes leading up to the beginning of the truce,
have been tossing their headscarves in bonfires and and Israel said it would “respond strongly” if the
dancing bareheaded before security agents. Protes- ceasefire was violated. Israeli aircraft also pummelled
tors, largely women, have even at times physically targets in Gaza while the Iran-backed Palestinian Ji-
engaged and fought with security forces. More than had militant group fired hundreds of rockets at Isra-
two dozen have been arrested so far, and several el in response. The risk of the cross-border fighting
female protesters have been killed. It is too early turning into a full-fledged war remained as long as no
to say where these protests are going, but this is truce was reached. Israel says some of the dead were
certainly something we are watching closely and killed by misfired rockets.
monitoring. Israel launched its operation with a strike on a lead-
er of the Islamic Jihad and followed up with another
TÜRKIYE targeted strike on a second prominent leader. The
Aside from officially changing the spelling of its second Islamic Jihad commander, Khaled Mansour,
name from the outdated Turkey to the more accurate was killed in an airstrike on an apartment building in
Türkiye, the nation’s volatile currency has worsened the Rafah refugee camp in southern Gaza, which also
the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria and raised killed two other militants and five civilians. Mansour,
the cost of Ankara’s governance responsibilities there. the Islamic Jihad commander for southern Gaza, was
The Turkish lira’s recent volatility and Türkiye’s high in the apartment of a member of the group when the
inflation rates pose significant problems for not only missile struck, flattening the three-story building and
those living in Türkiye, but also in Turkish-con- badly damaging nearby houses.
trolled northern Syria, where Türkiye has built ex- Israel’s Defense Ministry said mortars fired from
tensive financial networks and introduced the use of Gaza hit the Erez border crossing into Israel, used
its currency. The Turkish lira lost up to 40 percent by thousands of Gazans daily. The mortars damaged
of its value over 2021 as a result of President Recep the roof and shrapnel hit the hall’s entrance, the
Tayyip Erdogan’s unconventional monetary policies. ministry said. The crossing has been closed amid the
The lira’s value has improved slightly and stabilised fighting. The Rafah strike was the deadliest so far in
since December 2021, but price hikes on basic goods the current round of fighting, which was initiated
will likely remain, disrupting the purchasing power by Israel with the targeted killing of Islamic Jihad’s
of Turks and Syrians alike. commander for northern Gaza. Israel said it took ac-
Türkiye’s economy grew 11 percent in 2021, the tion against the militant group because of concrete
fastest among the G20 countries, as COVID-relat- threats of an imminent attack, but has yet to provide
ed measures were gradually relaxed in Türkiye and much detail as to the intelligence used for their ac-
abroad. Although Türkiye’s interest-rate cuts from tions. Caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who is
September supported demand, they also amplified an experienced diplomat but untested in overseeing
macro-financial instability which, combined with a war, unleashed the offensive less than three months
spillovers from the Ukraine-Russia war, will lower before a general election in which he is campaigning
2022 growth to 1.4 percent. Rising energy and food to keep the job. In a statement Lapid said the mil-
price inflation will hurt the poor the most, compro- itary would continue to strike targets in Gaza “in a
mising a gradual employment-driven, post-pandemic pinpoint and responsible way in order to reduce to a
poverty recovery. minimum the harm to non-combatants”. Lapid said
the strike that killed Mansour was “an extraordinary
PALESTINE achievement”.
In August 2022, an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire be- The UN Security Council scheduled an emergen-
tween Israel and Palestinian militants took effect in cy meeting on the violence. China, which held the
a bid to end nearly three days of violence that killed council presidency at the time, scheduled the session
dozens of Palestinians and disrupted the lives of in response to a request from the United Arab Emir-
hundreds of thousands of Israelis. The flare-up was ates, which represents Arab nations on the council,
the worst fighting between Israel and Gaza militant as well as China, France, Ireland, and Norway. “We
groups since Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war underscore our commitment to do all we can towards
last year and adds to the destruction and misery that ending the ongoing escalation, ensuring the safety
have plagued blockaded Gaza for years. and security of the civilian population, and following
13
 up on the Palestinian prisoners file,” said UN Special percent this year, with North Africa expanding by 6
Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor percent and sub-Saharan Africa at 3.7 percent. The
Wennesland, in a statement. global average is slated to be 5.9 percent.
The Israeli army said militants in Gaza fired about However, the World Bank has emphasised that
580 rockets toward Israel. The army said its air de- the recovery is a fragile one, particularly in light of
fences had intercepted many of them, with two of the continent’s vaccination rates, which remain low
those shot down being fired toward Jerusalem. Islam- despite the efforts of national and international bod-
ic Jihad has fewer fighters and supporters than Ha- ies over the course of the year. For example, in April
mas. Air-raid sirens sounded in the Jerusalem area for the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a
the first time since last year’s Israel-Hamas war. $10bn COVID response facility to help countries re-
Jerusalem is typically a flashpoint during periods inforce their health care systems.
of cross-border fighting between Israel and Gaza. Elsewhere, the Covax initiative—run by the
Hundreds of Jews, including firebrand ultra-nation- World Health Organization (WHO)—has recent-
alist lawmaker Itamar Ben Gvir, visited the Al-Aqsa ly intensified its efforts to ensure a flow of vaccines
Mosque. The visit, under heavy police protection, reaches Africa. To date, over 90 million donated dos-
ended without incident, police said. es have been delivered to the continent through Co-
Such demonstrative visits by Israeli hard-liners vax and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust. But
seeking to underscore Israeli claims of sovereignty this is still far below the required quantity. According
over contested Jerusalem have sparked violence in the to a recent report from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation,
past. The holy site sits on the fault line of the Israe- only five of the continent’s 54 countries are likely to
li-Palestinian conflict and is central to rival narratives reach a WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 percent
of Palestinians and Israeli Jews. of the population by the end of this year. The report
Since the last war, Israel and Hamas have reached attributed this to the shortage of vaccines, although
tacit understandings based on trading calm for work it also highlighted issues including weak healthcare
permits, and a slight easing of the border blockade systems, underdeveloped infrastructure and limited
imposed by Israel and Egypt when Hamas overran civil registration capacities.
the territory 15 years ago. Israel has issued 12,000 A further issue is widespread vaccine hesitancy,
work permits to Gaza labourers and has held out the although many countries are adopting strategies to
prospect of granting another 2,000 permits. address this. Mauritania provides an example of re-
At the time of this writing, tensions remain high gional best practices in this regard. The country’s
in Jerusalem and around the Al-Aqsa Mosque as doz- second vaccination program launched in June, on
ens of Israeli settlers stormed through the mosques the back of a rather ineffectual first program earlier
courtyards to mark the occasion of the Jewish New in the year. In order to boost uptake, the government
Year. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli police officers launched awareness campaigns, mobilising national
were deployed in the courtyards and on the roof of media, religious leaders and youth associations. In
the Qibli prayer hall and apparently allowed dozens addition, it opened more than 900 vaccination cen-
of illegal settlers to storm the mosque through the tres in public sites, including mosques, ministries and
Maghribi Gate. Fighting between Palestinians pro- the exit routes of major cities. These efforts resulted
tecting the mosque and settlers ensued, and arrests, in a notable uptick in people receiving vaccinations.
as to be expected, were made. Again, it is too soon to The discovery of the Omicron variant in southern
see where this will lead to, but we continue to moni- Africa has given rise to claims that the continent’s low
tor the situation. vaccination rates could facilitate the emergence of
new coronavirus variants. It remains to be seen what
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA effect this variant will have on the region’s recovery.
Elsewhere, structural reforms were carried out
Driven by a combination of higher commodity pric- in various countries in response to the pandemic.
es, the relaxing of lockdowns and a recovery in global Among them, the World Bank has praised the uni-
trade, Africa has had some success in overcoming the fication of exchange rates in Sudan, fuel subsidy re-
recession provoked by the coronavirus pandemic and form in Nigeria and the opening to the private sector
returned to growth this past year. In its most recent of the Ethiopian telecommunications sector.
outlook, released in October, the IMF predicted that Another significant shift has been a growing em-
the continent, as a whole, will see the growth of 5.1 phasis on the importance of renewable energy, with
14
many countries in the region demonstrating an appe- tion, Khan's PTI also faced defections from some law-
tite for boosting the sector. For example, Egypt aims makers within its own ranks, which emboldened the
to generate 42 percent of its power from renewable opposition's move to file the motion
sources by 2035. However, only two African coun- Although opposition towards Khan began as ear-
tries—namely South Africa and Malawi—have com- ly as November 2021, things became serious for him
mitted to net-zero by 2050. when on 8 March 2022, representatives of opposi-
tion parties filed the motion against Khan in the Na-
ASIA tional Assembly, seeking to remove him from office,
while accusing his alleged hybrid regime of poor gov-
PAKISTAN ernance, political victimization of opponents, and
The biggest news from Pakistan this past year was mismanaging the economy and foreign policy. It is
the ousting of Prime Minister Imran Khan due to a alleged that these factors also contributed to Khan's
no-confidence vote against him on 10 April 2022. falling out with Pakistan's military establishment,
Since the Pakistani Prime Minister is subject to the which had remained a key backer of his government.
confidence of the majority of the lower house of Par- Since his removal, however, Khan has not re-
liament, numerous opposition parties joined forces mained silent. Once removed he immediately called
in a slow build-up of resistance since November 2021 for a mass rally, with PTI calling for nationwide pro-
to remove him from power. Imran Khan is the first tests on the night of the 10 April 2022, following the
Prime Minister in Pakistani history to be removed vote of the National Assembly. Large demonstrations
from office in this manner. were held at Karachi, Peshawar, Malakand, Multan,
The decision to file a no-confidence motion against Khanewal, Khyber, Jhang, Quetta, Okara, Islama-
sitting Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan Ter- bad, Lahore, and Abbottabad, while protests were
eek-e-Insaf (PTI) – who had held the position since also held at Bajaur, Lower Dir, Shangla, Kohistan,
the 2018 election – was taken at a summit of the oppo- Mansehra, Swat, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Nowshera, Dera
sition parties, united under the Pakistan Democratic Ghazi Khan and Mandi Bahauddin. Hundreds of
Movement (PDM) alliance. The leader of this oppo- thousands of people attended these demonstrations.
sition, Shehbaz Sharif (who later was elected Prime In Karachi alone, 200,000 people attended. The
Minister and himself is brother of former Prime Min- crowds consisted mostly of young Pakistanis. Some
ister Nawaz Sharif now living in exile in the UK) said news outlets reported that a total of 10 million peo-
the motion of no-confidence was presented because ple attended the protests collectively. There were
of the government's poor performance in economic even overseas protests by Pakistani expats in places
and social indicators during the four years of Khan’s like Dubai, Sharjah, London, and Melbourne.
premiership. In the leadup to the no-confidence mo-
Pakistan rallies in support for Imran Khan

15
 Khan continues to assert that his removal was in- “monsoon on steroids” brought the heaviest rainfall
stigated by his removal to support the United States in living memory and flooding that has killed 1,162
in their policies towards Russia and China. He claims people, injured 3,544 and affected 33 million since
that this is a form of punishment and in so doing, im- mid-June. To put this number in perspective, this is
plicates the current Pakistani government of being more than the population of Sri Lanka and Australia
controlled by outside interests. In exchange for his combined.
continued resistance, Khan is coming under extreme
pressure from the Pakistani judiciary for allegations AFGHANISTAN
of corruption and contempt. This cycle of politi- As US troops began their final withdrawal from Af-
cal-legal pressure on one side, and the call for mass ghanistan in August 2021, Taliban militants swept
protests on the other continue up until the writing into Kabul, overthrowing the government of Pres-
of this survey and will be a matter of great concern in ident Ashraf Ghani and restoring their hard-line
the coming year. rule over the country. Although the group pledged
This past year witnessed numerous developments to moderate its views on women’s rights, minorities,
that decisively shaped the contours of social, eco- and freedom of expression, many of the repressive
nomic, political, and security affairs of the world. practices that marked its previous rule between 1996
Pakistan was not immune to this and remained pro- and 2001 have returned. The US, the International
actively engaged in pursuit of its foreign policy goals Monetary Fund and the World Bank have frozen
and objectives through various modes of diplomatic Kabul’s access to billions of dollars in aid and assets
initiatives at inter-state, regional, and global level. until the Taliban changes ideological course. Amid a
However, there is another story from Pakistan that severe drought and mass displacement, Afghanistan
perhaps trumps everything this past year and will is heading for humanitarian disaster.
continue to shape things in the coming year: massive The departure of the remaining American mil-
flash floods resulting in unparalleled damage and loss itary personnel and diplomatic staff from Kabul,
of life. which closed the curtain on a two-decade-long US
Pakistan received 60 percent of total normal mon- engagement in Afghanistan, came as a great relief to
soon rainfall in just three weeks since the start of the most Americans. The US had finally been freed of the
monsoon season. Heavy rains resulted in urban and heavy military and financial burdens assumed in its
flash floods, landslides, and Glacial Lake Outburst failed efforts to secure and nurture a flawed demo-
Floods (GLOF) across Pakistan, particularly affect- cratic government. American policymakers were now
ing Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh thought free to refocus their attention and resources
provinces. on global theatres with greater strategic value. Many
Heavy monsoon rainfall and floods have affected regretted the manner of the US departure and having
some 2.3 million people in Pakistan since mid-June, left loyal Afghans to the mercy of the Taliban but felt
destroying at least 95,350 houses and damaging some that it was time for Afghans to begin sorting out their
224,100 more. Sindh and Balochistan are the two own issues.
most affected provinces in terms of human and infra- Now, a year after the Taliban seized power, the
structural impact. Over 504,000 livestock have been US finds itself unable to shake off its long encounter
killed, nearly all of them in Balochistan Province, with Afghanistan. The US withdrawal helped trig-
while damages to nearly 3,000 km of roads and 129 ger a major food crisis for a country chronically in
bridges have impeded access across flood-affected need of international humanitarian assistance. While
areas. At the request of the Balochistan Provincial some of the worst fears of mass starvation and ref-
Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), a mul- ugee flight have thus far not materialised, they have
tisectoral rapid needs assessment was undertaken in been averted only through an international com-
ten districts of Balochistan to identify priority needs munity intervention in which the US has assumed a
and gaps across sectors. Humanitarian partners are leading role. Working though international agencies
supporting the Government-led response in affected and non-government organisations to provide food
areas, redirecting existing resources to meet the most and many basic services, the US led all countries in its
urgent needs while working to further scale up the humanitarian assistance, committing $774 million in
response aid between August 2021 and July 2022.
Swaths of the country are now underwater, after It is generally agreed that the fastest and most ef-
what United Nation officials have described as a fective way of addressing Afghanistan’s humanitar-
16
ian crisis is by putting money into the hands of the petition with China. The milestones included the
people. Withdrawing foreign financial assistance US-led COVID Summit and Forum on Energy and
and freezing financial reserves in the wake of the Climate in September, the side-line meeting between
Taliban seizure of power crippled an economy that Biden and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the
had grown accustomed to having three-quarters of COP-26 in November and, lastly, the visit of Secre-
the government budget covered by foreign donors. tary of State Anthony Blinken to Jakarta.
The US is especially well-positioned to help relieve Within just a few months, the two states have
Afghanistan of the resulting severe liquidity crisis. committed to expand their cooperation on COV-
With $7 billion of Afghan assets currently frozen in ID recovery, infrastructure investment, renewable
US banks, their release could contribute mightily to energy, and the reform of multilateral institutions.
the recapitalisation of Afghanistan’s banking system In Jakarta, Blinken laid out America’s Indo-Pacific
and the revival of its economy. vision and praised Indonesia for its leadership in the
region, particularly in maintaining the rules-based
INDONESIA international order. The reinvigoration of the Indo-
This past year was another challenging year for Indo- nesia-US partnership nonetheless remains in its early
nesian foreign policy. The country faced numerous stages and will require practical consolidation in the
strategic challenges, some new and some the exten- coming years.
sion of pre-existing challenges discussed in previous Indonesia’s president was actively involved in two
reviews. of the year’s biggest multilateral forums. At the end
Despite the growing risks of the COVID pandem- of October, Jokowi attended the G-20 Summit in
ic this year, the Southeast Asian region was troubled Italy, which had several ambitious goals, such as to
by the severe political crisis in Myanmar. The coun- strengthen global health architecture, promote a sus-
try’s military forcefully deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s tainable financial ecosystem, and advance financial
administration on 1 February 2021 and cracked inclusion. Jokowi also proposed the reactivation of
down violently against those protesting the coup. global connectivity efforts, firstly on COVID vac-
The spotlight immediately turned to the Association cine supply and distribution and in the longer run in
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the hope the areas of transport logistics, economic production
that the regional body might take rapid and appro- and services, and infrastructure investment.
priate measures in response. The G-20 in Italy had a special significance for Ja-
In addition to condemning and expressing its con- karta, as Indonesia is taking over the chairmanship
cerns about the coup, Indonesia took the diplomatic in 2022. Indonesia chose the theme of “Recover To-
lead within ASEAN, inviting the organisation’s for- gether, Recover Stronger”, emphasising the values of
eign ministers to talks aimed at building a concert- inclusion, collaboration, and resilience. Indonesia
ed regional response to the country’s crisis. In April, has the political and diplomatic advantages of being a
with the strong endorsement of Indonesia and the non-aligned, active, and strategic middle power that
ASEAN Secretariat, the bloc’s leaders held a summit can potentially drive more impactful and actionable
and agreed on a Five-Point Consensus designed to G-20 resolutions.
deescalate Myanmar’s political situation. Among the
points of consensus were the demands for immediate MALAYSIA
cessation of violence, peaceful dialogue between the Perhaps the biggest news from Malaysia this past year
contending factions, the provision of humanitarian is that the country’s former Prime Minister Najib
assistance, and the appointment of an ASEAN Spe- Razak is now in prison having lost his appeal after a
cial Envoy to lead the bloc’s efforts. But few of these 2020 conviction, a first for the country. Razak, whose
were implemented, raising questions about ASEAN’s father and uncle were the country’s second and third
ability to handle the crisis in Myanmar, and Indo- Prime Minster, respectively, was caught up in the
nesia’s ability to lead the bloc in the direction of its 1MDP financial scandal. This sudden turn of events
choosing. is also impacting his political part, the United Malays
In 2021, Indonesia has arguably moved closer to National Organization (UMNO). The UMNO had
the United States than it has been in some years. traditionally been assured the support of the coun-
A series of high-level interactions between the two try’s ethnic Malay majority and had headed the Na-
nations shows the extent to which the Biden admin- tional Front coalition government since the country
istration has come to value Indonesia amid its com- became independent of Britain in 1957.
17
 Najib set up the 1MDB state investment fund impact on many women. Yet again, French lawmak-
shortly after taking power in 2009. The US Justice ers have chosen to continue on a dangerous collision
Department and other investigators alleged that at course with the country’s Muslim population and es-
least $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB by asso- pecially French Muslim women.
ciates of Najib between 2009-2014 and laundered
through layers of bank accounts in the US and other PART II
countries to finance Hollywood films and extrava- MAJOR ISSUES FACING
gant purchases that included hotels, a luxury yacht,
art works and jewellery.
THE GLOBAL MUSLIM
Najib had once cast himself as a liberal and reform- POPULATION
ing leader of the predominantly Muslim country of
over 33 million people. He speaks impeccable Eng- ROHYNGA
lish with a posh accent, has his own blog, and has a In late May 2021, hundreds of Rohingya living on a
strong social media following. However, revelations remote silt island known as Basan Char took part in
after his downfall unveiled a serious taste for luxury, demonstrations that were met with police violence
particularly on the part of his wife, Rosmah Mansor, and coincided with a visit by UNHCR —the UN’s
who has also faced criminal charges and found guilty refugee agency—from mainland Bangladesh. After
and sentenced to 10 years in prison. the construction of crude shelters on the island accel-
As both Finance Minister and Prime Minister, erated in 2019, the Bangladeshi government has for-
Najib guided his country through the global finan- cibly relocated more than 18,000 Rohingya refugees
cial crisis of 2009, abolished draconian colonial-era to Basan Char, where refugees are banned from leav-
security laws and reached out to ethnic minorities ing and communications and access by UN agencies
with a “1Malaysia” campaign. Then-President Barack and rights groups is severely restricted. Basan Char is
Obama praised him as a “reformer with much to do”. only a few metres above sea level and prone to dan-
There is no doubt that this recent turn of events will gerous flooding and cyclones, underscoring the con-
have a lasting impact on Malaysia for years to come. tinued fragile conditions that Rohingya refugees face
in host countries.
EUROPE/OCEANIA/AMERICAS On 19 June 2022, tens of thousands of Rohingya
refugees protested in Bangladesh, demanding their
FRANCE repatriation to Myanmar, where they fled a dead-
In March 2022 the French Senate voted 160-143 ly military crackdown five years ago. Thousands of
in favour of banning women and girls from wearing Rohingyas joined a peaceful march in front of the
hijab while playing sports—showing the world once Balukhali 18 camp in-office charges, brandishing the
again that when it comes to further politicising, tar- Myanmar national flag, placards, and festoons with
geting, and policing European Muslim women, espe- various demands. The demonstration was held on the
cially their clothing choices and bodies, France is in a first day of the “Let’s Go Home” (Bari Cholo) cam-
league of its own. The amendment was proposed by paign, which was launched in 23 camps: 21 in Ukhia
the right-wing Les Républicains, which argued that and two in Teknaf upazila.
the hijab could risk the safety of athletes wearing it Five years on from the horrors of 2017, 600,000
while playing sports. Rohingya continue to suffer at the hands of the mili-
The proposed ban is opposed by Emmanuel Ma- tary while neighbouring states host large numbers of
cron’s government and French lawmakers expressed refugees—in particular, Bangladesh, which is hosting
“regret” over the government’s “lack of will” to put a over a million refugees.
stop to what they describe as the “development of Is- The Rohingya people who remain in Rakhine State
lamism in sport”. This was one of the main backdrops continue to face systematic discrimination; they are
to the 2022 French presidential elections held on 10 denied citizenship, and they have no access to edu-
and 24 April 2022 where Macron ultimately defeated cation and healthcare. So, there is an urgent need for
Marine Le Pen. reform of discriminatory legislation, which creates
France is home to roughly 5.7 million Muslims this permissive environment for atrocity and crime.
and the largest Muslim population in Europe. As The military coup in Myanmar on 1 February
of 2019, 31 percent of French Muslim women were 2021 has raised fears in neighbouring Bangladesh
wearing hijab, so this sports ban will have a profound that the new regime may not honour commitments
18
 A fire blazing through Cox's Bazar refugee camp, killing and displacing thousands of Rohingya

to repatriate Rohingya Muslim refugees currently an illusion before the world that despite a delay they
in Bangladesh. The Myanmar government has been finally have started repatriation. It has a great symbol-
very reluctant to take back their nationals, the Ro- ic value for them.
hingya, despite the robust diplomatic endeavours of Almost one million Rohingya Muslims are con-
the Bangladesh government regarding repatriation. fined to bamboo and tarpaulin shacks in 34 filthy
Despite Bangladesh’s sincere efforts, Rohingya camps in southeast Bangladesh. Thousands of Ro-
repatriation could not be started in more than three hingyas organised a peaceful rally in Ukhia, Cox’s
years after some 750,000 Rohingyas fled a brutal mil- Bazar on 19 June 2022 to tell the world especially
itary crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Myanmar military that they want to return to Myan-
The reality suggests that the presence of about a mar, a day before World Refugee Day.
million Rohingyas in limited space has become risky. Previous attempts at repatriation have failed, with
It left the local livelihood, environment, and so- the Rohingya refusing to return until Myanmar pro-
cio-economic situation under threat. There were also vides guarantees of rights and security to the pre-
security challenges in the crowded camps. dominantly Muslim minority.
Five years on, there is an urgent need for inter- Many in Myanmar regard the Rohingya, who
national action to take back the Rohingyas in their speak a dialect similar to that of Chittagong in south-
homeland. Myanmar military can’t remain silent in east Bangladesh, as “illegal immigrants”, a label that
this regard. They think that the world and the inter- the minority rejects.
national community would forget their misdeed and Rohingya say they want to return to their own
the plight of the Rohingyas. COVID, the Ukraine communities in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, not to the
crisis and the Afghan crisis make Myanmar military government-built camps for internally displaced per-
to some extent reluctant to this issue because inter- sons. “We are not Bengalis; we are Rohingya.” “We
national focus has shifted towards the crisis. But this want full rights restored and repatriation.” They do
time Rohingyas started to raise their voice against not want to “die a refugee, we want to be able to ex-
the injustice they are facing. ercise our rights, we want to go home and study and
Though Myanmar does not accept them as cit- plan for the future.”
izens, it wants to take certain some steps to lessen There is huge international pressure on the Myan-
international pressure. Bangladesh is bound to com- mar military now regarding democratic movements
ply despite being aware of the real picture. Human following the 2021 coup and the Rohingya refugee
rights organisations too are inert when it comes to issue. If Myanmar resolves the crisis, it could benefit
the criminals in Myanmar. Myanmar wants to create with Bangladesh bilaterally through cementing trade
19
 ties. Thus, it’s in the Myanmar military’s own interest information and false accusations.” The statement
to resolve the crisis as soon as possible. The message did not confirm if Beijing had seen the forthcoming
is clear that Rohingya refugees don’t want to stay in report at that time or elaborate on which parts he
Bangladesh anymore as refugees, and neither do they believed would be “false”, though China has patently
want to tolerate the injustice committed by the My- denied all rights abuses.
anmar military. It’s time to take back the Rohingya in At the Human Rights Council, the UN’s foremost
Myanmar: this is the clear message of the Rohingya rights body, Beijing continues to counter efforts by
to the Myanmar military government through this countries to call it to account, using “incessant lobby-
massive rally. ing” and leverage such as access to vaccines, accord-
ing to a Geneva-based Western diplomat.
UYGHUR The allegations are that China has interned more
It’s been four years since a committee of United Na- than 1 million Uyghur and other Muslim minorities
tions’ experts called attention to “credible reports” across all ages and walks of life in a network of heavily
that more than 1 million Uyghur and other Mus- fortified detention centres and re-education camps,
lim minority peoples were interned in extrajudi- where there are reports of torture, sexual violence and
cial camps in Xinjiang in north-western China for forced sterilisation. However, exact figures of how
“re-education” and indoctrination. However, since many in Xinjiang, home to 11.6 million Uyghurs,
that moment in August 2018, the international com- have been affected are difficult to assess.
munity has done little on the basis of those reports Multiple governmental bodies have condemned
within the UN. Countries in the UN’s main human the alleged abuses in recent years, with the Europe-
rights body have not agreed to any formal call for a an Parliament in June saying evidence constitutes
probe, while appeals from UN experts for China to “a serious risk of genocide”, a term the US has also
allow for rights monitoring have been met with fierce used. China, which originally denied the existence
denials of wrongdoing from Beijing and no invite for of the camps, later said it had established “vocational
free access to come and see for themselves. education and training centres” as a way to counter
Now, a report by UN High Commissioner for Hu- “extremism” in a region where ethnic riots in 2009​
man Rights Michelle Bachelet could bolster the push resulted in the deaths of 197 people, according to of-
for accountability and elevate the voices of survivors ficials, and there have long been Communist Party
and their families in a way the UN system has not fears about terrorism and separatism.
previously done—creating the potential for a turning Beijing has called allegations of rights violations,
point for how the international community, and top genocide and forced labour in the region “the lie of
UN officials, have handled these accounts. However, the century”. In May, during Bachelet's official trip
the report is bogged down in review, following what’s to China—the first by a top UN rights official in 17
already been months of delay, with Bachelet recently years—the high commissioner said the government
saying her office was “trying” to release it before the assured her the “vocational education and training
end of her term on 31 August as promised in June, centre” system was “dismantled”.
but they are still reviewing “substantial input” from But academics and advocates say the oppression
China, which she said was granted access to make goes on, though it is now being absorbed into the
“factual comments” as per standard procedure. prison system and transformed into a forced labour
Earlier in her term, Bachelet said she sought “full apparatus and a culture of fear and surveillance.
access to carry out an independent assessment of the Back in September 2021, Bachelet said her office
continuing reports pointing to wide patterns of en- was “finalizing its assessment”, while a spokesper-
forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions”, but son in December said they hoped to publish in the
while she did not gain unfettered access in her even- coming weeks. When asked during a recent press
tual trip this past May, she has said the report was conference why the report was delayed, Bachelet said
updated following that trip. she “wanted to prioritise” visiting the country and
China’s Foreign Ministry has already publicly de- “convey directly those allegations” to officials—and
cried the report calling on the High Commissioner’s her office in early March reached an agreement with
office to “respect the serious concern of the Chi- Beijing for a visit. The trip, which she described pre-
nese people and everyone speaking for justice in the viously as “an opportunity to hold direct discussions”,
world, stand on the right side of history and reject not the investigatory mission she had long called for,
publishing an assessment on Xinjiang based on false was decried by advocates and leading scholars on
20
 General Secretary Xi Jinping in Xinjiang

Xinjiang at the time. In the wake of that visit, more strategies, and associated policies in XUAR has led
than 200 Uyghur, human rights and interest groups to interlocking patterns of severe and undue restric-
jointly called for her resignation, and several dozen tions on a wide range of human rights. These patterns
leading scholars slammed her for “ignoring and even of restrictions are characterized by a discriminatory
contradicting” academic consensus about violations component, as the underlying acts often directly or
in the region. A group of UN independent experts indirectly affect Uyghur and other predominantly
acknowledged dialogue with the Chinese govern- Muslim communities.
ment has merit but stressed it could not “replace the The systems of arbitrary detention and related pat-
urgent need for a complete assessment of the human terns of abuse in VETC and other detention facilities
rights situation in the country.” come against the backdrop of broader discrimination
Experts say the standard for verification of specific against members of Uyghur and other predominant-
claims is high for such reports, while key details like ly Muslim minorities based on perceived security
scale of atrocities may be difficult to corroborate— threats emanating from individual members of these
especially as China has blocked all meaningful access groups. This has included far-reaching, arbitrary and
for investigators, and those with direct knowledge discriminatory restrictions on human rights and
may fear retribution from Beijing for going on the fundamental freedoms, in violation of international
record. norms and standards. These have included undue re-
Many observers say that even a strong report from strictions on religious identity and expression, as well
the High Commissioner would be unlikely to change as the rights to privacy and movement. There are se-
the reality of China’s sway in the UN system, where rious indications of violations of reproductive rights
Beijing’s emissaries have recently solicited support through the coercive and discriminatory enforce-
among countries for a letter calling on Bachelet not ment of family planning and birth control policies.
to release the document, according to a report from Similarly, there are indications that labour and em-
Reuters​, who saw a letter from Chinese officials and ployment schemes for purported purposes of poverty
confirmed by diplomats from three countries who alleviation and prevention of “extremism”, including
received it. those linked to the VETC system, may involve ele-
Finally, on her last day in office, Bachelet and her ments of coercion and discrimination on religious
team finally issued the 45-page report. The report and ethnic grounds.
confirms that: It is still early to determine what will happen as a
Serious human rights violations have been com- result of this report and we are hopeful that in next
mitted in XUAR in the context of the Government’s year’s Muslim World Survey there will be much posi-
application of counter-terrorism and counter-“ex- tive news to report, inshaAllah.
tremism” strategies. The implementation of these
21
 ISLAMOPHOBIA THE UNITED STATES
The United States also experienced an increased level
EUROPE of Islamophobia, particularly inside the federal gov-
This past year Islamophobia in Europe was draped ernment. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene
in government policy in several nations. I already and Lauren Boebert repeatedly targeted Minnesota
highlighted the French Hijab ban above, but in late Representative Ilhan Omar with anti-Muslim slurs,
July/early August 2021 France’s lower house accept- such as calling her “pro Al-Qaeda”, a member of
ed the ‘anti-separatism” bill, which outwardly is a bill the “jihad squad” (a slur that also plays on the “the
to help the growing threat of extremism. However, Squad” label given to Rep. Omar and her fellow three
many Muslim advocacy groups are concerned that progressive congresswomen), and a terrorist. Follow-
this bill amounts to a type of locality pledge by Mus- ing Boebert’s remarks, Omar received a sizeable in-
lim organisations and leaders. Specifically, it is geared crease in hate mail, making public some of the more
to outlawing many practices French-Muslims engage aggressive and violent ones.
in, which they believe is an afront to their freedom Such incidents further the reputation of the Re-
of religion. publican Party as harbouring xenophobic and Islam-
Also in France, and along the same lines, early ophobic candidates within its ranks, especially since
last year President Macron had tasked the French party leadership failed to take action against Boebert
Council of Muslim Faith (CFCM), the de facto rep- and offered no public condemnation. Boebert herself
resentative of Muslim faith federations to the French refused to publicly apologise to Omar, and even dou-
government, with drafting a charter of allegiance to bled down on the anti-Muslim harassment and bul-
republican values. This charter sets out a framework lying, claiming Omar was “playing the victim”. One
for Muslim faith leaders to transform Islam in France recent study found that 54 percent of Republicans
into an “Islam of France”. This charter is also meant surveyed would vote for an anti-Muslim candidate,
to go hand-in-hand with the creation of a National and separately noted that a 2020 YouGov survey
Council of Imams (CNI), responsible specifically for found that 37 percent of Republicans approved of
the training of imams and their certification as com- discrimination against Muslims.
pliant with the charter—or not. Eventually renamed In attempts to counter this, House Democrats
the Charter of Principles, the document’s ten articles passed a bill in December 2021that would establish a
set out the republican values to which all imams in new special envoy position at the State Department
France should subscribe. to monitor and combat Islamophobia worldwide.
In Austria, similar policy enactments also fuelled The bill is slated to go to the US Senate for a vote
concern of an increase of Islamophobia. Following next, but it is uncertain how the vote will go.
on its Operation Luxor in 2020, this past year the There were other political victories for Muslims in
Austrian government created a registry for imams America this past year. In New York Shahana Hanif
as well as a National Map of Islam. The mandate was became the first Muslim woman elected to NYC
one of several new measures Chancellor Sebastian council, while in Boston, MA, Tania Fernandes An-
Kurz's government adopted after a 2 November 2020 derson gained her council seat by defeating her op-
terror attack in Vienna. Four civilians were killed and ponent who had relied heavily on anti-Muslim rhet-
23 injured after a 20-year-old gunman opened fire in oric in his campaign Other successful campaigns in
the centre of the Austrian capital. Austria continues Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey and Pennsylvania
its call for the European Union to adopt the regis- also put Muslims in key local offices, with the city of
tration of imams, the worship leaders of Mosques in Hamtramck in Michigan electing the country’s first
Muslim communities. all-Muslim city council. Further, President Biden
While such policies in and of themselves are stand- nominated, and the Senate confirmed the appoint-
ard and in fact similar to how many Muslim majority ment of Rashad Hussain as Ambassador-at-Large for
countries manage their religious establishments, Eu- International Religious Freedom (IRF).
ropean Muslims continue to be concerned that these
policies target them as “problem populations” and INDIA
increases that amount of hate crimes towards them Nothing captures the extent of India’s growing
throughout the continent. state-driven Islamophobia than the video from a
three-day rally in mid-December 2021 attended by
influential religious leaders, right-wing Hindu ac-
22
tivists, and members of the BJP. The viral footage ligion” law, which “bars religious conversions, except
showed hundreds of attendees raising Nazi-style sa- when a person ‘reconverts to his immediate previous
lutes and declaring, we all pledge, that until our last religion’”—a clause that critics say is aimed at ena-
breath, we will make India a Hindu nation. We will bling India’s many Hindu supremacist groups to con-
fight and die and, if required, kill. vert Muslims and Christians into Hindus. The ruling
Throughout this past year, Indian Muslims con- BJP has claimed the bill aims to stop “the illegal and
tinued to witness a massive increase in Islamophobic large-scale conversion of Hindus to Christianity”, a
fuelled acts of hatred and violence that seems to only claim that has yet to be proven. In addition to such
embolden right-wing Hindu nationalist actors. The legislation, Indian Christians have been targeted by
right-ward shift in the subcontinent also led many Hindu vigilantes who’ve attacked churches, convent
commentators and experts in the region to fear that schools, and Christmas celebrations. From January
Modi’s rule was leading to decay in the world’s largest to September 2021, the country experienced 305 at-
democracy as journalists critical of the government tacks on the Christian community and their places
were targeted and imprisoned and counter-terror leg- of worship, with the real number being much higher
islation was used to silence critics. given that many cases go unreported.
A July 2021 Intercept piece found that Hindu In Assam, land disputes having their origins in the
vigilante groups were working alongside law enforce- state government’s decision to free government lands
ment enforce the “love jihad” law in Uttar Pradesh. from encroachment on nearly 25,666 acres it is cur-
Further, the claims of Muslim plots to overtake the rently seizing for agricultural purposes continues to
country through other means like “economic jihad” displace mainly Muslim families in the thousands. In
and “narcotics jihad” continue to abound. September 2021 tensions reached a peak where police
It’s not only Indian Muslims who are facing in- shot, killed, and maimed the body of a Muslim man.
creasing hostility as there has been a drastic increase The photographs of the incident went viral causing
in the persecution of Christian minorities as well. In an uproar throughout the Muslim community.
December 2021 the Karnataka state assembly passed In addition to Assam, anti-Muslim violence
an anti-conversion legislation, making it the tenth flared up in a number of other regions in the coun-
state in India to enact the so-called “Freedom of Re- try, such as Tripura and Gurgaon. In the state of
Anti-Muslim riots break out in Assam state

23
 Tripura, right-wing groups launched attacks against Sherpur neighbourhood in Kabul where he was stay-
the Muslim population, viewed as revenge attacks ing in a house reportedly owned by senior Taliban
for anti-Hindu violence occurring in neighbouring leader Sirajuddin Haqqani. Even though responsibil-
Bangladesh. At least ten incidents of violence were ity of the attack was denied by the US Department
reported in four days at the end of October this year, of Defense at first, American President Joe Bidden
as mobs targeted mosques and properties owned by confirmed it with a public statement indicating he
Muslims. Reporting on Tripura riots noted that the authorized the operation.
violence occurred following a rally attended by over There are also significant updates which you will
3,000 individuals and led by “the hard-line Hindu or- find below based on regions.
ganisation, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)—a close
ally of the BJP.” In Gurgaon, a city just southwest of AFRICA
New Delhi, Hindu hardliners led harassment cam- Since the beginning of 2022, there have been a re-
paigns against Muslims by targeting public prayer corded 699 terrorist attacks that resulted in 5,412
spaces and publicly declaring Muslims would not deaths across Africa. In terms of monthly trend, the
be allowed to hold Friday prayers. The campaigns of month of March recorded the highest number of
harassment and intimidation continued for weeks as attacks (21 percent), followed by June (19 percent).
Hindu groups disrupted Muslim prayers by smearing Again, in terms of resultants deaths, March recorded
cow dung in the public space or holding their own 24 percent of the total deaths, while June recorded
Hindu religious events, with one being attended by 20 percent of deaths for the reported period. In com-
BJP’s Kapil Mishra. parison to the first half of 2021, the first half of 2022
It is important to remember that much of the vio- witnessed rather a marginal decline in the number
lence that has occurred is catalysed through the role of terrorist attacks, but a sharp rise in the total num-
of social media in the growing polarity in the region. ber of deaths. The first half of 2021 registered 950
While social media platforms have played a role in attacks that resulted in 3,883 deaths, while the first
documenting anti-Muslim violence, specifically vide- half of 2022 recorded 699 attacks that resulted in a
os of brutal violence and harassment going viral, ques- total death of 5,412. When comparing the preceding
tions have also arisen as to the role of social media period (2021) to the current (2022), there was a mar-
in amplifying hate. For Facebook, India remains the ginal decline of 26 percent in terrorist attacks, but a
country’s largest market, but the platform is marred sharp increase of 40 percent in the number of deaths,
with hate speech, misinformation, and celebrations demonstrating the increasing brutal nature of attacks
of violence. According to leaked internal documents within the period.
this year, “Facebook did not have enough resources The Sahel Belt of West Africa became the hot-
in India and was unable to grapple with the prob- spot of complex and sophisticated attacks for the
lems it had introduced there, including anti-Muslim period under review. The complexity of attacks
posts.” Further, reports showed that “bots and fake within the tri-border area of Mali-Burkina Fa-
accounts tied to the country’s ruling party and op- so-Niger (Liptako-Gourma) contributed largely
position figures were wreaking havoc on national to the increased terrorist activities in the region.
elections.” While Facebook in India is aware that its The Liptako-Gourma region - an area covering the
platform has been used to spread conspiracy theories, Tillaberi region of Niger; the Mopti, Gao, and
including claims of “love jihad”, internal documents Menaka regions of Mali; and the Sahel, Nord, Est,
revealed that the social media giant has done little to and Boucle du Mouhoun regions of Burkina Faso -
act on it, and that “political sensitivities” are part of remains the driving force behind the rising violent
the reason that the company has chosen not to ban activities in the Sahel. The rampant terrorist attacks
Hindu nationalist groups who are close to India’s rul- in the Liptako-Gourma and more precisely in the
ing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gao region (around the commune of Tessit) demon-
strates the freedom of movement that terrorist
EXTREMISM groups, JNIM (the Group for the Support of Islam
and Muslims) and the Islamic State in Greater Sahara
Perhaps the biggest news of this past year was the (ISGS) enjoy within their mobility corridors. In this
death of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri on 31 area, inhabitants of several villages such as Tadjalalt,
July 2022. He was killed in a drone attack conducted Tinagghy, Bakal or Kaygouroutan have been forced
by the US Central Intelligence Agency targeting the to flee their homes.
24
The Salafi-Jihadist Risk in Africa

Active Salafi-Jihadist insurgancy

Low-level Salafi-Jihadist insurgancy

Salafi-Jihadist terrorist cells

At risk with Salafi-Jihadist movements

The withdrawal of the Barkhane troops Takuba capabilities of Al-Shabaab to manufacture sophisti-
Forces from Mali has created a security vacuum and cated IEDs have aided the group to perpetrate com-
bolstered the moral and impetus of terrorist groups plex attacks which clearly manifested during the pe-
to intensify their operations that might result in ease riod under review. Pre-deployment CT training and
of movement. Undoubtedly, terrorist attacks are ex- counter-IED training for the deployed troops serv-
pected to continue apace or even increase. Ostensibly, ing under the African Union Transitional Mission
the decrease in military pressure will further cause a in Somalia (ATMIS) as well as the various National
rise in militancy while a decrease in military pressure Armies in the region appear to be effective strategic
against the hegemony of JNIM and ISGS will allow approaches to degrading the IED manufacturing ca-
the groups to further consolidate their control and pabilities of Al-Shabaab. That notwithstanding, the
complicate efforts by the State Security apparatuses to resumption of Counter Terrorism operation activi-
re-establish control of the affected areas. In order to ties by United States (US) Africa Command Forces,
reverse the trend, the affected States may have to de- the enhanced capacity of the Somalia National Army
velop the ability to alter the strategic trajectory of the with determination to defeat terrorist groups, as well
terrorist groups by operational raids, targeted strikes, tactical operational activities of AMISOM/ATMIS
and other military operations to serve as tactical and have limited the movement of terrorist groups within
operational disruptors to militant groups. An inno- their operational zones.
vative and out-of-the-box thinking approach that has Terrorism in the region is predominantly dom-
the propensity to nip terrorism and violent extremism inated by Islamic State (IS)- linked Al Sunnah
in the bud could help at this crucial moment. Wal-Jummah (ASWJ) operating in the northern
Al-Shabaab remains the most active terrorist group Mozambican Province of Cabo Delgado with spill-
with occasional attacks from the Islamic State in So- overs into southern Tanzania. Within the period,
malia (ISS) in this part of Africa. The technological insurgents advanced into the southern districts of
25
 Cabo Delgado province, launching attacks in areas in different parts of the country. Libya is at a peril-
previously unaffected by the nearly five-year old in- ous crossroad owing to a protracted political impasse
surgency. Ancuabe and Chiure districts within Cabo which has weakened the coordinated efforts required
Delgado began witnessing attacks in June 2022. Fur- to fight IS groups. Terrorist activities were recorded
ther, Nampula province suffered its first attack since in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula with Islamic State-affiliat-
the start of the conflict, when insurgents attacked ed militants orchestrating their deadliest attack on
a village and beheaded a civilian. The movement of the army in two years, killing a dozen soldiers. For
insurgents into new operational corridors could be instance, on 7 May, in Qantara, Bir al-Abd located
pressure from counter terrorism offensives hence in the Sinai Peninsula, IS-affiliated militants attacked
the group retreats to these areas for havens. The fear, a military post killing at least seventeen soldiers and
however, is that if the terrorists succeed in Mozam- injuring five others. Also, on 11 May, in Rafah, Si-
bique, they can use the country as a launchpad to nai Peninsula, IS operatives attacked an army check-
attack other countries in the region. Mobilising the point, killing at least 12 soldiers.
political will to contain the terrorist threats in Cabo The Sinai Peninsula has been relatively calm for
Delgado should, therefore, be treated as urgent prior- several months. The Egyptian Army succeeded in sig-
ity among the political leadership in the region. nificantly weakening the group, which translated to
Despite the series of counter terrorism operation- the near failure by IS elements to launch significant
al successes of the Mozambican security forces and attacks in Sinai for several months. Nevertheless, the
intervening forces, the on-going insurgency seems to latest attacks and kidnappings give rise to fears that
be buoyant. The fact that insurgent groups appear to IS could escalate its atrocities. There is an urgent need
enjoy apparent freedom of movement within North- to interrogate the recent resurgence to understand
ern Mozambique reflects a minimal level of strategic what is emboldening the group’s momentum and
coordination between the deployed international resilience. The Egyptian government has rigorously
forces, and the National Armed Forces that are each bidden for investment in the Sinai in an effort to en-
responsible for their own operational areas. courage the population that had fled the area due to
Coordination between Rwandan security forc- IS activities to return. The resurgence, if not reversed,
es, Southern African Development Community could derail the efforts of the government, and put
(SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) Forc- local economic development initiatives in shambles.
es, and Mozambican forces operating whether with- In Tunisia, a suspected armed terrorist opened fire on
in the same theatre or different, must be enhanced. police near National Guard Barracks located in Kair-
With the presence of multiple foreign military de- ouan on 20 March 2022. Security forces repulsed the
ployments in Mozambique, establishment of a Joint attack, and no casualty was recorded.
Command and Control Centre could assist in en- Algeria, which has so far been largely successful
hancement of coordination and prevention of dupli- in its strategic counter terrorism operations, begun
cation of efforts. The AU pledged during its Extraor- witnessing attacks believed to have been perpetrated
dinary Summit on Terrorism held on 28 May 2022 by Al-Qaeda affiliate group - Al-Qaida in the Islam-
in Malabo, to deploy African Standby Force (ASF) ic Maghreb (AQIM). On January 28, 2022, two (2)
in Northern Mozambique. Within the period also, Algerian soldiers were killed in a fight with suspect-
Italy, Sweden, and Lithuania joined the European ed AQIM militants in Hassi Tiririne region near the
Union Military Training Mission in Mozambique border with Niger. Similarly, on 20 March, three (3)
in the context of the fight against terrorism thus in- Algerian soldiers were killed in a clash with a terrorist
creasing the number of EU countries in Mozambique group on the border strip of Timiaouine region in Bor-
to fourteen. These kinetic militaristic approaches if dj Badji Mokhtar, a village along the border with Mali.
combined with local community-based violent ex- Despite the long-term gradual decline of AQIM’s ca-
tremism prevention initiatives could help defeat ter- pabilities as a result of the military destruction of ter-
rorism in Northern Mozambique. rorist cells and arrest of terrorist elements leading to
recovery of large volumes of ammunitions and equip-
THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA ment, the militants continue to have the ability to
There is resurgence of Islamic State (IS)-affiliated acquire military grade arms within the country. This
groups’ activities across the region. The Libyan Na- ability could be linked to several factors including
tional Army (LNA) continues to battle IS cells in vast and porous borders that the country shares with
southern Libya amid repeated attacks from the group Mali, Libya, and Niger. This borderline constitutes an
26
integral perforated strip that facilitates the movement ara neighbourhood in Kabul. No one immediately
of arms smugglers and proliferators claimed responsibility.
ISIS-K now poses an internal Afghan threat, to
THE ISLAMIC STATE (IS) the Taliban and to sectarian stability given ISIS-K’s
Since, unfortunately, the pseudo-Islamic State (IS) is focus on killing Shias, but there is some reasonable
a growing force in the space of extremism, I decided concern that ISIS-K could ultimately turn its sights
this year to add a separate section regarding their ac- on external plotting if the Taliban is unable to con-
tivity as it is something we continue to monitor. tain them.
The United States continues to lead the global It seems that the Taliban are in need of assistance
fight against IS and since the beginning of 2022 they with this this internal conflict and hoping the Amer-
have killed four major jihadi leaders operating in and icans can help in exchange of much needed aid. Last
around northern Syria. These attacks are as follows: month the Biden administration announced it had
03 February 2022: U.S. Special Operations Forces set up a $3.5 billion “Afghan Fund” with frozen
carried out a raid that led to the death of ISIS leader Afghan money to promote economic stability. The
Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Al-Qurayshi, also known funds have yet to be released because the US does not
as Hajji Abdullah. U.S. intelligence tracked Qurayshi believe there is a trusted institution to guarantee the
to rebel-held Idlib province in north-western Syria. funds will benefit the Afghan people.
16 June 2022: U.S.-led coalition forces carried out Instead, it will be administered by an outside body,
a night-time raid that led to the capture of ISIS leader independent of the Taliban and the country’s central
Hani Ahmed Al-Kurdi in Syria’s northern province bank.
of Aleppo. Al-Kurdi was known to be an experienced US government administration officials have also
bomb maker and operational planner for ISIS. repeatedly raised the plight of women and girls in
27 June 2022: U.S. forces carried out an airstrike their conversations with the Taliban. The United
in Syria’s northwest Idlib province that killed Abu Nations rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan
Hamzah al Yemeni, a senior leader of the Al-Qae- last month called the regression of women and girls
da-aligned group, Hurras Al-Din. Al-Qaeda sup- in Afghan society “staggering.”
porters founded Hurras Al-Din in 2018.
Forty metre Taliban flag flies over Kabul, Afghanistan
12 July 2002: U.S. forces carried out an Unmanned
Aircraft System (UAS) strike near the town of Jin-
dayris in northwest Syria, targeting two senior ISIS
officials. The leader of ISIS in Syria, Maher Al-Agal,
was killed in the strike. Agal was also known to assist
in developing ISIS networks in Syria and Iraq.

AFGHANISTAN
Aside from the drone strike against Al-Qaeda
leader Ayman Al-Zawhiri in July 2022, the most sig-
nificant news vis-à-vis extremism in Afghanistan is
that finally in early October 2022, the United States
resumed direct talks with the Taliban. The Biden ad-
ministration sent the CIA’s deputy director David
Cohen and the top State Department official respon-
sible for Afghanistan to the Qatari capital of Doha
for the talks with the Taliban delegation which in-
cluded their head of intelligence, Abdul Haq Wasiq.
While the Taliban maintains ties with Al-Qaeda,
they are facing an insurgency from the Islamic State
offshoot known as ISIS-K. The group has routinely
targeted the Hazara ethnic minority in Afghanistan.
At least 25 people, primarily young women, were
killed in a suicide attack in the beginning of October
2022 at an education centre in a predominantly Haz-
27
 PART III gees and asylum seekers, as well as 12 million inter-
REFUGEES nally displaced people. Nearly 200,000 people be-
came refugees, driven by conflict, drought, flooding,
By the end of 2021, more than 84 million people had food shortages, insecurity, and localised violence.
been forced from their homes around the world. This 2021 saw a widespread relaxation of COVID re-
represents an increase from both 2019 and 2020, strictions; however, asylum restrictions remained in
which were record-breaking years in and of them- force in some countries and prevented some asylum
selves. This increase of global displacement, the ma- requests and registrations from going ahead. Some
jority of whom are Muslim, has been coupled with an refugees moved onward, in often risky conditions,
unprecedented restriction of global movement due towards the Mediterranean or southern Africa. Ref-
to the global pandemic which continued to cast its ugee status determination was slow and costly, with
influence on travel throughout much of this previous a long-standing backlog of 180,000 asylum applica-
year. While not the focus of our Muslim world re- tions pending adjudication. Several countries made
view, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine lead to progress on pledges relating to statelessness, includ-
millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing their country ing Rwanda which published a new nationality law
this past year and spilling into neighbouring coun- facilitating naturalisation.
tries. Since Ukraine continues to align itself with The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan wors-
Europe politically and culturally, one effect this is ened significantly this past year. Prior to the Taliban’s
happening in the western world is raising awareness takeover of power there was an overall reduction in
to the plight of refugees worldwide. displacement. However, since the Taliban has come
In Africa, the multiple conflicts found in the east- to power, this past year saw a displacement of 777,000
ern part of the continent has caused many people to people (57 percent children and 21 percent women),
be displaced. Some of the affected are: Central Afri- bringing the total number of people displaced by
can Republic, Darfur, Democratic Republic of Con- conflict inside Afghanistan to 3.5 million as of De-
go, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia. Like Ukraine, these cember 2021. The conflict diminished and humani-
are not necessarily the displacement of large Muslim tarian access to many parts of the country improved
populations, but m any of these refugees are Muslim after the Taliban takeover and the announcement
or connected to Muslim communities in East Africa. of an interim government, but there was deepening
By the end of 2021, the East and Horn of Africa poverty, exacerbated by drought, COVID and food
and the Great Lakes region hosted 4.9 million refu- insecurity. With ongoing restrictions and systemat-
Zaatari refugee camp in northern Jordan first opened on 28 July 2012

28
ic exclusion, women and children faced heightened cent children) are registered with UNHCR. Cur-
protection risks including intimate partner violence rently, 132,005 Syrian refugees live in camps: 81,242
and child marriage. Since August 2021, women have refugees in Za’atari camp, 44,064 in Azraq camp and
largely been excluded from the workforce both as a 6,699 in the Emirati Jordanian camp. The majority of
result of the economic crisis and restrictions imposed refugees have been welcomed into host communities,
by the de facto authorities. In the public sector, ex- located primarily in the northern governorates and
ceptions were made in some cases for women work- in Amman.
ing in health care and primary schools, as well as for The protracted nature of the Syria crisis is in-
a very small number of civil servants. Limitations on creasing vulnerabilities of refugees in Jordan and has
freedom of movement negatively impacted other as- contributed to an environment of prolonged vul-
pects of women’s lives, including access to health ser- nerability for children and young people affected by
vices. The closure of many women’s protection shel- the Syria crisis face multiple deprivations—poverty,
ters left women at risk. Justice systems established to profound stress, limited access to quality education
deal with cases of gender-based violence were largely and some 20 percent of children in the country being
non-functional. multidimensionally poor. The COVID pandemic
Of course, the largest refugee crises remain also continues to have far-reaching socio-economic
amongst the Syrians and Rohingya. Since I covered consequences, beyond its immediate health impacts,
much of the Rohingya above, let me use the space on already vulnerable groups, including refugees and
here to highlight where things stand with the Syrian the estimated 4.8 million children residing in Jordan.
refugee crises and both Turkey and Jordan who con-
tinue to absorb the majority of refugees within their CONCLUSION
borders.
In Türkiye the more than 3.7 million Syrian ref- There are several open-ended issues from the survey
ugees, including 1.8 million children, as well as above that make it difficult to stop here, what with
330,000 refugees and asylum seekers of other na- the explosive situation in Iran, the shocking UN re-
tionalities, of whom at least 140,000 are children, port on the Uyghurs in China, the recent breach of
remains challenging. Türkiye also remains a leading Israeli settlers of the Al-Aqsa mosque, and the devas-
transit country for registered and unregistered ref- tating floods in Pakistan. These are all issues we will
ugees and migrants on the move. During the first continue to monitor closely and report on in our fol-
quarter of 2022, nearly 4,500 people—20.2 per- lowing issue, inshaAllah.
cent of whom are from Afghanistan—successfully At the time of this writing, the global Muslim pop-
crossed by sea and land from Türkiye into the EU. In ulation is around 1.8 billion. In addition to its rapid
addition, more than 55,000 people were rescued or growth, this number also represents another reality:
apprehended by Turkish authorities, amongst them within the next 30-50 years, Islam will become the
more than 27,000 Afghan nationals. Recent devel- dominant religion on earth, surpassing Christianity.
opments in the sub-region neighbouring Türkiye, This means that the issues discussed in the survey
especially in Afghanistan, are posing increased risks above are of vital importance not only to Muslims,
of new population movements towards Türkiye. but to the global population as well. This too, is
In Jordan more than 2.7 million refugees, includ- something that deserves our reflection.
ing 1.3 million Syrians, of whom 674,268 (50 per-

Dr Tarek Elgawhary is a scholar of Islam and comparative religions having studied at both Princeton Uni-
versity and al-Azhar Seminary. His writings and thoughts on life, Islam, and mindfulness can be found at
www.makingsenseofislam.com.

29
QuranicThought.com
QuranicThought.com is a project dedicated to mak- Then, there are sections for three pivotal Shafi’i
ing all the important texts of the Islamic Sciences scholars (in association with the Professorial chairs
over the course of history up to the present day avail- on Razi and Ghazali linked to this website): Ghazali,
able free to everyone in the world, at one trusted ad- Razi and Suyuti. Studying the entire thought of one
dress. This massive endeavour, consisting of millions major comprehensive thinker can be far more con-
of books and tens of thousands of hours of audio ducive to real comprehension and to absorbing an
recordings, will be permanently ongoing in sha Al- Islamic world-view than cherry-picking from many
lah. All texts will be available in Arabic, and English scholars, especially with polymaths like Ghazali, Razi
translations will be provided where these are availa- and Suyuti.
ble, God willing. Moreover, Ghazali represents a high point in Is-
The site is committed to providing all the texts lamic usul (particularly in his Mustasfa), a high point
available in a non-political, non-partisan way, pro- in ihsan and ‘aqida (in his magnum opus, Ihya ‘Ulum
moting all four established Sunni madhahib and re- al-Din) and a high point in both logic and philoso-
specting the other madhahib of Islam: Zeidi, Jafari, phy in his books on those subjects. Razi represents
Thahiri and Ibadhi, as well as the thought of the the high point of Tafsir and Kalam in his Mafatih
early imams like Sufyan al-Thawri, Laith Ibn Sa’d and al-Ghayb. Suyuti represents a high point of Tafsir
Al-Awza’i. ma’thur (transmitted tafsir) in his Tafsir Al-Jala-
The materials have been categorized by Qur’an layn, Al-Durr al-Manthur and his Itqan fi ‘Ulum
(for listening); tafsir; hadith, usul, seerah,'aqidah, Al-Qur’an, a comprehensive survey of hadith in his
fiqh; ihsan, and falsafa. This is followed by a list of 25 collections of hadith, and authoritative exposition of
books for the essential texts of all disciplines which Shafi’i fiqh.
all Muslims should know and a section on the 500 This website and app are already the most exten-
most influential books on Sunni Thought (according sive Islamic book and audio resource on the internet
to the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institution’s seminal survey). and continue to grow by the Grace of God.

30
THE HOUSE
OF ISLAM

31
 I. THE HOUSE OF ISLAM
This section reprinted by permission of Vincenzo Oliveti © 2001
(with the exception of President Obama’s speech)

T he religion of Islam is based on belief in the

One God (who in Arabic is called Allah). It
was founded by the Prophet Muhammad
(570-632 CE) in the ancient cities of Makkah and
Madinah, in the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula
One day when we were sitting [in Madinah] with
the Messenger of God [the Prophet Muhammad]
there came unto us a man whose clothes were of
exceeding whiteness and whose hair was of exceed-
ing blackness, nor were there any signs of travel
(known as the Hijaz). God revealed to the Prophet upon him, although none of us knew him. He sat
Muhammad the Holy Qur’an, the Sacred Book of down knee upon knee opposite the Prophet, upon
Islam. The religion this created, however, was not a whose thighs he placed the palms of his hands, say-
new message but simply a final restatement of God’s ing: ‘O Muhammad; tell me what is the surren-
messages to the Hebrew Prophets and to Jesus. der (Islam)’. The Messenger of God answered him
The Holy Qur’an says: saying: ‘The surrender is to testify that there is no
Say ye: we believe in God and that which is re- god but God and that Muhammad is God’s Mes-
vealed unto us and that which was revealed unto senger, to perform the prayer, bestow the alms, fast
Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, Ramadan and make if thou canst, the pilgrimage
and the Tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus to the Holy House.’ He said,’ Thou hast spoken tru-
received, and that which the Prophets received ly,’ and we were amazed that having questioned
from their Lord. We make no distinction between him he should corroborate him. Then he said:
any of them, and unto Him we have submitted. ‘Tell me what is faith (Iman)’. He answered: ‘To
(2:136) believe in God and His Angels and his Books
Moreover, the Holy Qur’an did not exclude the and His Messengers and the Last Day [the Day
possibility of revelations other than those that were of Judgement], and to believe that no good or evil
given to the Prophets mentioned in the Bible (and cometh but by His Providence.’ ‘Thou hast spoken
thus did not exclude the possibility of other genuine truly,’ he said, and then: ‘Tell me what is excel-
ancient religions other than Judaism, Christianity lence (Ihsan).’ He answered: ‘To worship God as
and Islam). God says, in the Holy Qur’an: if thou sawest Him, for if Thou seest Him not, yet
seeth He thee.’ ‘Thou hast spoken truly,’ he said…
Verily we have sent Messengers before thee [O Mu- Then the stranger went away, and I stayed a while
hammad]. About some of them have we told thee, after he had gone; and the Prophet said to me:
and about some have we not told thee…(40:78). ‘O ‘Umar, knowest thou the questioner, who he
was?’ I said,’God and His Messenger know best.’
And verily we have raised in every nation a Mes- He said,’It was Gabriel [the Archangel]. He came
senger [proclaiming]: serve God and shun false unto you to teach you your religion.’ 1
gods…(16:36).
Thus Islam as such consists of ‘five pillars’: (1) the
THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM Shahadatayn or the ‘two testimonies of faith’ (whose
inward meaning is the acknowledgement of God).
The essence and substance of Islam can be easily (2) The five daily prayers (whose inward meaning
summed up by three major principles (which are also is the attachment to God). (3) Giving alms or Zakat—
successive stages in the spiritual life): Islam (meaning one-fortieth of one’s income and savings annually to
‘submission to God’s will’); Iman (meaning ‘faith in the poor and destitute (whose inward meaning is the
God’), and Ihsan (meaning ‘virtue through constant detachment from the world). (4) Fasting the Holy
regard to, and awareness of, God’). The second Ca- month of Ramadan annually (whose inward mean-
liph, the great ‘Umar ibn al Khattab, related that: ing is detachment from the body and from the ego).
(5) Making the Hajj (whose inner meaning is to re-

1 Sahih Muslim,’Kitab al Iman’, 1, N. I. (The Hadiths of the Prophet  , like all sacred texts, are written above in italics).
32
turn to one’s true inner heart, the mysterious square, ciples of interpretation and elaboration are them-
black-shrouded Ka’ba in Makkah being the outward selves ‘fixed’ by these texts), so that in Islam a person
symbol of this heart). Thus also Iman as such consists is only considered learned to the extent that he can
of belief in all the essential doctrines of religion (and demonstrate his knowledge of these texts. This does
the inner meaning of this is that one should not go not mean that Islam is a religion of limitations for
through the motions of religion and of the five pillars these texts are a vast ocean and their principles can
of Islam blindly or robotically, but rather have real be inwardly worked out almost infinitely in practice.
faith and certainty in one’s heart). Thus, finally, Ihsan It does mean, however, that Islam is ‘fixed’ and has
as such consists in believing that God always sees us, certain limits beyond which it will not go. This is an
and therefore that one must be virtuous and sincere extremely important concept to understand, because
in all one’s actions. In this connection the Prophet misunderstanding it, and setting aside the traditional
said: ‘By Him in whose Hand is my Life, none of you canon of Islam, leads to people killing and assassinat-
believes till he loves for his neighbour what he loves for ing others in the name of religion. The traditional
himself ’.2 In summary, we could say that the essence canon of Islam is what protects not just the religion
of Islam is exactly the Two Commandments upon of Islam itself, but the world (including Muslims
which Jesus said hangs all the Law and the Prophets: themselves) from terrorism, murder and oppression
in the name of Islam. The canon is Islam’s internal
And Jesus answered him, The first of all com- check and balance system; it is what safeguards its
mandments is…the Lord our God is one Lord; moderation; it is ‘self-censorship’ and its ultimate
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all safety feature.
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy To be more specific, the traditional Sunni Islamic
understanding, and with all thy strength: this is Canon starts with the Qur’an itself; then the great
the first commandment. And the second com- traditional Commentaries upon it (e. g. Tabari;
mandment is like, namely this, Thou shalt love Razi; Zamakhshari/Baydawi; Qurtubi; Jalalayn;
thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other
commandment greater than these.3

THE CANON OF ISLAM

Islam does not, like Christianity, have a clergy.

There is no temporal or even spiritual institute that
holds it together or unifies it. So how has it held to-
gether—and indeed, flourished—for the last four-
teen centuries approximately, when its scholars and
temporal policymakers keep changing and dying out
over time? How has it remained so homogeneous
that the Islam of 1900 CE was doctrinally exactly the
same as the Islam of 700 CE? Where have its internal
checks and balances come from?
The answer is that Islam has a traditional canon:4 a
collection of sacred texts which everyone has agreed
are authoritative and definitive, and which ‘fix’ the
principles of belief, practice, law, theology and doc-
trine throughout the ages. All that Muslim scholars
(called ulema and muftis or sheikhs and imams) have
left to do is to interpret these texts and work out
their practical applications and details (and the prin-
2 Sahih Muslim,’Kitab al Iman’, 18, n. 72.
3 The Gospel according to Mark 12:29 –31. (See also Deuteronomy
6:5; and Matthew 22:37– 40).
4 Even the English word ‘canon’ comes from the Arabic word kanun
meaning ‘law’ or ‘principle’.
33
 Jahiliyya poetry (as a background
reference for the semantic con-
notations of words in the Arabic
language). We give a specific (but
not exhaustive) list here in order
to minimise the possibility of
misunderstanding.

ISLAM IN HISTORY

It is evidently not possible to

do justice to the role of Islam in
world history, thought and civ-
ilisation in a few words, but the
following paragraph by Britain’s
Prince Charles attempts it:
‘The medieval Islamic world,
from Central Asia to the shores
of the Atlantic, was a world
where scholars and men of learn-
Ibn Kathir; Nasafi; and al Wahidi’s Asbab al Nuzul); ing flourished. But because we have tended to see
then the eight traditional collections of Hadith, the Islam as the enemy, as an alien culture, society, and
sayings of the Prophet, (e. g. Muslim; Bukhari; Tir- system of belief, we have tended to ignore or erase
midhi; Ibn Hanbal, al Nasa’i; Al-Sijistani; Al-Darimi its great relevance to our own history. For example,
and Ibn Maja); the later Muhaddithin, or Tradition- we have underestimated the importance of eight
ists (e. g. Bayhaqi; Baghawi; Nawawi and ‘Asqala- hundred years of Islamic society and culture in Spain
ni); then the traditional biographical and historical between the 8th and 15th centuries. The contribu-
works of Sira (Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Sa‘d, Waqidi; Azraqi; tion of Muslim Spain to the preservation of classical
Tabari; and Suhayli); the Risala of Al-Shafi‘i: the learning during the Dark Ages, and to the first flow-
Muwatta’ of Imam Malik; the Ihya’ ‘Ulum al Din erings of the Renaissance, has long been recognised.
of Ghazali; Ash‘arite and Maturidian theology; the But Islamic Spain was much more then a mere larder
(original) ‘Aqida of Tahawi; Imam Jazuli’s Dala’il where Hellenistic knowledge was kept for later con-
al-Khayrat, and finally—albeit only extrinsically— sumption by the emerging modern Western world.

top left: Manuscript pages of A Sketch of the Islamic Law by Ma Boliang (1640–1711 CE), an influential Islamic scholar
from Jining, China. Islamic scholars who authenticated the work include Li Yongshou, Wen Yingshi, Yang Jiu’en, Ma
Minggao, and Ma Zhilin.
top right: A manuscript page from Sahīh al-Bukhārī from the National Library of Bulgaria dated 407 AH (1017 CE).
below: Alhambra Palace in Spain

34
Not only did Muslim Spain gather and preserve the
intellectual content of ancient Greek and Roman civ-
ilisation, it also interpreted and expanded upon that
civilisation, and made a vital contribution of its own
in so many fields of human endeavour—in science,
astronomy, mathematics, algebra (it self an Arabic
word), law, history, medicine, pharmacology, optics,
agriculture, architecture, theology, music. Averroes
[Ibn Rushd] and Avenzoor [Ibn Zuhr], like their
counterparts Avicenna [Ibn Sina] and Rhazes [Abu
Bakr al Razi] in the East, contributed to the study
and practice of medicine in ways from which Europe
benefited for centuries afterwards.’ 5
On 4 June, 2009, US President Barack Obama
said the following at Cairo University:

‘As a student of history, I also know civilisa-

tion’s debt to Islam. It was Islam—at places like
Al-Azhar—that carried the light of learning
through so many centuries, paving the way for of Tripoli in 1796, our second President, John
Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It Adams, wrote,’ The United States has in itself
was innovation in Muslim communities that no character of enmity against the laws, reli-
developed the order of algebra; our magnetic gion or tranquility of Muslims.’ And since our
compass and tools of navigation; our mastery founding, American Muslims have enriched
of pens and printing; our understanding of the United States. They have fought in our wars,
how disease spreads and how it can be healed. they have served in our government, they have
Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and stood for civil rights, they have started business-
soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished es, they have taught at our universities, they’ve
music; elegant calligraphy and places of peace- excelled in our sports arenas, they’ve won No-
ful contemplation. And throughout history, Is- bel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the
lam has demonstrated through words and deeds Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim
the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial American was recently elected to Congress, he
equality. took the oath to defend our Constitution using
the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding
I also know that Islam has always been a part Fathers—Thomas Jefferson—kept in his per-
of America’s story. The first nation to recognise sonal library.’ 6
my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty
5 HRH the Prince of Wales,’Islam and the West’, a lecture given at the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford on October 27th, 1993, pp. 17–18.
6 Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo,’Remarks by the President on a New Beginning’ June 4, 2009.

35
 II. MAJOR DOCTRINAL DIVISIONS
WITHIN ISLAM

Sunni Theology
1) ASH’ARI AND MATURIDI SCHOOLS: SUNNI ORTHODOXY  1

These two schools of doctrine are followed by the bulk of Sunni Muslims and differ only in minor
details.

Ash'ari School: This school is named after the followers of the 9th century scholar Abu al Hasan
al Ash'ari (874–936 CE) and is widely accepted throughout the Sunni Muslim world. They believe
that the characteristics of God are ultimately beyond human comprehension, and trust in the Rev-
elation is essential, although the use of rationality is important.

Maturidi School: This school is named after the followers of the 9th century scholar Muhammad
Abu Mansur al Maturidi (853–944 CE) and has a wide following in regions where Hanafi law is
practiced. They have a slightly more pronounced reliance on human reason.

2) SALAFI SCHOOL

This school was developed around the doctrines of 18th century scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al
Wahhab (1703–1792 CE). Salafis have specific doctrinal beliefs, owing to their particular interpre-
tation of Islam, that differentiate them from the majority of Sunnis, such as a literal anthropomor-
phic interpretation of God. Salafis place a great emphasis on literal interpretation of the Qur’an and
Hadith, with skepticism towards the role of human reason in theology.

3) MU’TAZILI SCHOOL

This school was developed between the 8th and 10th centuries. Although it is traced back to Wasil
ibn Ata (d. 748 CE) in Basra, theologians Abu al Hudhayl Al-‘Allaf (d. 849 CE) and Bishr ibn al
Mu’tamir (d. 825 CE) are credited with formalizing its theological stance. Mu’tazili thought relies
heavily on logic, including Greek philosophy. Although it no longer has a significant following, a
small minority of contemporary intellectuals have sought to revive it. Mutazilites believe that the
Qur’an was created as opposed to the Orthodox Sunni view that it is eternal and uncreated. More-
over they advocate using rationalism to understand allegorical readings of the Qur’an.

1 Orthodoxy in Islam is based on verse 2:285 of the Holy Qur’an, and has been best defined by the historical 2005 interna-
tional Islamic consensus on the ‘three points’ of the Amman Message (see: the Amman Message at the end of this section)

36
 Shia Theology
1) THE TWELVER SCHOOL

The infallibility ('Ismah) of the Twelve Imams descended from the family of the Prophet (Ahl
al-Bayt) who are believed to be the spiritual and rightful political authorities of the Muslim com-
munity (Umma). The twelfth Imam, the Mahdi, is believed to be in occultation to return in the
future.

2) ISMA'ILI SCHOOL

The Qur’an and Hadith are said to have truths lying with a single living Imam, descended directly
from the Prophet. Also known as 'seveners' for their belief that Isma'il ibn Ja'far was the seventh
leading-Imam of the Muslim community.

3) ZAIDI SCHOOL

The infallibility of the Twelve Imams and the notion of occultation are rejected in favour of ac-
cepting the leadership of a living Imam. The Imamate can be held by any descendant of the Proph-
et (Sayyid). Also known as 'fivers' by other Muslims for their belief that Zayd ibn Ali was the fifth
leading-Imam of the Muslim community.

Ibadi Theology

IBADI SCHOOL

Ibadis believe that God created the Qur’an at a certain point in time, and that God will not be seen
on the Day of Judgment. They also believe in the eternal nature of hell for all those who enter it.

37
 III. IDEOLOGICAL DIVISIONS

TRADITIONAL ISLAM ISLAMIC ISLAMIC MODERNISM

FUNDAMENTALISM
(90% of the world's Muslims) (1% of the world's Muslims)
(9% of the world's Muslims)
Also known as Orthodox (8% Salafi; 1 % Ikhwan) Emerging from 19th century
Islam, this ideology is not Ottoman Turkey and Egypt,
politicized and largely based This is a highly politicized re- this subdivision contextu-
on consensus of correct ligious ideology popularised alized Islamic ideology for
opinion—thus including in the 20th century through the times—emphasizing the
the Sunni, Shia, and Ibadi movements within both the need for religion to evolve
branches of practice (and Shia and Sunni branches of with Western advances.
their subgroups) within the Islam—characterised by ag-
fold of Islam, but not groups gressiveness and a reformist
such as the Druze or the Ah- attitude toward traditional
madiyya, among others. Islam.

IIIA. TRADITIONAL ISLAM

SUNNI
(90% of the world's traditional muslims)
The largest denomination of Muslims referred to as Ahl as Sunnah wa'l Jama'h or 'people of the pro-
phetic tradition and community'—with emphasis on emulating the life of the last Prophet, Muhammad.

SCHOOLS OF SUNNI ISLAMIC LAW

Hanafi Shafi'i Maliki Hanbali

(45%) (28%) (15%) (2%)
Named after the Named after the Named after the fol- Named after the fol-
followers of Imam Abu followers of Imam lowers of Imam Malik lowers of Imam Ahmad
Hanifa (699–767 CE/ al Shafi'i (767–820 (711–795 CE/ 93–179 bin Hanbal (780–
89–157 AH) in Iraq. CE/ 150–204 AH) in AH) in Madinah. 855 CE/ 164–241
Madinah. AH) in Iraq.

38
 SHIA
(9.5% of the world’s traditional Muslims)
The second-largest denomination of Muslims referred to as Shiatu ‘Ali or ‘the party of Ali,’ the fourth
caliph of Islam and first Imam in Shi’ism.

BRANCHES OF SHIA ISLAM

Zaidis (Fivers) Twelvers Isma'ilis (Seveners)

(Less than 1%) (8%) (Less than 0.5%)

Named after the follow- Named after the followers Named after the followers
ers of Imam Zaid ibn ‘Ali of Imam Ja’far al Sadiq of Muhammad ibn Ismail
(695–740 CE) in Madinah. (702–765 CE/ 83–148 (746–809 CE/128–193
AH) in Madinah. AH) in Madinah.

SCHOOLS OF ISLAMIC LAW FOR TWELVER SHIA

Usuli Akhbari
99% of Twelvers. This dominant school favors Akhbaris reject the use of ijtihad or reasoning,
the use of ijtihad, independent legal reasoning, and do not follow marjas who practice ijtihad.
with an emphasis on four accepted collec- They also prohibit exegesis of the Qur’an. De-
tions of Hadith. Derive legal opinions from rive legal rulings from the Qur’an, Hadith,
living ayatollahs, or mujtahids, whose rulings and consensus. The name Akhbari is derived
become obligatory. Taqlid, the practice of fol- from the Arabic term akhbar meaning ‘tradi-
lowing rulings without questioning the reli- tions’. They can trace their roots to the follow-
gious authority, is a core tenet of this school. ers of Muhammad Amin Astarabadi (d. 1627
The name Usuli is derived from the Arabic CE). Akhbaris continue to exist to this day,
term usul meaning ‘principle’. although in small, concentrated pockets, par-
ticularly around Basra, Iraq.

Ibadi
(0.5% of the world's traditional Muslims)
The Ibadi school has origins in and is linked to the Kharijites, but the modern day community is distinct
from the 7th century Islamic sect. It was founded after the death of Prophet Muhammad and is current-
ly practiced by a majority of Oman's Muslim population. Also found across parts of Africa.

39
 MYSTIC BROTHERHOODS

Although reliable statistics are not available for the millions of Muslims who practice Islamic mysticism,
it has been estimated that 25% of adult Sunni Muslims in 1900 CE participated in these brotherhoods as
either murids (followers of the Sufi guide of a particular order) or mutabarrikin (supporters or affiliates
of a particular Sufi order).

SUNNI ORDERS

Naqshbandiyya Chishtiyya
Founded by Baha al Din Naqshband (d. 1389 Founded by the Persian saint Mu'in al Din
CE) in Bukhara, modern day Uzbekistan. In- Chishti (d. 1236 CE) Khurasan. Influence:
fluence: popular from China to North Africa, highly influential in India.
Europe and America.
Mawlawiyya
Qadiriyya A Turkish order founded by the Persian saint
Founded by scholar and saint 'Abd al Qadir al and poet Jalal al Din Rumi (d. 1273 CE). In-
Jilani (1077–1166 CE) in Baghdad, Iraq. In- fluence: mainly in Türkiye.
fluence: stretches from Morocco to Malaysia,
from Central Asia to South Africa. Rifa'iyya
Founded by Ahmad ibn 'Ali al Rifa'i (d. 1182
Tijaniyya CE) in southern Iraq. Influence: widely prac-
Ahmad al Tijani (d. 1815 CE) who settled ticed across the Muslim world with a strong
and taught in Fez, Morocco. Influence: major presence in Egypt.
spiritual and religious role in Senegal, Nigeria,
Mauritania and much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Yashrutiyya
Founded by 'Ali Nur al Din al Yashruti (d.
Shadhiliyyah 1892 CE) in Palestine. Influence: strong pres-
Founded by the Moroccan saint Abu'l-Hassan ence in Syria and Lebanon.
al Shadili (d. 1258 CE). Influence: most influ-
ential in North Africa and Egypt. Badawiyya
An Egyptian order founded by the Moroccan
Kubrawiyya saint Ahmad al Badawi (d. 1276 CE), con-
(d. 1221 CE) from Khawarzm, modern day sidered by many as the patron saint of Egypt.
Uzbekistan. Influence: mostly present across Influence: active role in Egypt and the Sudan.
Central Asia.
Khalwatiyya
Suhrawardiyya A Turkish order founded by the Persian saint
Founded by Persian scholar Abu Najib 'Umar al Khalwati (d. 1397 CE). Influence:
Suhrawardi (d. 1168 CE) in Iraq. Influence: a wide presence in the Balkans, Syria, Lebanon
strong presence in India. and North Africa.

SHIA ORDERS

Irfan
Irfan, which means 'knowing' in Arabic and 'most beautiful and knowledgeable person' in Pashto, is
Shia mysticism. Mulla Sadr al Din Muhammad Shirazi (1571–1636 CE) from Iran is considered a
leading Shia theorist of Irfan.

40
IIIB. ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM
SUNNI

Muslim Brotherhood Wahhabism/Salafism

The Muslim Brotherhood, or Al-Ikhwan Wahhabism/Salafism are terms used inter-
Al-Muslimeen is a transnational Sunni move- changeably to refer to a particular brand of
ment, with no particular ideological adher- Islam. Salaf, meaning predecessors, refers to
ence. It is the largest political opposition or- the very early practice of Islam by Muham-
ganisation in many Arab states, particularly mad and his immediate successors. Salafism
in Egypt where it was founded in opposition seeks to revive the practice of Islam as it was at
to colonial rule by Hassan al Banna in 1928. the time of Muhammad and can be critical of
Al Banna originally sought to revive Muslim too much emphasis being placed on thinkers
culture from its position of exploitation un- from after this period. Muhammad ibn ‘Abd
der colonial rule, through charitable and ed- al Wahhab (1703–1792 CE) was an impor-
ucational work, to bring Islam into a central tant figure in the resurrection of this ideology
role in people's life. Sayyid Qutb (1906–1966 therefore Salafism is often simply known as
CE) was also a leading member of the Egyp- Wahhabism.
tian Muslim Brotherhood in the 50s and 60s.

SHIA

Revolutionary Shi'ism
Revolutionary Shi'ism is an ideology, based on the teachings of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah
Khomeini (1902–1989 CE), which shares many similarities with Marxist revolutionary thought.
Khomeini believed that the only way to secure independence from colonial or imperial forces was
through the creation of a Shia state, under the idea of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist).
This means that all politics is subject to the opinion of the Supreme Leader who is responsible for
the continued success of the revolution. It is only practiced in Iran.

IIIC. ISLAMIC MODERNISM

Islamic modernism is a reform movement started by politically-minded urbanites with scant knowl-
edge of traditional Islam. These people had witnessed and studied Western technology and socio-po-
litical ideas, and realized that the Islamic world was being left behind technologically by the West and
had become too weak to stand up to it. They blamed this weakness on what they saw as ‘traditional
Islam,’ which they thought held them back and was not ‘progressive’ enough. They thus called for a
complete overhaul of Islam, including—or rather in particular—Islamic law (sharia) and doctrine
(aqida). Islamic modernism remains popularly an object of derision and ridicule, and is scorned by
traditional Muslims and fundamentalists alike.

41
 In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Messenger believes in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and the
believers; each one believes in God and His angels, and in His Books, and His
messengers, ‘we make no distinction between any of His messengers’. And they
say, ‘We hear and obey; Your forgiveness, our Lord; to You is the homecoming’.
God charges no soul save to its capacity; for it is what it is has merited, and against it is
what it has earned. Our Lord, take us not to task if we forget, or err; our Lord, burden
us not with a load, such as You did lay upon those before us. Our Lord, do not burden
us beyond what we have the power to bear; and pardon us, and forgive us, and have
mercy on us; You are our Patron; so grant us assistance against the disbelieving folk.
The Cow, 285-286
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com
THE TOP 50

43
 • The Top 50 •
1. HM King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 14. HE Sheikh Dr Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyeb
King of Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holy Grand Sheikh of the Al-Azhar University, Grand
Mosques (2) Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque (14)

2. HE Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali Khamenei 15. Maulana Mahmood Madani
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Leader and President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind,
(3) India (27)

3. HH Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani 16. HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah
Emir of Qatar (1) Scholar and President of the Forum for Promot-
ing Peace in Muslim Societies (16)
4. HE President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Turkiye (4) 17. HE President Muhammadu Buhari
Nigeria (17)
5. HM King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein
King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Cus- 18. HRE Amirul Mu’minin Sheikh As-Sultan
todian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem (5) Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III
Sultan of Sokoto (18)
6. HE Justice Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani
Scholar and Deobandi Leader (6) 19. Sheikh Yahya Cholil Staquf
Chairman of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul
7. HM King Mohammed VI Ulama (450 lists)
King of Morocco (7)
20. HE Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa
8. HH President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Former Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of
Al-Nahyan Egypt (20)
United Arab Emirates (8)
21. Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah
9. HE Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein Secretary-General of Hezbollah (21)
Al-Sistani
Marja of the Hawza, Najaf, Iraq (9) 22. Sheikh Habib Ali Zain Al Abideen Al-Jifri
Preacher and Director General of the Tabah (22)
10. HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 23. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson
Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (15) Teacher and Co-Founder of Zaytuna College (23)

11. HE Sheikh Al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz 24. Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse
Scholar and Director of Dar Al Mustafa, Tarim, Leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi Order (24)
Yemen (11)
25. Sheikha Munira Qubeysi
12. Sheikh Salman Al-Ouda Leader of the Qubeysi (25)
Scholar and Preacher (12)
26. Sheikh Mustafa Hosny
13. HE President Joko Widodo Preacher (28)
Indonesia (13)

44
27. HE Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah Aal 39. Mohamed Salah
Al-Sheikh Footballer (41)
Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (26)
40. HE President Abdel Fattah Saeed Al-Sisi
28. Sheikh Usama Al-Sayyid Al-Azhari Egypt (450 lists)
Scholar (29)
41. Sheikh Muqtada Sadr
29. HH Shah Karim Al-Hussayni Scholar and Political (42)
The Aga Khan IV, 49th Imam of Ismaili Muslims
(30) 42. Maulana Nazur ur-Rehman
Amir of Tablighi Jamaat, Pakistan (43)
30. Habib Luthfi bin Yahya
Preacher (32) 43. Sheikh Moez Masoud
Preacher and Televangelist (44)
31. Sheikh Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi
Leader of the Houthi (33) 44. Dr Timothy Winter (Sheikh Abdal Hakim
Murad)
32. Maulana Tariq Jameel Islamic Scholar (45)
Scholar and Preacher (35)
45. HE Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini
33. HE President Halimah Yacob Islamic Scholar (47)
Singapore (36)
46. Dr Mohamed Bechari
34. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi French activist (48)
Scholar (37)
47. Dr Amr Khaled
35. Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr Preacher and Televangelist (49)
Philosopher and University Professor (38)
48. Dr Aref Ali Nayed
36. Sheikh Uthman Taha Scholar (46)
Calligrapher (39)
49. HE Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada
37. Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi Leader of the Taliban (50)
Tunisian Politician (40)
50. Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadiri
38. HE President Samia Suluhu Hassan Founder of Dawat-e-Islami Movement (HM)
Tanzania (HM)

* The number in brackets indicates last year’s position.

And whoever repents and acts righteously, indeed turns to God with due repentance.
The Criterion, 71
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

45
 THE TOP 50 AND HONOURABLE
MENTIONS LISTED BY CATEG ORY

Although the influence of the Top 50 straddles many categories and cannot be limited to just one or another
category, it can be insightful to place them into more general categories. To the Top 50 we have added the Hon-
ourable Mentions and have chosen three general categories into which to place them: 1. Rulers and Politicians,
2. Scholars and Preachers and 3. Social Issues, Media, Science, Arts, Culture and Sports.

Rulers and Politicians

1. HM King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 13. Sheikh Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi
2. HE Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali Khamenei 14. HE President Halimah Yacob
3. HH Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani 15. HE Rached Ghannouchi
4. HE President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 16. HE President Samia Suluhu Hassan
5. HM King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein 17. HE President Abdel Fattah Saeed Al-Sisi
6. HM King Mohammed VI 18. HE Sheikh Muqtada Sadr
7. HH President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed 19. HE Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada
Al-Nahyan 20. HE President Mahmoud Abbas
8. HRH Crown Prince Muhammed bin Salman 21. HE Ismail Haniyah
bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 22. HE Anwar Ibrahim
9. HE President Joko Widodo 23. HE Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad
10. HE President Muhammadu Buhari 24. Imran Khan
11. Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah 25. Sadiq Khan
12. HH Shah Karim Al-Hussayni

Scholars and Preachers

1. HE Justice Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani 16. HE Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah Aal
2. HE Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein Al-Sheikh
Al-Sistani 17. Sheikh Usama Al-Sayyid Al-Azhari
3. Sheikh Al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz 18. Habib Luthfi bin Yahya
4. Sheikh Salman Al-Ouda 19. Maulana Tariq Jameel
5. HE Professor Dr Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad 20. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi
Al-Tayyeb 21. Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr
6. Maulana Mahmood Madani 22. Maulana Nazur ur-Rehman
7. HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah 23. Sheikh Moez Masoud
8. HRE Amirul Mu’minin Sheikh As-Sultan 24. Professor Timothy Winter (Sheikh Abdal
Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III Hakim Murad)
9. Sheikh Yahya Cholil Staquf 25. HE Sheikh Ibrahim Salih Al-Hussaini
10. HE Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa 26. Dr Amr Khalid
11. Sheikh Habib ‘Ali Zain Al Abideen Al-Jifri 27. Dr Aref Ali Nayed
12. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson 28. Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadiri
13. Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse 29. HE Grand Ayatollah Abdullah Jawadi Amoli
14. HE Sheikha Munira Qubeysi 30. HE Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq
15. Sheikh Mustafa Hosny Fayadh

46
31. Professor M Din Syamsuddin 36. Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani
32. Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas 37. Sheikh Nuh Keller
33. Professor Akbar Ahmed 38. Dr Muhammad Al-Arifi
34. Dr Ingrid Mattson 39. Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik
35. Aminu Ado Bayero 40. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais

Social Issues, Science, Arts &Culture and Sports

1. HE Sheikh Uthman Taha 6. Malala Yousufzai
2. Mohammed Salah 7. Dr. Ugur Sahin
3. Mohamed Bechari 8. Sami Yusuf
4. Ahed Tamimi 9. Saadio Mane
5. Loujain al-Hathloul 10. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Say [that God declares]: ‘O My servants who have been prodigal

against their own souls, do not despair of God’s mercy. Truly God
forgives all sins. Truly He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
And turn [penitently] to your Lord and submit to Him, before the
chastisement comes on you, whereupon you will not be helped.
And follow the best of what has been revealed to you from your Lord before
the chastisement comes on you suddenly while you are unaware’.
The Troops, 53-55
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

47
 Country: Saudi Arabia
Born: 31 December 1935 (age
87)
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: King with author-
ity over 35 million residents of
Saudi Arabia and approximate-
ly 14 million pilgrims annually.
School of Thought: Moder-
ate Salafi
2022 (2)
2021 (2)
2020 (4)

“My primary goal is to be an

exemplary and leading nation in
all aspects, and I will work with
you in achieving this endeavour.”

$4  billion
donated to disaster and war-
torn countries

5
World Heritages sites

• 1•
His Majesty
King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud
48
HM King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud
King of Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
HM King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud was pro­ Projects included assisting Syrian patients living in
claimed the seventh king of the Kingdom of Saudi Zataari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan and providing
Arabia in January 2015, after the passing of King Ab­ prosthetic limbs to Yemeni civilians wounded during
dullah bin Abdul-Aziz. He had previously held the the war. KSRelief signed a memorandum of cooper-
position of Crown Prince from June 2012. King Sal­ ation with UNICEF and signed an agreement with
man’s influence comes from being the absolute mon­ the UNHCR to support the families affected by war.
arch of the most powerful Arab nation and is mani­ Military Action: In March 2015, King Salman
fested by the role Saudi Arabia plays in three critical launched a nine-state coalition bombing campaign
areas: 1. having the two holy cities of Makkah and against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The campaign is
Madinah, which millions of Muslims visit through­ cited as curbing Iranian influence in the region, but
out the year; 2. exporting crude oil and refined petro­ it has also tarnished Saudi’s international reputation
leum products, which ensures its central international as it continues to bomb the poorest nation on earth.
role; and 3. propagating Islam through its huge prop­ The conflict has become even more complicated as
agation (da’wa) network, which makes its influence cracks appear in the coalition, notably with the UAE,
felt in all Muslim countries. On 21 June 2017, King who are backing a new faction.
Salman appointed his son, Mohammed bin Salman Key Appointments: The transfer of power from
bin Abdul-Aziz as Crown Prince of the Kingdom. the sons of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Ab­
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques: HM King dul-Aziz, to the new generation, which some feared
Salman has significant influence in the global Mus­ would be an issue that would split the country, has
lim community through his custodianship of the two been remarkably smooth so far. HRH Prince Mo-
holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Makkah is the hammed bin Salman is the second Crown Prince
main pilgrimage site for 1.9 billion Muslims. Each from the new generation appointed by King Salman.
year approximately 4 million pilgrims perform the These appointees have brought changes in law which
Hajj. In addition to this, approximately 10 million have had monumental social effects, changes such
pilgrims (including Saudi residents and GCC citi­ as allowing women in Saudi Arabia to move freely
zens) perform the Umrah, “the lesser Hajj”, through- and drive, and the promotion of cinemas and music
out the year. A multi-billion-dollar expansion to the concerts.
two mosques is well under way. Hajj: The Hajj was severely curtailed for two years
Controller of Oil Reserves: HM King Salman reigns with only 1,000 and then 60,000 residents allowed
over a land of massive crude oil reserves—Sau­di Ara- to perform the pilgrimage, but in 2022 it opened for
bia has approximately 20 percent of the world’s proven a million worldwide pilgrims.
oil reserves—making him a key player in the global
Saudi Arabia's national bird, the falcon
petroleum industry. The recent increase in oil prices
has boosted its revenue by almost 90 percent from the
previous year to over $67bn in the first half of 2022.
Head of the World’s Largest Da’wa Network: King
Salman is also head of the most extensive da’wa net­
work of missionary Muslims in the world, promot­
ing the Salafi brand of Islam. Salafism is historically
rooted in Saudi Arabia, and owes its global spread to
the financial backing of Saudi Arabia. Its violent off­
shoots have meant that Saudi Arabia itself is now a
target for them.
Humanitarian: The King Salman Center for Relief
and Humanitarian Aid (KSRelief ) was established
in 2015 delivering aid internationally to victims of
civil war and natural disaster. KSRelief has funded
over $2bn in more than 400 projects in 40 countries.
49
 Country: Iran
Born: 16 July 1939 (age 83)
Source of Influence: Politi-
cal, Administrative
Influence: Supreme Leader of
84 million Iranians
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Twelver Shia, Revolu-
tionary Shi’ism
2022 (3)
2021 ( 3)
2020 (2)

“‘The people’ means everyone,

without any privilege for a cer-
tain class and a certain group.”

15 th
in nanotechnology research

22
World Heritage sites

• 2•
His Eminence
Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali Khamenei
50
HE Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali Khamenei
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Grand Ayatollah Khamenei is the second Supreme Al-Tayyeb.
Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He was born Sanctions: Since 1979, the United States has used
in Mashhad and studied in the leading Iranian reli­ sanctions to try to influence Iran’s policies, including
gious seminary in Qom before becoming involved Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The sanctions
in the struggle with the Pahlavi Regime in the sixties have had a detrimental effect on many aspects of life
and seventies. He was a key figure in the revolution in the country. In 2015, Iran and the P5+1 (the US,
in 1979 and served as President between 1981-1989 UK, France, China, Russia and Germany) agreed to
before succeeding Ayatollah Khomeini as Supreme the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA),
Leader upon the latter’s death. He has vocally sup­ which limited Iran’s nuclear activities and allowed
ported most of the unrest in the Arab World, liken­ in­ternational inspectors in return for the lifting of
ing it to the Iranian Revolution. eco­nomic sanctions. This agreement worked for 4
Supreme Leader, Velayat-e Faqih: Khamenei’s cur- years before President Trump unilaterally withdrew
rent influence stems from his powerful position as from it and subsequently imposed stricter sanctions
a religious leader, which gives him a unique role in on Iran and secondary sanctions for countries still
political affairs. His job is to enact the Velayat-e Fa- buying Ira­nian oil. The Biden administration has sig-
qih—the guardianship of the jurist. In real terms nalled re­turning to the JCPOA, but this will require
this means a system where scholars of fiqh (Islamic further negotiation with the new President Ebrahim
jurisprudence) have a controlling say in the political Raisi.
affairs of the state. The rule of the jurist was a concept Current Issues: Iran’s role in the Syrian and Yemeni
created by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, based on conflicts and how it maintains its relationships with
ideas that have run through Iranian political history the Arab world are key issues that require Khame­
since the time of Shah Ismail—who was the first to nei’s lead. The US assassinated Major General Qasem
make Shia Islam the national religion of Iran in the Soleimani in January 2020 and although Iran replied
early 16th century under the rule of the Safavids. It by firing missiles at a US base in Iraq, this issue seems
was conceived as a way of safeguarding the Iranian far from resolved for many. Khamenei has stressed
nation from tyranny, giving the final say in all mat­ Iran’s strong relationship with Russia following the
ters to a group of religious scholars, the Council of war in Ukraine.
Guardians. This Council is headed by a chief arbitra­ Iran's national bird, the nightingale
tor—the Supreme Leader.
Leader of Shia Revolution: Khamenei gains much
of his influence in Iran from his role as a leader of the
Islamic Revolution in Iran. The Islamic Republic of
Iran was forged out of the 1979 Revolution. Com­
bating what many saw as the tyrannical rule of the
Shah, Khamenei joined the Society of Combatant
Clergy that staged demonstrations mobilising many
of the protests leading to the Shah’s overthrow. After
the revolution in 1979, Khamenei was one of the
founding members of the Islamic Republic Party, and
a member of the assembly of experts that was respon­
sible for drafting Iran’s new constitution.
Sunni-Shia Reconciliation: On 2 September 2010
Khamenei issued a historic fatwa banning the insult
of any symbol that Sunnis hold to be dear, including
but not limited to the companions and wives of the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This
fatwa was received with great appreciation by the
Chancel­lor of Al-Azhar University, Sheikh Ahmad
51
 Country: Qatar
Born: 3 June 1980 (age 42)
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: Ruler of richest
country per capita in the world
School of Thought: Sunni
Hanbali
2022 (1)
2021 (11)
2020 (12)

“...We will not tolerate financial

and administrative corruption,
abuse of public positions for
ulterior motives, or abandoning
professional standards for the
sake of personal interest.”

12%
of the country are citizens

7
stadiums built for the World
Cup

• 3•
His Highness
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
52
HH Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
Emir of Qatar
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani became the 2021, having made little impact.
Emir of Qatar at the age of 33 after his father, Sheikh Peace Broker: With the Emir enjoying good inter­
Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, abdicated in June national relations and continuing foreign invest-
2013. Qatar is the richest country in the world with a ment, Qatar has positioned itself into the role of re-
GDP per capita of $63,505. It has under 400,000 cit- gional peace broker. Qatar hosted the historic signing
izens whilst the rest of its population of 3 mil­lion are of a peace deal between the US and the Taliban in
expatriate workers. It is the top exporter of liquefied 2020 which led to the full withdrawal of US troops
natural gas and the site of the third largest natural gas from Afghanistan. During the Fourth High-Level
reserves in the world. Strategic Dialogue between the State of Qatar and
Family: Sheikh Tamim is Sheikh Hamad’s fourth son the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism
and was chosen as Crown Prince in August 2003. His (UNOCT) in 2022, the State of Qatar was noted as
mother is the powerful Sheikha Moza, who still plays the second largest contributor to the United Nations
a prominent public role as an advocate for social and Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism out of a total 35
educational causes. other donors. It has adopted a strong position of pro-
Education: Sheikh Tamim completed his studies at active engagement through dialogue with regional
a private school in the UK before going on to grad- neighbours.
uate at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst (in Investor: Qatar continues to increase its influence
1998). During his time as Crown Prince (2003-13), through major investments globally. The Qatar In-
Sheikh Tamim had exposure to a wide range of posts vestment Authority has over $450bn in assets ensur-
includ­ing security (he was deputy commander of the ing it is a major player in global finance.
armed forces), economics (chairman of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022: The 2022 FIFA World Cup
Invest­ment Authority) and sports. He supervised is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 21 Novem­
Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World ber to 18 December 2022. This will be the first World
Cup. Cup held in the Arab world and it is estimated that
Expectations: Qatar exploded onto the world scene Qatar is spending more than $200bn in con­struction
under his father’s reign, and expectations are that projects to prepare itself; 12 stadiums, a new port,
Sheikh Tamim will try to consolidate these achieve­ transportation systems and accommoda­tion for an
ments. Packing a punch far above its weight has led estimated 400,000 fans will face the scru­tiny of the
to neighbouring countries questioning the purpose entire world. The Qatari government has already re-
of so many initiatives. He has had to repair relations sponded to global criticisms by adopting new labour
with other Gulf countries over supporting the Mus­ reforms to improve working conditions. This has
lim Brotherhood and defend Qatar’s world image included a minimum wage and the removal of the
over the treatment of labourers in Qatar. kafala system.
Blockade: In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Qatar's national bird, the falcon
Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt, with the back­ing
of the Trump administration, cut all relations with
Qatar and imposed trade and travel bans. This drastic
action resulted from various claims that Qa­tar was
supporting terrorism and had violated a 2014 agree-
ment with GCC countries. Its good relations with
Iran and its hosting Al-Jazeera TV network were
also factors in this tense situation which saw food­
stuff imported from Iran and Turkish soldiers called
in to help safeguard Qatar assets. A further compli­
cating factor in this family feud was that Qatar hosts
the largest American base in the Middle East and
all the blockade partners are close allies of the US.
The 43-month blockade was finally lifted in January
53
 Country: Türkiye
Born: 26 Feb 1954 (age 68)
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: President of 86
million Turkish citizens
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (4)
2021 (1)
2020 (6)

“The whole world is an open,

free market. No state can exist
without the others.”

4  million
refugees living in Türkiye

82
Over

thousand mosques
throughout the country

• 4•
His Excellency
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
54
HE President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
President of the Republic of Türkiye
HE Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was the Prime Minister of Between the US and Russia: Ties with the US
Türkiye for 11 years, winning three consecutive elec­ have strained considerably since Türkiye decided to
tions with a majority (2002, 2007 and 2011), before purchase the Russian S-400 defence system instead
becoming Türkiye’s first popularly elected president of the Patriot surface-to-air missile system. The US
in August 2014 and then securing a second term in responded by suspending Türkiye from the F-35 jet
the 2018 election. During his terms, Türkiye has seen programme and holding up other arms deals. Türki-
unprecedented economic growth, constitutional re­ ye is playing a balancing role with Russia following
form, and a re-emergence as a major global power. the latter’s war with Ukraine, and is key for Europe’s
All this, combined with his unapologetic voice on energy flow.
the world stage and support of Muslim issues, have Hagia Sophia: Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as the pa­
won over Muslims worldwide. triarchal cathedral of Constantinople, was converted
President: Erdoğan secured 52.5% of the vote in into the Fatih Mosque after Sultan Mehmed II con­
the 2018 presidential election (electoral turnout was quered the city in 1453. In 1935, and in line with his
86%), and thereby avoided a second-round runoff. effort to erase Türkiye’s Islamic identity, Atatürk con­
This was a continuation of his remarkable popularity verted Hagia Sophia into a museum. In July 2020,
and success at the ballot box over the past two dec­ Erdoğan reversed Atatürk’s decision and reclassified
ades. During his time as President he has pushed for Hagia Sophia as a mosque–a decision celebrated by
more powers for his post, a move not welcomed by most Muslims.
all, and criticised by many as signs of wanting exces­ Soft Power: The soft power of the Turkish film in­
sive power. He has lost support from key members of dustry has played a large part in growing Türkiye’s
his own party and been criticised for cracking down influence throughout the Muslim world. Historical
on the media. dramas about Sulayman the Magnificent and Sultan
Taste of Defeat: When President Erdoğan returned Abdul-Hamid II were hugely popular in the Arab
to the leadership of the AKP in 2017 he expected to world, but the drama about Ertuğrul, (‘Diriliş: Er­
continue his amazing streak of victories in the 2019 tuğrul’) the legendary father of the founder of the
local elections. This time, the AKP lost not only Is­ Ottoman Empire, has intensified and broadened this
tanbul, for the first time in 25 years, but also five of influence. Leaders of other Muslim countries have
Türkiye’s six largest cities. The Turkish government not only urged their citizens to watch it but have also
ordered a re-election in Istanbul, but the AKP fared taken it as a model with which to develop their own
even worse in the re-run elections in June. The state of indigenous dramas.
the economy, mental fatigue with AKP rule as well as Name Change: In 2022 an official request for Tür-
a well-organised and united opposition were all fac­ kiye to be changed to Türkiye (tur-key-YAY) as it is
tors in this defeat. With stories of corruption with­ spelled and pronounced in Turkish was accepted by
in the AKP circulating widely on social media and the UN. The country has called itself Türkiye since its
poor Presidential appointments of key political and declaration of independence in 1923.
academic posts, there may be more defeats to come. Türkiye's national bird, the bald eagle
Failed Coup Ramifications: The failed coup of 15
July 2016, which led to about 200 deaths, has led
to huge ramifications as Erdoğan looks to root out
all those involved. He has squarely laid the blame of
orchestrating the coup on Fethullah Gülen, and has
led an all-out attack on Gülen’s organisations and
supporters. There has been a major crackdown on
many sectors with about 160,000 civil servants be­
ing dismissed in various state institutions, with over
half from the education sector. Also, 50,000 people
remain in detention with this number continually
rising as authorities press ahead with regular raids.
55
 Country: Jordan
Born: 30 January 1962 (age 60)
Source of Influence: Custo-
dian of the Muslim and Chris-
tian holy sites in Jerusalem, di-
rect descendant of the Prophet
Muhammad g
Influence: King with authori-
ty over 10.5 million Jordanians;
outreach to Traditional Islam
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (5)
2021 (4)
2020 (5)

“Our country is a bridge for

regional partnerships and
cooperation, international cri-
sis response, and humanitarian
action.”

41st generation
direct descendant of the
Prophet Muhammad 

3.6
Over

million
tourists visited Jordan in
2022

• 5•
His Majesty
King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein
56
HM King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein
King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Custodian of the Holy
Sites in Jerusalem
HM King Abdullah II is the constitutional mon­arch Support for Jerusalem (Al-Quds): HM King Ab­
of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Su- dullah II is the custodian of Al-Haram Al-Sharif in
preme Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Jerusalem, the sacred compound which contains
The Arab Army. He is also the Custodian of the Mus- Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. In-
lim and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem. deed, the Hashemite Custodianship of the Muslim
Location: King Abdullah is not the leader of a rich and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem is essential in
or populous country, nor is he a religious scholar, but safeguarding the pre-1967 Status Quo at the Al-Aqsa
what makes his role vital is being the linchpin to the Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The Status Quo is a
central cause of the Islamic world: the issue of Pales­ critical insurance against attempts at temporal and
tine and Jerusalem, and his being the Custodian of spatial division of Al-Haram Al-Sharif and Judaizing
the Muslim and Christian Holy Sites there. There are its surroundings. HM is also the custodian of Chris-
over 12 million Palestinians in the world, 3 million tian Holy Sites in Jerusa­lem. He has firmly support-
in Jordan itself, around another 5 million in the oc­ ed the upkeep and reno­vation of these sites. In 2016
cupied territories and Israel, and 2 million in Gaza. King Abdullah issued a Royal Benefaction to provide
As Palestine is not recognised as a state by the entire for the restoration of Jesus’ Tomb in the Church of
international community, the responsibility for an the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, at his own personal
equitable peace falls largely on its next-door neigh­ expense. And in 2018 he helped fund the restoration
bour Jordan, and on King Abdullah II in particu­lar, of the entire Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jeru-
especially as his family have been the hereditary Cus- salem from his own funds, in particular the US$1.4
todians of the Holy Sites from before the creation million received from the 2018 Templeton Prize.
of the state of Jordan itself. Moreover, in the face of Reformer: HM King Abdullah’s progressive vision
increased pressure to dissolve the very notion of Pal­ for Jordan is based on political openness, econom­
estinian identity, dissolve UNRWA and illegally and ic and social development, and the Islamic values
unilaterally grant Jerusalem to Israel, King Abdullah of goodwill and tolerance. Under his reign Jordan
has been the only influential voice actively—but re­ has witnessed sweeping constitutional changes (one
sponsibly—resisting this catastrophe for the Islamic third of the Constitution was amended), and polit­
world. Moreover, Jerusalem is one of Islam’s three ical and social reforms aimed at increasing govern­
holiest sites and is as holy to Muslims as it is to Jews mental transparency and accountability.
and Christians, and its loss would rep­resent a griev- Islamic Outreach: In response to growing Islamo­
ance based not only on justice but on faith to all the phobia in the West in the wake of 9/11 and rising
world’s 1.9 billion Muslims, a situa­tion with explo- sectarian strife, King Abdullah II launched the Am­
sive potential consequences, to say the least. man Message initiative in 2004 (see “www. amman-
Lineage: King Abdullah II is a 41st-generation message. com” on page 59), which was unanimously
direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad  adopted by the Islamic World’s political and tem-
through the line of the Prophet’s grandson Al-Hasan. poral leader­ships. King Abdullah II is also credited
The Hashemite Dynasty is the second-oldest ruling with one of the world’s most authoritative websites
dy­nasty in the world, after that of Japan. As the cur- on the Holy Qur’an and Tafsir; the Roy­al Aal Al-
rent bearer of the Hashemite legacy, HM King Ab- Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought’s Altafsir.com (see
dullah II has a unique prestige in the Islamic world, “Altafsir. com” on page 173). He also founded the
in addi­tion to his being the Custodian of the Muslim World Islamic Sciences and Education Universi­ty in
and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem (and of course Jordan (see www.wise.edu.jo) in 2008. In 2012, King
Jor­dan itself ). Abdullah II set up integral professorial chairs for the
Longevity: King Abdallah II is now the longest- study of the work of Imam Al-Ghazali at the Al-Aq-
serv­ing Arab ruler. His father King Hussein himself sa Mosque and Imam Al-Razi at the King Hussein
ruled for 47 years and was the long­est-serving Arab Mosque. In 2019 King Abdullah established the In-
leader when he died in 1999. tegral Chair for the Study of Imam Al Suyuti’s Work
57
at Al Husseini Grand Mosque. And in 2022 His Maj- Muslim Holy Sites, but Christian Holy Sites and uni­
esty established the Integral Chair for the Study of versal historical and religious treasures as well.
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Work at Al-Salt Grand Mosque Safe Haven: Jordan has around 2 million registered
and at the World Islamic Sciences and Education and unregistered refugees from Syria and Iraq and
University (WISE). In 2014 King Abdullah estab- other regional conflicts (such as Libya and Yemen),
lished a fellowship for the study of love in religion at in addition to around 2 million refugees from the
Regent’s Park College, Oxford University. Palestine conflict. Despite its paucity of resources,
Majalla Law: 80% of Jordan’s laws are based on the Jordan has welcomed and accommodated a stagger­
Ottoman Majalla and hence on traditional Hanafi ing number of refugees and is seen by many as the
Shari’a. Jordan has a Chief Mufti, official Muftis in most stable country in a turbulent region. It has the
every province, Army and Police Grand Muftis and highest percentage of refugees of any country in the
Shari’a Courts for all personal status issues for Mus­ world.
lims. Yet it has Orthodox-Priest-run courts for its na­ Templeton Prize Winner 2018: HM King Abdul­
tive Christian population in Christian personal status lah was awarded the 2018 Templeton Prize, the most
issues, and Jordan guarantees Christian seats in the prestigious prize in the world in religious affairs. He is
Parliament and de facto at every level of government. the second Muslim, and the first statesman, ever to be
It has civil law for all citizens and additional tribal granted this honour. The prize recognises those who
laws and customs for tribesmen and tribeswomen. have “made an exceptional contribution to affirming
Interfaith Outreach: HM King Abdullah II is also life’s spiritual dimension”. The judges mentioned in
lauded as an interfaith leader for his support of the particular King Abdullah’s work in promoting intra-
2007 A Common Word initiative (see “A Common Islam­ic religious harmony, reclaiming the narrative
Word” on page 127). He was also the initiator and from extremists, as well as between Islam and other
driving force behind the UN World Interfaith Har­ faiths.
mony Week Resolution in 2010 (see “UN World Reform: In 2021, HM King Abdullah II pushed for
Interfaith Harmony Week” on page 162). In 2014 political modernisation and announced the intro-
HM King Abdullah hosted HH Pope Francis in duction of a new committee of 92 members tasked to
Jordan (having previously hosted both HH Pope modernise the political system and to propose new
Benedict XVI and HH Pope John Paul II). In 2015 laws for local governments. The committee proposed
the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ on Jordan’s River draft laws for political parties and elections, as well as
Bank was unanimously voted a UNESCO World 22 amendments to the Jordan Constitution regard-
Heritage Site. Thus, at the same time that da’ish was ing parliamentary work and empowering women and
destroying Syria and Iraq’s historical and archaeolog­ youth.
ical treasures, King Abdullah was preserving not just Jordan's national bird, the Sinai Rosefinch

58
THE AMMAN
MESSAGE
www. AmmanMessage. com
‘[T]he best resource for those who wish to travel along the straight path in their
words and their actions, and in their spiritual and religious life’.
— The Grand Sheikh of the Azhar, Sheikh Mohammed Sayyid Tantawi r, 2006.
The Amman Message started as a detailed statement released the eve of the 27th of Ramadan 1425 AH / 9th No-
vember 2004 CE by H. M. King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein in Amman, Jordan. It sought to declare what Islam is
and what it is not, and what actions represent it and what actions do not. Its goal was to clarify to the modern world
the true nature of Islam and the nature of true Islam.
In order to give this statement more religious authority, H. M. King Abdullah II then sent the following three
questions to 24 of the most senior religious scholars from all around the world representing all the branches and
schools of Islam: (1) Who is a Muslim? (2) Is it permissible to declare someone an apostate (takfir)? (3) Who has the
right to undertake issuing fatwas (legal rulings)?
Based on the fatwas provided by these great scholars (who included the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ayatollah Sistani, and
Sheikh Qaradawi), in July 2005 CE, H. M. King Abdullah II convened an international Islamic conference of 200 of
the world’s leading Islamic scholars (ulema) from 50 countries. In Amman, the scholars unanimously issued a ruling
on three fundamental issues (which became known as the ‘Three Points of the Amman Message’):
• They specifically recognised the validity of all 8 mathhabs (legal schools) of Sunni, Shia, and Ibadhi Islam; of
traditional Islamic Theology (Ash’arism); of Islamic Mysticism (Sufism), and of true Salafi thought, and came to a
precise definition of who is a Muslim.
• Based upon this definition they forbade takfir (declarations of apostasy) between Muslims.
• Based upon the Mathahib they set forth the subjective and objective preconditions for the issuing of fatwas, there-
by exposing ignorant and illegitimate edicts in the name of Islam.
These Three Points were then unanimously adopted by the Islamic World’s political and temporal leaderships at
the Organization of the Islamic Conference summit at Makkah in December 2005. And over a period of one year
from July 2005 to July 2006, the Three Points were also unanimously adopted by six other international Islamic schol-
arly assemblies, culminating with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of Jeddah, in July 2006. In total, over 500
leading Muslim scholars worldwide—as can be seen on this website—unanimously endorsed the Amman Message
and its Three Points.
This amounts to a historical, universal and unanimous religious and political consensus (ijma’) of the Ummah
(nation) of Islam in our day, and a consolidation of traditional, orthodox Islam. The significance of this is: (1) that
it is the first time in over a thousand years that the Ummah has formally and specifically come to such a pluralistic
mutual inter-recognition; and (2) that such a recognition is religiously legally binding on Muslims since the Prophet
(may peace and blessings be upon him) said: My Ummah will not agree upon an error (Ibn Majah, Sunan, Kitab
al-Fitan, Hadith no. 4085).
This is good news not only for Muslims, for whom it provides a basis for unity and a solution to infighting, but
also for non-Muslims. For the safeguarding of the legal methodologies of Islam (the mathahib) necessarily means
inherently preserving traditional Islam’s internal ‘checks and balances’. It thus assures balanced Islamic solutions for
essential issues like human rights; women’s rights; freedom of religion; legitimate jihad; good citizenship of Muslims
in non-Muslim countries, and just and democratic government. It also exposes the illegitimate opinions of radical
fundamentalists and terrorists from the point of view of true Islam. As George Yeo, the Foreign Minister of Sin-
gapore, declared in the 60th Session of the U. N. General Assembly (about the Amman Message): “Without this
clarification, the war against terrorism would be much harder to fight."

59
 Country: Pakistan
Born: 5 October 1943 (age 79)
Source of Influence: Schol-
arly, Lineage
Influence: Leading scholar for
the Deobandis and in Islamic
finance
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni (Hanafi, Deoban-
di)
2022 (6)
2021 (5)
2020 (1)

“I do not ‘recite’ du'ā', I make du'ā'.

Reciting du'ā' is one thing, and
actually making the du'ā' is another
thing altogether...”

30
offical positions held

3 thousand
schools affiliated with Darul
‘Uloom

• 6•
His Eminence
Justice Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani
60
HE Justice Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani
Leading Scholar of Islamic Jurisprudence and Finance
Justice Sheikh Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani is a legal edicts (fatwas), written over a period of 45 years,
leading scholar of Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence and are published in 4 large volumes. He has au­thored
Islamic finance. He is considered to be the intellec­ more than 143 books in Arabic, English, and Urdu.
tual head of the Deobandi School of Islamic learn­ New Works: He is directly supervising The Hadith
ing, as well as an authority outside of the Deobandi Encyclopaedia, a masterful, pioneering compilation
School. He served as Judge of the Shari’at Appellate which will provide a universal number to each hadith
Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan from 1982 in a manner that will make referencing any hadith
to May 2002. as easy as it is to refer to a verse of the Qur’an. The
Deobandi De Facto Leader: Usmani is very impor­ En­cyclopaedia will be over 300 volumes. A second
tant as a figurehead in the Deobandi movement— major work recently published is entitled The Juris-
one of the most successful of the Islamic revivalist prudence (Fiqh) of Trade. The book concludes with a
initiatives of the past century. His views and fatwas proposed Code of Islamic Law of Sale of Goods and
are taken as the final word by Deobandi scholars Transfer of Property, which serves as a powerful call
globally including those at the Deoband seminary to action for regulators and standard setting organi-
in India. Usmani was born in Deoband, India, the sations alike.
son of Mufti Muhammad Shafi (the former Grand Assassination Attempt: On 22 March 2019, as Muf­
Mufti of Pakistan) who founded the Darul ‘Uloom, ti Taqi was on his way to deliver a Friday sermon,
Karachi, a leading centre of Islamic education in Pa­ gunmen riding three motorbikes opened fire on his
kistan. He has authority to teach hadith from Sheikh and an accompanying car. The Mufti, his wife and
al-Hadith Mawlana Zakariya Khandelawi amongst two grandchildren (a girl aged seven and boy aged
others, and he traversed the spiritual path of tasaw­ five) miraculously survived the shower of bullets
wuf under the guidance of Sheikh Dr Abdul Hayy untouched, but two people lost their lives and a fur­
Arifi, a student of the great revivalist scholar of In­ ther two were severely injured. The Prime Minister of
dia, Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanvi. His students in the Pakistan condemned the attack as did scholars and
thousands are spread across the globe as leaders and politicians across the board. As of yet, no one has
imams, especially in the Indian subcontinent, central claimed responsibility for carrying out the attack. He
Asia and many Western countries. Deobandis con­ was once again a target for assassination in 2021 and
sider themselves orthodox Hanafi Sunnis rooted in a again in 2022.
foundation of sufi teaching, but allowing for a broad Honoured: In 2019 Usmani was honoured with the
spectrum of interpretation which accommodates po­ Sitara-i Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) by the President
litically passive members to the Taliban. of Pakistan. The Sitara-i Imtiaz is an honour and ci-
Leading Islamic Finance Scholar: Usmani’s other vilian award in the State of Pakistan, which recognis-
influence comes from his position as a global author­ es individuals who have made an “especially meritori-
ity on Islamic finance. He has served on the boards, ous contribution to the security or national interests
and as chairman, of over a dozen Islamic banks and of Pakistan, world peace, cultural or other significant
financial institutions, and currently leads the Interna­ public endeavours”.
tional Sharia Council for the Accounting and Audit­ Pakistan's national bird, the Chukar partridge
ing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions
(AAOIFI) in Bahrain. He is also a permanent mem­
ber of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the
Organization of the Islamic Conference, one of the
highest legal bodies in the Muslim world.
Writer: He has translated the Qur’an both into Eng­
lish and Urdu. He is the author of a six-volume Ara­bic
hadith commentary on Sahih Muslim. He is the Chief
Editor of both the Urdu and English monthly mag-
azine Albalagh, and regularly contributes articles to
leading Pakistani newspapers on a range of issues. His
61
Country: Morocco
Born: 21 August 1963 (age 59)
Source of Influence: Politi-
cal, Administrative, Develop-
ment
Influence: King with authori-
ty over 37.9 million Moroccans
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni, Maliki
2022 (7)
2021 (6)
2020 (7)

“We are calling for an awakening

of the global conscience and for
a collective, responsible commit-
ment to tackle climate change in
order to ensure a better future
for all humankind.”

1631 CE
the year the Alaouite dynasty
was founded

8
Over
 
thousand
scholarships awarded to
Africans

• 7•
His Majesty
King Mohammed VI
62
HM King Mohammed VI
King of Morocco
HM King Mohammed VI is a direct descendant of themselves on the Charter of Medina, also known as
the Prophet Muhammad  and his family has ruled the Constitution of Medina, which was drawn up by
Morocco for close to 400 years. He is also constitu­ the Prophet Muhammad  himself, they issued calls
tionally the Amir Al-Mu’minin, or Commander of for majority-Muslim communities to respect minor­
the Faithful, thereby combining religious and polit­ ities’ “freedom of movement, property ownership,
ical authority. King Mohammed VI is lauded for his mutual solidarity and defence”. HM King Moham­
domestic reform policies and pioneering efforts in med VI of Morocco delivered the inaugural address
modernising Morocco and countering terrorism. He and pointed to the history of Islam’s co-existence with
tackles issues of poverty, vulnerability and social ex­ other religions. This showed how Islam has enshrined
clusion at home, and has improved foreign relations. the rights of religious minorities and promoted reli­
King Mohammed VI influences the network of Mus­ gious tolerance and diversity. (see page <?>)
lims following the Maliki school of Islamic jurispru­ Support for Jerusalem (Al-Quds): The King and
dence, and is a leading monarch in Africa. indeed all Moroccans show strong support for Pal­
Four-Hundred-Year Alaouite Dynasty: The estinians and for Jerusalem. The Moroccan link
400-year-old Alaouite dynasty traces its lineage back with Jerusalem has been strong since Salah Al-Din’s
to the Prophet Muhammad . It takes its name from son endowed the Magharbeh Quarter, next to the
Moulay Ali Cherif, who became Prince of Tafilalt in Buraq Wall, to North African pilgrims in 1193.
1631. It sees itself as a continuation of the Andalu­ This 800-year-old quarter was demolished by the
sian Golden Age of Islam, which was characterised Israeli au­thorities in 1967 after they captured East
by peaceful co-existence, intellectual and cultural ex­ Jerusalem.
change and development. Reform: King Mohammed VI has implemented ma­
Influence on Maliki Network: Morocco is home to jor reforms in response to the Arab Spring protests.
the oldest university in the world, Al-Karaouine. This These have included a new constitution which has
university is the centre of the Maliki school of juris­ transferred many powers to a freely and fairly elected
prudence. Since early in his reign, King Mohammed government. The gradual reforms of the King have
VI has implemented the Mudawana family law code been hailed as a model for other Arab countries to
that gives rights to women in divorce and property follow.
ownership, as well as citizenship to children born Moroccos's national bird, Moussier's redstart
from non-Moroccan fathers. He has also commis­
sioned the Islamic Affairs Ministry to train women
preachers, or morchidat, who are now active chap­
lains to Moroccans across the globe.
Huge Influence over Muslims in Africa: King Mo­
hammed VI leads the largest African monarchy, with
a population of 36.9 million. Besides political links,
Morocco maintains strong spiritual ties with Mus­
lims all over Africa. Morocco is the site of the tomb
of a highly revered Sufi sheikh, Mawlana Ahmed ibn
Mohammed Tijani Al-Hassani-Maghribi (1735-
1815 CE), the founder of the Tijaniyya Sufi order,
whose shrine attracts millions from across the conti­
nent. Morocco is also recognised as a source for the
spread of Islam through West Africa.
The Marrakesh Declaration: The King invited hun­
dreds of the Islamic world’s leading scholars to gath­
er for a 3-day summit in Marrakesh in January 2016
to address the question of the treatment of religious
minorities in Muslim-majority communities. Basing
63
 Country: UAE
Born: 11 March 1961 (age 61)
Source of Influence: Admin-
istrative, Development, Philan-
thropy
Influence: Military and politi-
cal leadership
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (8)
2021 (7)
2020 (3)

“If your point of view is positive,

you will see the challenges in the
future as opportunities.”

$15 billion
pledged towards the devel-
opment of solar, wind, and
hydrogen power technologies
in the UAE

70%
of the country’s university
graduates are women

• 8•
His Highness
President Sheikh Mohamed
bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
64
HH President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
President of the United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan became which directs development efforts for the UAE’s role
the President of the United Arab Emirates after his in the oil and gas industries. He also controls one of
brother, Sheikh Khalifa, passed away in May 2022. the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds ($700bn).
He is the third son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sul- He has overseen a con­struction boom which includes
tan Al-Nahyan, the widely respected first Presi­dent man-made islands, entertainment parks and museum
of the UAE who ruled from independence in 1971 franchises of the Louvre and Guggenheim.
until his death in 2004. Sustainable Development and Conservationist:
Military Leadership: Sheikh Mohamed has trans­ Sheikh Mohamed has been a champion of sustaina­
formed the military capabilities of the UAE not only ble development in Abu Dhabi as an advocate for the
through buying military hardware (over 80 F-16 implementation of green technologies. He pledged
jets), but also by developing the UAE’s own industry, $15bn for the development of clean energy through
both hardware and special forces. All of these have solar, wind and hydrogen power. He is also a keen
also been deployed in various conflicts including falconer and is committed to protecting falcons and
Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen. The other species in the region.
UAE is an important centre for global weapons trad­ Philanthropy and Tolerance: Sheikh Mohamed
ing hosting the world’s largest defence expos. has donated billions of dollars to various causes, in­
Global Player: Sheikh Mohamed has enjoyed ex­ cluding AED 55 million to the UN Global Initiative
cellent personal relationships with the previous two to Fight Human Trafficking, and purchasing vaccines
US presidents managing to have his views heard on in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Abu Dhabi Fund
Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood, Palestine and the for Development celebrated its 50-year anniversary
sup­port of a young Saudi prince. Further, Sheikh Mo- in 2021; it has given over AED 150 billion in devel­
hamed has shown that he is his own man by follow­ opment funding and investments in 97 countries.
ing policies that the US does not support publicly: The UAE is home to a diverse workforce and has
the support of Libyan general Khalifa Haftar and the been keen to show respect to other religions and cul­
blockade on Qatar. Involvement in other key issues tures. It has allowed various houses of worship to be
shows that the UAE is punching above its weight in built, and three synagogues have already been com-
international affairs. Its involvement in Yemen has pleted. The country hosted Pope Francis on a recent
become increasingly complex with a recent split with trip. It has also created a “Ministry of Tolerance” and
Saudi policy meaning their respective proxies on the de­clared 2019 the official “Year of Tolerance”.
ground are fighting each other as well as local forc­ Controversy: Human rights organisations have
es and proxies of Iran. The humanitarian disaster in raised the issue of severe human rights violations and
Yemen is of an immense magnitude with many voices repressive dictatorship practiced in the UAE as well
squarely laying the brunt of the blame on the UAE as calling for halting arms supply to the UAE, in wake
and Saudi Arabia. of the Yemen war.
Abraham Accords: The UAE (along with Bahrain) UAE's national bird, the Peregrine falcon
formalised relations with Israel by signing the Abra­
ham Accords Peace Treaty at the White House in
September 2020 with the Israeli Prime Minister and
the former American President Trump in attendance.
An Israeli embassy was opened in July 2021 with the
President of Israel in attendance as the UAE pushes
ahead with a full normalisation strategy which has
outraged Palestin­ians and their supporters.
Economic Development: With Abu Dhabi sitting
on 10th of the world’s proven oil reserves, Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan maintains im­mense
political influence in the Muslim World as a leading
member of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company—
65
 Country: Iraq
Born: 4 August 1930 (age 92)
Source of Influence: Schol-
arly, Lineage
Influence: Highest authority
for 21 million Iraqi Shia, and
also internationally known as
a religious authority to Usuli
Twelver Shia
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Twelver Shia, Usuli
2022 (9)
2021 (8)
2020 (8)

“There is no good in strictness that

causes injustice, and a mistake
cannot be remedied with a sin.”

49 thousand
students supported annually

31 years old
when he became a mujtahid

• 9•
His Eminence
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein Al-Sistani
66
HE Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein Al-Sistani
Marja of the Hawza
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein Al-Sistani is the redistributed through the Al-Khoei Foundation—
prime marja, or spiritual reference for Ithna ’Ashari‘a the largest Twelver Shia development organisation
(Twelver) Shia Muslims. He is the leading sheikh of in the world that maintains a network of educational
the Hawza Seminary in Najaf, Iraq and the preemi­ and humanitarian establishments for both Shia and
nent Shia cleric globally. non-Shia Muslims.
Preeminent Shia Cleric and Marja Taqlid: Sistani’s Quietist Influence: Significantly, Sistani is against
influence in the Twelver Shia sect stems from his the idea of Velayat-e Faqih, suggesting Shia clerics
scholarly lineage and education, which have enabled should not get involved in politics. Paradoxically this
him to reach the status of marja taqlid—the high­ approach has afforded him very strong influence as
est status in the Usuli branch of Twelver Shia Islam. a religious leader unsullied by politics. Sistani has
Marja taqlid means literally one who is worthy of used his position of quietist authority to wield in­
being imitated—placing Sistani in a position of great fluence also as a peacemaker in turbulent, post-in­
authority over Twelver Shia Muslims. Sistani is de­ vasion Iraq. His comments about the political scene
scended from a family of religious scholars and was have been credited with bringing about stability in
educated in the leading institutions in Iran. He later key moments. He has identified eliminating political
went to Najaf, Iraq to study under the Grand Aya­ corruption and improvement of public services as
tollah Abu Al-Qasim Al-Khoei. On Al-Khoei’s death the main issues of the day. He has also issued strong
in 1992, Sistani took over as Grand Ayatollah, inher- statements against da’ish , calling on Iraqis to unite
iting Khoei’s following. He soon rose to become the against the militants.
lead­ing cleric in Iraq. Meetings: Sistani rarely meets officials but made an
Financial Influence: Sistani also has very significant exception for Iran’s President Rouhani and Foreign
financial clout. As a marja his followers give him a Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif in March 2019.
religious tax (khums, Arabic for one-fifth). The redis­ Pope Francis also visited Sistani’s home in Najaf in
tribution of this tax for the common good is one of March 2021 during the Pope’s visit to Iraq.
the key roles of a marja. Much of this remittance is
Iraq's national bird, the Chukar partridge

67
 Country: Saudi Arabia
Born: 31 August 1985 (age 37)
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: De facto ruler of
Saudi Arabia
School of Thought: Moder-
ate Salafi
2022 (15)
2021 (23)
2020 (24)

“Our Vision is a strong, thriving,

and stable Saudi Arabia that
provides opportunity for all. Our
Vision is a tolerant country with
Islam as its constitution and
moderation as its method.”

6 th
son of HM King Salman

$500
the cost of Neom
billion

• 10 •
His Royal Highness
Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud
68
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin
Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud
Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al- dom: allowing women to drive, holding their own
Saud is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and re- passports and moving independently, the (re)open­
cently appointed Prime Minister . ing of cinemas and holding of pop concerts, a crack­
Rapid Appointments: At the beginning of 2015, down on corruption (including the arrest of princes
Prince Mohammed bin Salman was largely unknown and prominent businessmen), and the proposal to
in political and diplomatic circles. Since his father’s float Saudi Aramco to mention a few.
accession to the throne in January 2015, Prince Mo- Vision 2030: As Chairman of the Council of Eco­
hammed has been swiftly appointed to a number of nomic and Development Affairs, Crown Prince
powerful positions. He was first appointed Minister Mohammed bin Salman launched “Vision 2030”,
of Defence, and also named Secretary General of the a comprehensive, multi-year plan for the future of
Royal Court. Then Prince Mohammed was named Saudi Arabia. The ambitious plan seeks to revitalise
the chair of the Council for Economic and Develop­ the Saudi economy by bolstering the Kingdom as a
ment Affairs and was given control over Saudi Ara­ global investments powerhouse, and moving away
mco by royal decree. In June 2017, he was appoint­ from oil-dependency as the largest source of national
ed as Crown Prince of the Kingdom following his income. It also seeks to strengthen government effi­
father’s decision to remove Prince Mohammed bin ciency and the promotion of a “tolerant, thriving,
Nayef from all positions. In 2022, he was appointed and stable Saudi Arabia that provides opportunity
Prime Minister, a post traditionally held by the King. for all.”
Military Challenges: As Minister of Defence the The Khashoggi Assassination: Jamal Ahmad
young prince dealt with many key mili­tary issues Khashoggi was a prominent journalist and Saudi
which Saudi Arabia is still currently involved in. He Arabian dissident who was assassinated at the Sau­
is perhaps most personally identified with the air di consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018. Forced
campaigns against Houthi strongholds in Yemen. into exile from Saudi Arabia in 2017 because of his
Saudi Arabia is also supporting the monarchy in Bah­ criticisms of authoritarian rule and foreign policy,
rain and arming the anti-Assad forces in Syria. His Khashoggi had many enemies in high places. Al­
ascension to the role of Crown Prince coincided with though the Saudi government denied any knowl­
geopolitical tensions among members of the Gulf edge of the murder, they were later forced to admit
Cooperation Council and the cutting of diplomatic that their officials had been involved, but didn’t go
ties with Qatar, which subsequently turned into a full as far as the CIA who concluded that Crown Prince
blockade before being resolved in January 2021. Mohammad bin Salman had ordered Khashoggi’s
Catalyst of Change: The Crown Prince has been assassination.
linked to major changes taking place in the King­
Saudi Arabia's national bird, the falcon

69
 Country: Yemen
Born: 27 May 1963 (age 59)
Source of Influence: Scholar-
ly, Spiritual leader and Preach-
er, Lineage
Influence: Millions of tradi-
tional Muslim followers glob-
ally
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni (Shafi’i, Ba-Alawi
Sufi)
2022 (11)
2021 (9)
2020 (9)

“A true Muslim is like rain, wher-

ever it falls, it will benefit.”

15
is the age at which he started
teaching and doing da’wa.

14
books written

• 11 •
His Eminence
Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz
70
HE Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz
Director of Dar Al-Mustafa
Habib Umar bin Hafiz is well known for his Prophet­ which is a summary of obligatory knowledge for
ic lineage and status as one of the most influential every Muslim, three short hadith compilations and
religious scholars alive today. His influence through a summary of the third quarter of Imam Al-Ghaza­
scholarship and preaching is vast in the Middle East, li’s Ihya’ `Ulum Al-Din. His mawlid compositions,
Indonesia and East Africa especially. He is also in­ Al-Diya’ Al-Lami’ and Al-Sharab Al-Tahurare, are
credibly influential through his leadership of the Ba recited in gatherings throughout the world.
Alawi Sufi movement. He has been touring South Da’wa and Humanitarian Efforts: Habib Umar is
East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Europe and the noted for his da’wa efforts, with significant visits to
US regularly in the past few years in response to his the USA and Europe. He has also partnered with
growing following there. Muslim Aid Australia as founder of Yemen-based
Study: Habib Umar received all his early education NGO Al Rafah Charitable Society to address issues
in the city of his birth, Tarim, at the hands of his fa­ of poverty, hunger and lack of sufficient health care
ther, the Mufti of Tarim and other revered scholars. that affect areas of Tarim. His students, most nota­bly
In 1981, the situation became untenable for him to Habib Ali Al-Jifri (see page 93), who estab­lished the
stay in South Yemen due to the communist regime Tabah Foundation, and Habib Kadhim Al-Saqqaf,
and so Habib Umar migrated to the city of Al-Bayda are luminaries in their own right. He has a substan-
in North Yemen where he continued his studies. tial following on social media, via Muwasala, an
Cultivation of Scholarship: Habib Umar founded organisation founded by his students to “promote
and runs Dar Al-Mustafa, a centre for traditional the scholarly teachings of the blessed tradition of
Islamic scholarship that currently hosts an array of Hadramawt”.
international students, in Tarim, Yemen. Many of Ba Alawi Tariqa: The Ba Alawi have been centred
the graduates have gone on to become leading figures in the region of Hadramaut, Yemen, for over a thou­
worldwide. He has joined the ranks of the world’s sand years. They have produced outstanding figures
leading Muslim academics and scholars as a signa­ of scholarship and piety and are well known for
tory of “A Common Word Between Us and You”, a their missionary work, particularly in Malaysia and
document that builds bridges between Muslims and Indonesia. The Tariqa has now spread to all parts of
Christians. He has also spoken at Cambridge Univer­ the world and is famous for using the Ihya of Imam
sity on the need for such a dialogue. He has authored Al-Ghazali as a basis of their teachings.
several books, such as Al-Dhakirah Al-Musharrafah,
Yemen's national bird, the Golden-winged Grosbeak

71
 Country: Saudi Arabia
Born: 14 December 1956 (age
67)
Source of Influence: Schol-
arly, Media
Influence: 53 published books,
supervised IslamToday. net, and
reached millions through TV
School of Thought: Moder-
ate Salafi
2022 (12)
2021 (10)
2020 (11)

“You cannot call yourself patient

until you are willing and able
to bear things that you have no
wish to bear.”

2017 CE
the year he was arrested

20
Over
 
million
social media followers

• 12 •
Sheikh Salman Al-Ouda

72
Sheikh Salman Al-Ouda
Saudi scholar and educator
A leading Saudi sheikh, Salman Al-Ouda is a former the daily lives of Muslims. As a prominent member
hard-line cleric turned advocate of peaceful coex­ of the International Union for Muslim Scholars, he
istence. He became hugely influential due to his in­ led the delegation in talks with Arab heads of state
novative reach in the Muslim world propagated via regarding the need for them to unite in opposition
IslamToday. net and his persistent efforts at minister­ to Israel’s siege of Gaza in early 2009. He has strongly
ing to the needs of the global Muslim community. In condemned da’ish. He also called for peace and uni­
September 2017, Al-Ouda was arrested by Saudi au- ty between members of the GCC and Qatar.
thorities along with 20 other Saudi clerics for tweets Arrested on Charges Against the State: Al-Ou­
that were seen as offensive to the State. He is still im- da was arrested in September 2017 and charged
prisoned enduring months of solitary con­finement. for what ostensibly seems to be nothing more than
Key Scholar of Salafi Network: Sheikh Salman tweets urging Saudi and Qatar to end a diplomatic
Al-Ouda is a leading scholar of the Salafi movement rift. He had earlier voiced concerns about Saudi’s
having notable influence in the movement due to his human rights record, but perhaps his true crime has
use of multiple modes of education (the Internet, been not to publicly endorse and support the recent
audiovisual media, and print) to educate the large changes happening in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ouda has
body of Salafi Muslims in the Islamic sciences. Sheikh been held in punishing conditions, often in solitary
Al-Ouda’s website brings together a diverse range of confinement and detained incommunicado.
Islamic scholars and educators to provide guidance in Unjust Arrest: With the public prosecutor call-
Islamic thought. He was imprisoned between 1994- ing for the maximum penalty to be implemented,
1999 for calling for reforms within the country but there have been serious fears that Al-Ouda could be
sof­tened his stance upon release. He is identified with execut­ed at any time. There has been outcry from a
the Sahwa movement, calling for peaceful political whole range of organisations about what is seen as a
reform, more role for the clergy in politics and an grossly unjust imprisonment, trial and sentence. The
opposition to western troops based in the Peninsula. International Union of Muslim Scholars, the Europe­
His hugely influential website, IslamToday. net—a an Muslim Forum and Amnesty International have
Saudi-funded website dedicated to providing Islamic all called on the Saudi government to release Al-Ou-
educational re­sources in English, Arabic, French and da and his two compatriots, Sheikh Ali Al-Omari
Chinese—seems to have been shut down. He was and Sheikh Awad Al-Qarni.
active on social media until his arrest and until that Health Concerns: Al-Ouda’s son, Abdullah Al-Ou-
time had 20 million followers. da, stated that his father had “lost almost half of his
Ambassador of Non-violence: In an effort to dis­ ability to hear and see” in prison. He said that due to
tance himself from alleged connections to perpetra­ three years of abuse and isolation, his father’s physical
tors of terrorism, Al-Ouda is outspoken about the and mental condition has been declining at a greater
importance of inculcating love and mercy as opposed pace.
to violence (except in valid cases of self-defence) in
Saudi Arabia's national bird, the falcon

73
 Country: Indonesia
Born: 21 June 1961 (age 61)
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: Leader of 280 mil-
lion citizens and residents of
Indonesia
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (13)
2021 (12)
2020 (13)

“For me, democracy must deliver

a better life for the people.”

78 million
followers on social media

8
World Heritage sites

• 13 •
His Excellency
President Joko Widodo
74
HE President Joko Widodo
President of Indonesia
Joko Widodo, or Jokowi as he is popularly known, allowed him to directly address their concerns and
was re-elected President of Indonesia in the April criticisms, allowing him to develop a strong personal
2019 elections, winning 55.5% of the vote and will relationship with the public.
serve his second and final term until 2024. Running Future Prospects: Although economic growth has
against an opponent who questioned his Islamic cre­ not been as expected, strong investment in infra­
dentials, President Widodo selected Ma’ruf Amin as structure and social services ensure that Widodo still
running mate. Ma’ruf Amin is the leader of the In­ enjoys strong support amongst the populace. He is
donesian Ulema Council, the country’s top Muslim also still seen as an honest leader and oversaw a suc­
clerical body. cessful 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
Background: President Widodo is the first Indo­
Indonesia's national bird, the Javan hawk-eagle
nesian president not to be from the military or the
political elite. He comes from a humble background
of Javanese descent. His father had a small furniture
business, which often couldn’t make ends meet. They
struggled to put him through university, where he
graduated in the field of forestry. After graduation,
Widodo worked for three years in the forestry service
of a state enterprise in Aceh before returning to his
family business.
Successful and ‘Clean’ Politician: Widodo was the
mayor of Surakarta before becoming the governor of
Jakarta in September 2012. As a successful mayor, he
enjoyed a close relationship with his constituents. He
focused on promoting the city as a centre of Javanese
culture, but also developed the public transport sys­
tem, healthcare and business relations with the com­
munity. He forged a reputation for being a ‘clean’
politician, avoiding the charges of corruption and
nepotism which plague most politicians.
Governor of Jakarta: His political success contin­
ued with his election as governor of Jakarta. He was
equally successful as governor, making meaningful
reforms in education, public transportation, revamp­
ing street vendors and traditional markets, and im­
plementing flood control.
Presidential candidacy: Various awards (3rd place
in the 2012 World Mayor Prize, one of the “Top 10
Indonesian Mayors of 2008”) testify to his success
as mayor and governor, and there was little surprise
when Megawati Sukarnoputri, the former President
of Indonesia, chose Widodo to be the presidential
candidate of the PDI-P party. He has also enjoyed
the support of many musicians and artists (he him­
self is reported to enjoy heavy metal music), and this
helped him greatly in his presidential campaign.
Blusukan Culture: President Widodo has become
well-known for impromptu visits to see and hear
directly from people in local communities. This has
75
 Country: Egypt
Born: 6 January 1946 (age 76)
Source of Influence: Admin-
istrative
Influence: Highest scholarly
authority for the majority of
Sunni Muslims, runs the fore-
most and largest Sunni Islamic
university
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (14)
2021 (13)
2020 (14)

“We reach out to all those who are

seeking peace, whatever religion
they believe and whatever race
they may be.”

9 thousand
Al-Azhar affiliated schools
across Egypt

970 CE
the year Al‑Azhar University
was founded.

• 14 •
His Eminence
Sheikh Dr Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyeb
76
HE Sheikh Dr Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyeb
Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar University,
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque
Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyeb was appoint­ Shafi’i jurisprudence, as well as the moderate scholars
ed as Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar in March 2010, after of the Hanbali school. He also included the Sufis fol-
the passing of his predecessor, Dr Muhammad Sayy­ lowing the way of Imam Al-Junayd.
id Tantawi. Al-Tayyeb was formerly the president of Leader of Al-Azhar University: Sheikh Al-Tayyeb
Al-Azhar for seven years and, prior to that, served for leads the second-oldest university in the world, where
two years as the most powerful cleric in Egypt as its teaching has continued without interruption since
Grand Mufti. 975 CE. Al-Azhar represents the centre of Sun­ni Is-
Scholarly Influence: His scholarly influence as a lamic jurisprudence. It is a key institution that issues
leading intellectual of Sunni Islam spans the globe. authoritative religious rulings and has pro­vided exten-
He has served as the Dean of the Faculty of Islam­ sive Islamic education to Egyptian and international
ic Studies in Aswan, and the theology faculty of the students since its inception over a mil­lennium ago.
International Islamic University in Pakistan. He has This history makes it a bastion of Sunni traditionalism.
also taught in universities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and The university is considered one of the most promi-
the United Arab Emirates. nent Islamic educational institutions and the foremost
Political Stance: Over the past years of political centre of Sunni Muslim scholarship worldwide.
uncertainty and unrest in Egypt, Al-Tayyeb has at­ Administers Al-Azhar Education Network: Al-
tempted to hold the middle way. He has been out­ Azhar is currently the largest university in the world,
spoken against the Muslim Brotherhood for their having risen from a group of three schools in the
exploitation of Islam as a political ideology whilst 1950s to its current state with 72 feeder schools, with
also resisting calls by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi close to 300,000 students studying there at any one
for a “religious revolution” and efforts to “renew Is­ time. Including schools that are part of Al-Azhar
lamic discourse”. Such efforts included the suggestion waqf initiatives, there are close to 2 million stu­dents.
to revoke the verbal divorce law in Egypt. Al-Azhar The graduates of Al-Azhar have great respect as re-
wholly rejected the President’s plan, calling the law ligious leaders within the Muslim community, and
an “undisputed practice since the days of the Prophet this makes the head of Al-Azhar an extraordinar­ily
Muhammad”. Al-Tayyeb has been active in trying to powerful and influential person.
diffuse the influence of da’ish, organising many ini­ Interfaith Initiative: The International Day of Hu­
tiatives and conferences. He has also tried to improve man Fraternity is an annual UN-designated celebra­
foreign relations and met with many foreign religious tion of interfaith and multicultural understanding
leaders and heads of states (including the Pope and which was established by Pope Francis and Sheikh
the late Queen Elizabeth). Al-Tayyeb
Egypt's national bird, the Steppe eagle
Advocate of Traditional Islam: Sheikh Al-Tayyeb
has emphasised his mission to promote traditional
Islam since becoming Grand Sheikh. He has stressed
the importance of teaching students about Islamic
heritage—considering Al-Azhar graduates as am­
bassadors of Islam to the world. In an age where
claimants to authoritative Islam seem to be on every
corner, Sheikh Al-Tayyeb has both the institute and
the personal skills to authentically claim to be a rep­
resentative of traditional Islam, Islam as practiced by
the majority of Muslims throughout the ages. Sheikh
Al-Tayyeb has defined the Sunni community (Ahl
Al-Sunnah wa Al-Jama’a) as those who follow Imam
Abul-Hasan Al-Ash’ari and Imam Abu Mansur Al-
Matu­ridi and the scholars of Hanafi, Maliki, and
77
 Country: India
Born: 3 March 1964 (age 59)
Influence: Scholarly, Polit-
ical, Administrative. 12 mil-
lion members of Jamiat Ule-
ma-e-Hind
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (27)
2021 (27)
2020 (28)

“Hate can't be solved by hate.”

12 million
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
followers

1919
the year Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
was established

• 15 •
His Excellency
Maulana Mahmood Madani
78
Maulana Mahmood Madani
President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
Maulana Mahmood Madani is the President of the Activism: He has striven for Muslim rights in In­dia
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind ( JUH), having been secre- and been outspoken in his opposition to the mis­use
tary-general for 13 years, and has gained influence for of the term jihad as a tool of terrorism in India. Fol-
his forthright condemnations of terrorism and unfal- lowing fatal bomb blasts in 2008, he mobilised Darul
tering support of the Indian Muslim community. Uloom Deoband institutions to host events con-
Lineage: Maulana Mahmood’s grandfather Maulana demning terrorism as inherently un-Islamic. This had
Syed Hussain Ahmad Madani was a great scholar of a major impact on the community. He has been at the
Islamic theology, teaching hadith in Madinah, and forefront of relief work (earthquakes in Gujrat and
Deoband. He was the President of the JUH until Kashmir), health and social development (Kashmir).
his death in 1957 and was then succeeded by his son Legal battles: Maulana Madani leads numerous
Asad Madani (the father of Maulana Mahmood), legal battles in various courts of the country fight-
who was President until his death in 2006. ing to secure rights of Indian Muslims in cases cov-
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH): JUH was estab­lished ering Right to Citizenship, Right to Practice Re-
in 1919 by leading Deoband scholars who argued for ligious Duties as well as defending those Muslims
the concept of composite nationalism, be­lieving that who have been falsely implicated in terror cases.
a nation should not be formed on the ba­sis of one Combating Islamophobia: With RSS ideolo-
factor only (e. g. religion, ethnicity etc), but rather be gy growing ever menacingly, Maulana Mahmood
based on many factors. Maulana Mahmood has striv- Madani has supported a number of initiatives to
en to keep this concept alive amid all the tur­moil of counter the impact of hatred and religious-based
nationalistic politics in India. After graduating from crime against Indian Muslims. The JEIM ( Justice
Deoband in 1992, he became actively involved in the and Empowerment Initiative for Indian Muslims)
JUH, organising conferences and meetings across the records cases of Islamophobia in a systematic manner
country which saw a rapid rise in mem­bership. He and provides advocacy and other forms of assistance
became the General Secretary of JUH in 2001 and to the victims. This is the first such attempt by Indi-
continued to invigorate the organisation. When his an Muslims to record such cases and present them to
father passed away in 2006, a dispute arose between human rights organisations.
him and his uncle around the leadership of the or-
ganisation leading to a bifurcation. India's national bird, the peafowl

79
 Country: Mauritania
Born: 1935 (age 87)
Source of Influence: Schol-
arly
Influence: Significant influ-
ence as a leading contemporary
scholar of Islamic Jurispru-
dence
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni (Maliki)
2022 (16)
2021 (14)
2020 (15)

“We have to present to the youth

nourishing ideas, both spiritual
and practical, so that they are
engaged in things other than
these blind conflicts that have
no benefit in them.”

13
positions in fiqh organizations
worldwide

700
Muslim scholars who attended
the Forum for Promoting
Peace in Muslim Societies

• 16 •
His Eminence
Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah
80
HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah
President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies
Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah’s influence is derived from accepting support from the UAE, which is currently
his scholarship, piety and preaching. Unique­ly, all of involved in several regional conflicts.
the different sects and schools of Muslims respect him The Marrakesh Declaration: Sheikh Abdallah bin
as a scholar. A testament to this is the no­table fact that Bayyah led around 250 Muslim religious leaders, in
whilst he is not a Salafi, the Saudi gov­ernment prom- addition to approximately 50 non-Muslim religious
ulgates his fatwas as authoritative. He is an instructor leaders, in a three-day summit in Marrakesh entitled:
at King Abdulaziz University in Jed­dah and was the “The Rights of Religious Minorities in Predominant­
deputy head of the Union of Muslim Scholars, having ly Muslim Majority Communities: Legal Framework
previously been a Judge at the High Court of the Is- and a Call to Action”. The summit used the original
lamic Republic of Mauritania and the Head of Sharia Charter of Medina, drawn up by the Prophet Mu­
Affairs at the Ministry of Justice. He was appointed hammad  himself, as a basis for addressing the
chair of the recently formed UAE Fat­wa Council. current crisis of religious minorities in parts of the
Education: Sheikh bin Bayyah was raised in a house­ Muslim world. With extremists committing violence
hold famous for its scholars, and his father, Sheikh in the name of Islam against other religions, as well as
Mahfoudh bin Bayyah, was the head of the Confer­ against most Muslims, it was necessary to voice the
ence of Mauritanian Scholars established after the position of normative Islam vis-à-vis religious minor­
country’s independence. Sheikh bin Bayyah studied ities through a gathering of its leading scholars. The
in the Mauritanian centres of learning known as ma­ summit concluded with the release of the 750-word
hadhir, in which all the sacred sciences were taught Marrakesh Declaration (see page 134).
including: jurisprudence, legal theory, syntax, lan­
Mauritania's national bird, the Arabian bustard
guage, rhetoric, Qur’anic exegesis and its auxiliary
sciences, and the science of Prophetic tradition.
Diplomat: As a member of the International Islamic
Fiqh Academy or Al-Majma’ Al-Fiqhi of the Organi­
zation of the Islamic Conference, Sheikh bin Bayyah
is at the forefront of the legal arm of a dynamic or­
ganisation with a permanent delegation to the Unit­
ed Nations.
Author: Having written numerous texts, Sheikh
bin Bayyah’s scholarly explorations have gone glob­
al through speaking engagements that draw crowds
of tens of thousands. He has spoken at length about
the endurance of the Islamic legal tradition and also
written extensively on rulings for Muslims living as
minorities in foreign lands, or fiqh al-aqaliyaat.
Activist: In June 2013, Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah
visited the White House where he met with senior
advisers and aides to the then-President Obama. He
called for the protection of the Syrian people and
the Muslim minority in Myanmar. Also, he met with
Bill Gates during the Global Vaccine Summit in Abu
Dhabi in April 2013. He recently initiated the “Mus-
lim Council of Elders” which embraces leading schol-
ars (including the Sheikh of Al-Azhar), and presided
over a large gathering of religious scholars at a forum
entitled “Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim So­
cieties”, which has now been established as an organi­
sation (based in the UAE). He has been criticised for
81
 Country: Nigeria
Born: 17 December 1942 (age
80)
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: President of Nige-
ria
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (17)
2021 (16)
2020 (17)

“Our faith in democracy remains

firm and unshaken.”

520
spoken languages

250
ethnic groups

• 17 •
His Excellency
President Muhammadu Buhari
82
HE President Muhammadu Buhari
President of Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari won his second term Buhari met with the released Chibok girls before de­
as President of Nigeria in February 2019, beating his parting to London, UK, for a follow-up treatment
rival by more than three million votes. for an undisclosed illness; health concerns continue.
Military Past: President Buhari began his military Economy and infrastructure: President Buhari was
career at the Nigerian Military Training School of the first chairman of the Nigerian National Petrole­
Kaduna in 1963. He was involved in military coun­ um Corporation (NNPC) and was the mastermind
ter-coups in 1966 and 1975, and the coup of 1983 behind the construction of 20 oil depots throughout
which overthrew the democratically elected govern­ Nigeria, a project involving over 3200 kilometres of
ment and resulted in him being head of state for two pipelines. Both the Warri and Kaduna refineries were
years. During these years, he gained fame for his all- built under his leadership. He also established the
out war against corruption and indiscipline, a repu­ blueprints for the country’s petro-chemical and liq­
tation he has since kept. In 1985 he was overthrown uefied natural gas programmes.
and kept in detention for 3 years. Environment: President Buhari is an active environ­
Anti-Corruption Presidential Candidate: Presi­ mentalist who has drafted several plans to preserve
dent Buhari ran as the main opposition candidate in wildlife in Nigeria. He has also exerted great efforts
the presidential elections of 2003, 2007 and 2011, on the conservation of nature in Nigeria, such as con­
all ending in defeat, before winning in 2015. His trolling the logging industry by ensuring that double
platform was built around his image as a staunch an­ the number of trees felled are replaced by loggers. He
ti-corruption fighter and his reputation for honesty has also worked on restricting the Ecological Fund
and incorruptibility. He is considered an icon by the Office so it can deliver on environmental challenges.
Muslims of northern Nigeria but enjoys nationwide Protests: In 2020 protests against alleged police
respect due to his stance on corruption. brutality of a special police unit of the Nigerian Po-
Fighting Boko Haram: The President has put de­ lice Force the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)
feating Boko Haram on top of his agenda. Boko Har­ erupted in Lagos and other major cities. A day after
am’s actions have consistently caused international demonstrators declared their demands President
outrage, and the President has publicly committed to Buhari announced the disbandment of SARS and
stopping the terror attacks. In July 2014, he escaped promised “extensive police reforms”. The demonstra-
a suicide bombing attack that killed over 50 peo­ple. tions led to at least 10 protestors being killed during
On 6 May 2017, Buhari’s government secured the violent clashes occurring between pro-SARS and an-
release of 82 out of 276 girls kidnapped in 2014, ti-SARS protesters with the elite Presidential Guard
in exchange for five Boko Haram leaders. President Brigade intervening in the federal capital.
Nigeria's national bird, the black-crowned crane

83
 Country: Nigeria
Born: 24 August 1956 (age 66)
Source of Influence: Line-
age, Development, Adminis-
trative
Influence: Central figure for
107 million Nigerian Muslims
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni, Maliki; linked to
the Qadiriyyah Sufi order by
lineage
2022 (18)
2021 (19)
2020 (20)

“The crown of a leader is his

integrity, his stronghold is his
impartiality, and his wealth is
the welfare of his people.”

3 years
served as Defence Attaché to
Pakistan

70 million
Muslims look to His Royal
Eminence as their spiritual
leader

• 18 •
His Royal Eminence
Amirul Mu’minin Sheikh As-Sultan
Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III
84
HRE Amirul Mu’minin Sheikh As-Sultan Muhammadu
Sa’adu Abubakar III
Sultan of Sokoto
Amirul Mu’minin Sheikh as-Sultan Muhammadu Fulani and Hausa people who followed Dan Fodio.
Sa’adu Abubakar III is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. As An Illustrious Family: The position currently does
Sultan of Sokoto, he is considered the spiritual leader carry with it some weight—though largely ceremoni­
of Nigeria’s 98.7 million Muslims, who account for al since British colonial rule diminished its political
roughly 50 percent of the nation’s population. Al­ significance. Much of this clout is derived from the
though the position of Sultan of Sokoto has become respect that was earned by Siddiq Abu Bakar Dan
largely ceremonial, the holder is still a central figure Usman—17th Sultan and father of Abubakar—
for Nigerian Muslims. who held the Sultanate for over 50 years. The rule
Military Man: Sa’adu Abubakar succeeded his broth- of Abubakar’s father from 1938 to 1988 earned the
er, Muhammadu Maccido, who died in a plane crash position significant social capital and popularity with
in 2006. Prior to this he had served in the mili­tary, ordinary Muslims.
including commanding African peacekeepers in Chad. Administrative Power: Abubakar holds important
He retired as Brigadier General and was serv­ing as administrative influence in Nigerian religious life.
Defense Attache to Pakistan when he became Sultan. Abubakar is the titular ruler of Sokoto in northern
Lineage Back to Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio: The Nigeria and is also the head of the Nigerian National
Sultan of Sokoto is the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Leadership of
enormous Muslim community. He gains this posi- this council means that the Sultan of Sokoto remains
tion by lineage. Abubakar is the 20th heir to the two- the only figure that can legitimately claim to speak on
cen­tury-old throne founded by his ancestor, Sheikh behalf of all Nigerian Muslims. This role has be­come
Us­man Dan Fodio. Dan Fodio (1754-1817 CE) was increasingly influential over the years with a rise in
a scholar, leader of the Maliki school of Islam and interreligious tensions between Nigeria’s Mus­ lim-
the Qadiri branch of Sufism, and Islamic reformer of majority north and Christian-majority south.
the nineteenth century. Dan Fodio believed that Is­ Interfaith Initiative: The Sultan has started many
lam should have a more central role in the life of the initi­atives to counter and reduce the influence of
people of West Africa and led an uprising to institute Boko Haram. He has also worked to strengthen
the changes he sought. His figure and his writings are Mus­lim-Christian ties by inviting an international
a very important chapter in the history of Islam in joint Muslim Christian Delegation to visit Nigeria.
West Africa, and Abubakar, by lineage, holds a key In 2019, he was appointed as Co-Moderator of the
place in West African Islam, and particularly for the Council of Religion for Peace (CRP).
Nigeria's national bird, the black-crowned crane

85
 Country: Indonesia
Born: 16 February 1966 (age 56)
Source of Influence: Admin-
istrative, Political, Education
Influence: Leader of approxi-
mately 50 million members of
the Nahdlatul Ulama
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (450)
2021 (450)

“Our goal is not to remake the

Islamic world in our image.
Rather, we seek to establish a
credible version of orthodox
Islam toward which—with the
appropriate global encourage-
ment—other Muslim societies
could choose to move.”

50 million
members and around 14
thousand madrasahs

1926 CE
is the year Nahdlatul Ulama
was founded.

• 19 •
Sheikh
Yahya Cholil Staquf
86
Sheikh Yahya Cholil Staquf
Chairman of the Executive Council of Nahdlatul Ulama
Yahya Cholil Staquf serves as General Chairman secular nation-state based on a body of modern and
of the Nahdlatul Ulama ((NU), or “Awakening of moderate Muslims—with agenda items such as an­ti-
Scholars”) Central Board. As the world’s largest corruption laws and social reform measures that are
Muslim organisation—with over 90 million mem- deeply rooted in Islamic principles.
bers and 21,000 madrasahs—the Nahdlatul Ulama Advisor: Staquf also served on HE President Joko
adheres to the traditions of Sunni Islam, and teaches Widodo’s Presidential Advisory Council, where he
that the primary message of Islam is universal love advised the President on religious, domestic and in-
and compassion. ternational affairs. Staquf co-founded the US-based
Personal Education: Mr. Staquf is descended from organisation Bayt ar-Rahmah li ad-Da‘wa al-Islam-
a long and illustrious line of Javanese ulama and was iyah Rahmatan li al-‘Alamin (The Home of Divine
educated from earliest childhood in the formal and Grace for Revealing and Nurturing Islam as a Bless-
esoteric (spiritual) sciences of Islam, Mr. Staquf later ing for All Creation), and the Center for Shared
became a disciple of venerated Islamic scholar and Civilizational Values in 2021, both to serve as hubs
head of the NU Supreme Council, KH. Ali Maksum for the expansion of Nahdlatul Ulama operations in
(1915–1989), and of long-time NU Chairman and North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Indonesia’s first democratically elected head of state,
Indonesia's national bird, the Javan hawk-eagle
KH. Abdurrahman Wahid (1940 – 2009).
Head of Expansive Network: The Nahdlatul Ulama
boasts an expansive network that covers 30 regions
with 339 branches, 12 special branches, 2,630 rep­
resentative councils and 37,125 sub-branch repre­
sentative councils across Indonesia. This network
practices the doctrine of Ahl Al-Sunnah wa Al-Ja-
ma’a, meaning “people of the Sunnah (practices
of the Prophet Muhammad) and the community”.
They base their practices on the traditional sources
of Islamic jurisprudence—mainly the Qur’an, ha­
dith, and major schools of law. Among its aims are
the propagation of Nahdlatul Ulama’s message and
also an expansion of its already extensive network of
members in Indonesia. This is the basis of many of
the organisation’s social reform efforts. With a solid
structure of central and regional boards, branch and
special branch boards, and various advisory coun­
cils, Staquf sits at the top of this influential Sunni
movement.
Model of Traditionalism: With a mainly rural
membership base, the Nahdlatul Ulama distinguish­
es itself from other Islamic organisations in Indonesia
by positioning itself as a premier organisation of tra­
ditional Islam—with an emphasis on education and
political engagement based on Islamic principles.
Social Service: The Nahdlatul Ulama has made
substantial charitable contributions to Indonesian
society in the fields of educational development,
healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Staquf, like his
predecessors, propagates the Nahdlatul Ulama as
an organisation that is geared toward establishing a
87
 Country: Egypt
Born: 3 March 1953 (age 69)
Source of Influence: Schol-
arly, Political
Influence: Leading Religious
voice in Egypt
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (20)
2021 (17)
2020 (18)

“Terrorism cannot be born of

religion. Terrorism is the prod-
uct of corrupt minds, hardened
hearts, and arrogant egos, and
corruption, destruction, and
arrogance are unknown to the
heart attached to the divine.”

50
books written

83
Over

million
views on his YouTube

• 20 •
His Eminence
Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa
88
HE Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa
Former Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Sheikh Ali Gomaa is the former Grand Mufti of the teachings without knowledge of its traditions. This
Arab Republic of Egypt. He is one of the foremost has made him extremely popular with those who ve-
Islamic scholars in the world. Despite retiring from hemently oppose political Islam as well as also mak-
the post of Grand Mufti of Egypt in 2013, Gomaa ing him a target for some extremists.
has remained active on many fronts and his counsel is Popularised and Simplified Fatwas: Gomaa has
more in demand than ever before. immense legal influence through his advocacy of Is­
Egypt’s Weight in Islamic Scholarship: Gomaa’s lamic religious edicts (fatwas). When he was Grand
scholarly influence is derived from his position at the Mufti of Egypt, he modernised the process of issuing
centre of many of the most significant institutions fatwas in the country. He did this by overhauling the
of Islamic law in the world. Before becoming Grand Dar Al-Ifta organisation into a dynamic institution
Mufti, Gomaa was a professor of jurisprudence at Al- with worldwide reach, based on a fatwa council and a
Azhar University—the second oldest university in system of checks and balances.
the world, founded in 975 CE. Gomaa also served Egypt's national bird, the Steppe eagle
as a member of the Fatwa Council. He is currently a
member of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy,
the highest institute of Islamic law in the Organiza­
tion of the Islamic Conference—an intergovernmen­
tal organisation for Muslim-majority countries. Go­
maa has authored over 50 books, as well as hundreds
of articles. However, in July 2021 the secretariat of
the International Union of Muslim Scholars dis­
missed him, along with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah
and Farouk Hamadeh, from the organisation, osten­
sibly for controversial fiqh (jurisprudence) opinions.
Visit to the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque Controversy:
On 18 April 2012, Sheikh Ali Gomaa, with HRH
Prince Ghazi of Jordan, broke what had been a 45-
year taboo in some parts of the Islamic World and
visited Al-Aqsa Mosque in order to pray there and
support the beleaguered Muslim community in Jeru-
salem. The visit was viewed as controversial in Egypt
but set off a change of public opinion in the Islamic
World that continues to this day. The Grand Mufti
also visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which
was much appreciated by the Christian com­munity
of Jerusalem.
Personal Popularity: Gomaa was exceedingly popu-
lar as a mufti and remains ever-popular (he has close
to 6 million social media followers) since his retire-
ment, although some of his political statements and
pro-military government stance after the Egyptian
Revolution have tempered this support somewhat.
Apart from appearing on popular broadcasts and sat-
ellite television programmes, he also revived the prac-
tice of informal “knowledge circles” at the Al-Azhar
Mosque. At his very well-attended Q&A sessions af-
ter his Friday sermons, Gomaa makes a point of tak-
ing on anyone who tries to simplify or distort Islamic
89
 Country: Lebanon
Born: 31 August 1960 (age 62)
Source of Influence: Politi-
cal, Development
Influence: Political leader of
1–2 million Lebanese Shia and
supporters of his resistance to
Israel
School of Thought: Revolu-
tionary Shi’ism
2022 (21)
2021 (20)
2020 (21)

“In the history of mankind, this

has happened many times,
occupation leaders cling on to
the land that they're occupying.
People fight to liberate their land.
But in the end, the people's will
is what achieves victory.”

3rd
Secretary General of Hezbollah

45
Over

thousand
active duty troops and reserv-
ists in Hezbollah

• 21 •
Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah

90
Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah
Secretary-General of Hezbollah
Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah is serving his sixth term as activities are run with efficiency and rival those car­
the current and third Secretary-General of Hezbol­ ried out by the state, giving the organisation even
lah (the Party of God). Hezbollah is a Twelver Shia broader appeal. It also runs Al Manar—an influential
Islamic political party, social and paramilitary organ­ television station.
isation based in Lebanon which seeks social justice Popularity: His popularity peaked just after the
through Islamic ideals. 2006 conflict with Israel, when many Sunni Muslims
Military Power: Hezbollah remains a de facto se­ looked to him as a figure of defiance against Israel.
curity force in southern Lebanon, and its military Since the Syrian conflict, however, many if not all
presence is felt throughout the country. The military of these supporters have left him because of his sup­
successes Nasrallah had in the late nineties are seen as port of the Syrian (Alawi) regime against the Syrian
the main factor for Israel’s withdrawal from southern people, the majority of whom are Sunnis. His claim
Lebanon in 2000, and the repulsion of Israeli forces that the Syrian conflict is not sectarian in essence is
in July 2006 earned Nasrallah many more support­ers. not one that many Sunni Muslims agree with. He is
Hezbollah fighters have been key in strengthen­ing the widely seen as one of the main victors of the Syrian
Syrian regime during the Syrian civil war, and their conflict. Nasrallah recently declared “victory” in the
presence there has pushed out da’ish but draws reac- Syrian war, adding that what remained was “scattered
tions from Israel. Hezbollah has continued to de­velop battles”.
its arsenal, as well as developing accuracy. The latest Current Issues: Nasrallah has been very critical of
estimates include at least 100,000 rockets and missiles. recent peace initiatives with Israel and recently met
Social Services: Hezbollah has also won significant with Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, during the lat­
grassroots support by cultivating a social welfare sys­ ter’s first visit to Lebanon in 30 years. Also, the after­
tem that provides schools, clinics and housing in the math of the huge blast in Beirut in August 2020 has
predominantly Shia parts of Lebanon. These welfare led to a crippling political and economic situation
Lebanon's national bird, the Asian crimson-winged finch.

91
 Country: Yemen
Born: 16 April 1971 (age 51)
Source of Influence: Schol-
arly, Lineage, Philanthropy
Influence: Preacher, Social
Issues
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (22)
2021 (21)
2020 (22)

“The first step towards freedom

is to liberate yourself from the
lower self that commands to evil.”

2005 CE
the year the Tabah Foundation
was founded

36
number of countries he has
lectured in

• • 22
Sheikh Habib Ali Zain Al Abideen Al-Jifri

92
Sheikh Habib Ali Zain Al-Abideen Al-Jifri
Director General of Tabah Foundation, United Arab Emirates
Tracing his lineage to the family of Ali, the fourth many. His guidance is based on incorporating as
Caliph of Islam and cousin of the Prophet Mu­ much of the sunnah into one’s daily life as one can.
hammad , Habib Ali Zain Al-Abideen Al-Jifri is a Think Tank: Al-Jifri founded the privately funded
leading Islamic scholar and prominent speaker in the philanthropic Tabah Foundation for Islamic Studies
Muslim world. Al-Jifri is Director General of Tabah and Research in Abu Dhabi, a young non-profit in­
Foundation in the United Arab Emirates, member stitution that is a source of reputable work in Islamic
of the board of Dar al-Mustafa in Yemen, member of research and thought. It applies traditional religious
the Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought principles to analyse contemporary issues. Some of
in Jordan, and affiliated with various other interna- these have inevitably become controversial such as
tional Islamic organisations. when he made some statements against popular rev­
Sufi Guide: As a Ba Alawi Sufi, Al-Jifri is part of a olutions during the Arab Spring for his belief that
tradition that has been based in Yemen for approxi­ the preservation of peace and reducing bloodshed is
mately 800 years. His numerous teachers include the paramount.
late scholars and spiritual masters Habib Abdul-Qa­ Worldwide Following: Habib Ali’s popularity has
dir bin Ahmad Al-Saqqaf and Habib Ahmad Mash­ grown enormously over the past few years with al­
hur bin Taha Al-Haddad. Habib Ali often teaches most 15 million followers on different social media
at Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen, and also travels platforms. His inspirational speeches often leave
all over the world meeting his students and giving many in tears, and his smile and gentleness touch all
lectures. Al-Jifri’s counselling is also in demand, and who meet him. Despite not speaking English, he is in
his spiritual insights have left a huge impression on huge demand by English-speaking Muslims.

Yemen's national bird, the Golden-winged Grosbeak

93
 Country: United States
Born: 1 January 1960 (age 62)
Source of Influence: Preach-
er, Social Issues
Influence: Scholarly, lead-
ing Islamic voice for Eng-
lish-speaking Muslims
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (23)
2021 (22)
2020 (23)

“Everybody wants to change the

world yet no one wants to change
themselves.”

55
staff at Zaytuna College

2008 CE
is the year he co-founded
Zaytuna College

• 23
•
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson

94
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson
Teacher and Co-Founder of Zaytuna College
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson is one of the most in­ taught and inspired many of them to become teach­
fluential Islamic figures in the Western world. He ers in their own right, and more importantly help
is seen as one of the foremost authorities on Islam forge a confident and faithful Islamic identity in the
outside of the Muslim world. He is a co-founder and troubling times of the 21st century.
current President of the Zaytuna College in Berkeley, Advisor: He advises on Islamic Studies to several US
California, the first and only accredited Muslim lib­ universities, and is also on the board of advisors of
eral arts college in the USA. George Russell’s One Nation, a national philanthrop­
Islamic Scholar: Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson ic initiative that promotes pluralism and inclusion in
converted to Islam in 1977 when he was only 17 America. He works closely with Sheikh Abdullah bin
and spent many years studying Arabic, Islamic juris­ Bayyah and serves as vice-president for two organisa­
prudence and philosophy with some of the Muslim tions the Sheikh is president of: the Global Center
world’s most prominent and well-respected teachers. for Guidance and Renewal, and the UAE-based Fo­
He spent most of his time in the UAE and then Mau­ rum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies. He
ritania, where he met and lived with one of his closest has also been called on to give advice by the US gov­
teachers, Sheikh Murabit Al-Hajj. He returned to the ernment and this has opened him up to attacks from
USA in 1987 and studied nursing before transition­ certain quarters of the Muslim community.
ing to a full-time imam at the Santa Clara Mosque. Controversies: Despite being in the public eye for
Speaker and Educator: Sheikh Hamza is a much over three decades, Sheikh Hamza has managed to
sought-after speaker. He has given thousands of lec­ stay clear of most controversies and continues to
tures to public audiences and is interviewed regularly reach a large, diverse audience. Some personal attacks
by the media. He has spread traditional Sunni ortho­ have questioned his advice to a US President or his
doxy in the West through his popular speeches and ties to the UAE government, yet he remains one of
his teaching at short intense study programmes such the most beloved scholars in the world, and arguably
as Deen Intensive, Rihla and RIS. He has been the in­ the most intellectually widely read and formidable
spiration for a whole generation of English-speaking Western Muslim scholar in the world.
Muslims to study Arabic and Islamic sciences. He has
California's state bird, the California quail

95
 Country: Senegal
Born: 1955 (age 67)
Source of Influence: Line-
age, Scholarly
Influence: Spiritual leader of
around 30 million Tijani Mus-
lims
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni (Maliki, Tijani)
2022 (24)
2021 (24)
2020 (24)

“You can only go to Paradise or to

Hellfire, and you have to work
for Paradise in this life. This is
the way, and here is the place to
work for reward in the Hereafter."

1781 CE
the year the Tijani Tariqa was
founded

2001 CE
the year he was appointed as
Senegal’s General Commis-
sioner for the Hajj

• • 24
Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse

96
Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse
Leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi Order
Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse is the spiritual in religious debates. He also managed to edit and
leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi order. The Tijaniyya is publish several important works, including Sheikh
the largest Sufi order in Western Africa, and its leader Ibrahim’s Kashif Al-Ilbas.
commands a following of millions, who see him as Posts: In 2001, Sheikh Tijani Cisse was appointed
their guide to true Islam. Senegal’s General Commissioner for the Hajj. In
Leader of Tijani Muslims: Cisse became leader of 2006, he was again recognised by Senegalese Presi­
the Tijaniyya following the death of his elder brother dent Aboulaye Wade and appointed a Senegalese
Sheikh Hassan Cisse in 2008. He is the Imam of the “Special Missions Ambassador”, a position he holds
Grand Mosque in Medina Baye, Senegal, which is until the present time. He has also received Senegal’s
one of Western Africa’s key positions of Islamic lead­ distinguished award, the Ordre de Merite (1993).
ership. Tijani Muslims are located throughout West­ Descendent of The Tijaniyya Founder: The Ti­
ern Africa and further afield. As an order, Tijanis give janiyya is a Sufi order founded by Ahmad Al-Tijani
allegiance to their sheikh giving him significant influ­ Hasani, an Algerian, in the late 18th century. As the
ence as a leader. spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya, Cisse is considered to
Education and Activities: Sheikh Tijani Cisse (b. be the bearer of a spiritual inspiration called the Fay-
1955) studied Qur’an, Arabic and classical texts with da Tijaniyya (“flood” or “overflow of spiritual grace”),
both his father, Sheikh Ali Cisse, and his legendary giving him authority to carry on the teach­ings of Ah-
grandfather, Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse. He then con­ mad Al-Tijani Hasani. Because of this po­sition, some
tinued his studies at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, Tijani Muslims refer to Cisse as “the re­viver of the
studying Arabic and Usul Al-Din (theology). Upon Sunnah”. The Tijanis are characterised by strict fol-
completing his studies, he travelled exten­ sively lowing of the sunnah, recitation of spiritual litanies
throughout Africa, the Middle East and Amer­ica (awrad) individually and in gatherings and an empha-
attending numerous conferences and participat­ing sis on developing an inward relationship with God.
Senegal's national bird, the African spoonbill

97
 Al-Muhajirin district in Damascus, Syria circa 1933

Country: Syria
Born: 1933 (age 89)
Source of Influence: Schol-
arly, Educator
Influence: Spiritual leader of
more than 75,000 students in
Damascus alone
School of Thought: Tradi-
tional Sunni
2022 (25)
2021 (25)
2020 (27)

“Students must inform their

teachers of everything that is
happening with them … because
here we are in a hospital of faith,
and a patient in hospital must
inform his doctor of everything
so that he can rectify it.”
—a Qubaysi edict

50
Over

years
teaching Islamic studies to
women

75 thousand
female students in Syria study
in Qubeysiat circles

• • 25
Sheikha Munira Qubeysi

98
Sheikha Munira Qubeysi
Leader of the Qubeysi Movement
Munira Qubeysi is the head of the largest women- Female Muslim Order: At a time when meetings of
on­ly Islamic movement in the world. It offers Islamic Islamic organisations are proscribed in Syria, Sheikha
education exclusively to girls and women. Qubeysi Qubeysi’s network, the Qubeysiat, has legally been
commands around 80 schools in Damascus alone, permitted to host classes and meetings in mosques
teaching more than 75,000 students. She is one of since 2006—although they had been operating as a
the most significant Islamic scholars in the world; secret society long before that time. Members of the
her movement focuses on learning the Qur’an and six Qubeysiat are provided a unique role within Arab
hadith collections by heart. Qubeysi is arguably the society as scholars and teachers exclusively catering
most influential Muslim woman in the world, albeit to the needs of Muslim women, providing a forum
in great discretion. to address religious questions and discuss religious
Background and Growth: Munira Qubeysi is the issues. Due to some of her followers coming from
daughter of a merchant from the Hauran region in wealthy and influential families, Qubeysi’s move­
Syria. She was born in 1933 and grew up in Al-Muha­ ment has been able to spread globally as well as affect
jirin district in Damascus. She attended government changes in Syria. Under Bashar Al-Assad, restrictions
schools as a child, eventually entering the Faculty of around wearing hijab were relaxed. During the Syri­
Science at the University of Damascus. After gradua­ an Civil War the Qubeysiat have grown extensively
tion, she worked as a teacher. At that time, she attend­ and enjoy good relations with the regime. Among
ed lessons of Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro, who later be­ their new responsibilities conferred by President As­
came the Grand Mufti of Syria. However, after some sad is near exclusive control over the country’s youth
differences, she continued her studies under Sheikh Qur’anic memorisation programme conducted in
Abdul Karim Al-Rifai. She entered the Faculty of Is­ every mosque.
lamic Sciences at the University of Damascus, study­ Milestones in Islamic Education: Qubeysi is influ­
ing under Sheikh Mustafa Al-Siba’i, who was leader of ential as the leader of an incredibly successful educa­
the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, and Professor Issam tional movement. The religious education of women
Al-Attar, who succeeded Al-Siba’i. Although she stud­ had previously been neglected so the emergence of
ied under several teachers, she carved her own path a female-specific educational initiative has become
while maintaining good relations with the various very popular, making the Qubeysiat, in numbers, the
Muslim intellectual communities in Damascus. After lead­ing Islamic movement in Syria. Qubeysi’s stu-
the Ba’athist coup in Syria, Sheikha Qubeysi focused dents are also at the forefront of a significant achieve-
all her efforts on women’s religious education—even ment in Islamic history in regards education—no less
to the point of refusing to marry—establishing what than 70 Qubeysiat have memorised nine canonical
is now generally known as the “Qubeysiat”. books of hadith with extensive chains of narration.
Syria's national bird, the northern bald ibis

99
 Sheikh Mustafa Hosny Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn
Televangelist Abdullah Aal Al-Sheikh
Country: Egypt Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of
Born: 28 August 1978 (age 44) Saudi Arabia
Influence: Preacher Country: Saudi Arabia
School of Thought: Traditional Born: 30 November 1943 (age 79)
Sunni Influence: Grand Mufti of Saudi
Arabia and of Salafis worldwide
School of Thought: Salafi

26 Rank (2022): 28
Rank (2021): 28
Rank (2020): 29
27 Rank (2022): 26
Rank (2021): 26
Rank (2020): 26

Mustafa Hosny is a televangelist and Islamic As the Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn
preacher who presented his first show in 2004 Ab­dullah Aal Al-Sheikh has the highest posi-
and has gone on to become a household name. tion of religious authority in the Kingdom of
Changing careers: Mustafa Hosny started his Saudi Arabia. He is an Islamic scholar based in
career in sales after obtaining a BA degree in Mak­kah and has influence as a leading cleric of
Business from the Ain Shams University in Egypt. the expansive global movement of Salafi Muslims.
He changed careers to become a full-time preacher Salafi Lineage: The Aal Al-Sheikh family in Sau-
after he received a Certification from the Institute di Arabia traditionally controls the religious and
of training preachers, an affiliate of the Ministry of justice establishments. They are descended from
Awqaf (Egypt). Muham­mad ibn Abdul Wahhab (1703–1792), the
Preacher: Mustafa Hosny delivers sermons and founder of Wahhabi and Salafi thought, and for 250
lectures worldwide and has presented over 45 pro- years have been closely associated and intermarried
grammes on TV and radio channels. He has delivered with the ruling Al-Saud family.
sermons and lectures at Yousef El-Sahaby and El-Ho- Head of Sunni Jurisprudential Committees:
sary mosques as well as delivering the Friday sermons Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Aal Al-Sheikh is chairman of the
at Al-Bilal Mosque compound in Mokattam. Council of Senior Scholars, a scientific consultative
Humanitarian: Some of his activities include com- commission composed of leading Sunni specialist
bating drug addiction amongst youth. He is a sup- scholars of Sharia (Islamic law). He is recognised for
porting member for the Children’s Cancer Hos­pital his influence in enforcing a distinct view of Islamic
campaign in Cairo and delivers seminars and cam- tradition. He has publicly criticised Muslim televan­
paigns for the “Life Clear of Smoking Associ­ation” in gelists who encourage Muslims to celebrate birthdays
Egypt. He also supports blood donation campaigns. and anniversaries. He has also been robust in his con­
Social Media: He has nearly 70 million followers on demnation of Turkish soap operas sweeping the Arab
different social media platforms in addition to 5.5 World, calling them distracting practices.
million subscribers on YouTube. His YouTube vide­ Central Figure of Global Salafi Movement: As
os have over 600 million views. His daily advice and Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
softly spoken words endear him to the public and ac­ Al-Sheikh is the leading religious figure of the
count for his continued influence. Saudi-based network of Salafi Muslims. The rulings
derived by Al-Sheikh are based heavily on a literal
reading of the Qur’an and emphasise the need to strip
away past interpretations that have become a part of
Muslims’ lives. The movement he leads is character-
ised by an authoritative stance on Islamic religious
practice. He has described da’ish as ‘evil’ and called
them “the number one enemy of Islam”. In 2017, he
received praise from an Israeli minister for labelling
Hamas a terrorist organisation.

100
Sheikh Usama Al-Sayyid HH Shah Karim Al-
Al-Azhari Hussayni
Scholar The Aga Khan IV
Country: Egypt Country: France
Born: 16 July 1976 (age 46) Born: 13 December 1936 (age 86)
Influence: Scholarly Influence: Leader of Nizari Ismailis
School of Thought: Traditional School of Thought: Modernist
Sunni Shia, Ismaili, Nizari

Rank (2022): 29
Rank (2021): 29
Rank (2020): 30
28 Rank (2022): 30
Rank (2021): 30
Rank (2020): 31
29
Sheikh Usama Al-Sayed Al-Azhari is an Azhari Shah Karim Al-Hussayni, also known simply as
scholar, preacher, an academic and a Senior the Aga Khan (Imamate: 1957-present), is the
Fellow of Kalam Research & Media. He teach- leader of the Shia sect of Muslims known as the
es Hadith, Logic, and Islamic Creed at the re- Nizari Ismailis. For 10–15 million Nizari Ismai­li
nowned Al-Azhar Mosque’s Riwaq Al-Atrak in Muslims the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary
Cairo, Egypt. He also holds a teaching post in the Imam, with lineage descending back to Ali, the cous­
Faculty of Usul Al-Din and Da`wah at Al-Azhar in of the Prophet Muhammad .
University, Egypt. Hereditary Leader of Ismailis: The Aga Khan, a he-
Scholar: Sheikh Usama was chosen by the Grand reditary title bestowed upon the Imam by the Shah
Mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Ali Gomaa, to deliver the of Persia in the mid-nineteenth century, derives his
Friday sermons on his behalf in the Sultan Hassan position of authority from his lineage. At the age of
Mosque. He has studied with many esteemed schol­ 21 the Aga Khan bypassed his father and uncle to be­
ars from all over the Islamic world, acquiring nu­ come the fourth Aga Khan and 49th Imam, a choice
merous authorisations (ijazaat), all testifying to his that his grandfather made because he felt the com­
accepted position in the unbroken chains of trans­ munity needed a leader “who has been brought up
mission known as isnad, essential in the field of and developed during recent years and in the midst
Islam­ic sciences and scholarship. of the new age, and who brings a new outlook on life
Peace Activist: He is considered to be one of the to his office”.
most influential voices calling for and working to­ Unparalleled Philanthropist: The Aga Khan De-
wards reaching new understandings founded on the velopment Network (AKDN) is a collection of de-
Islamic tradition and in ways that accommodate the velopment and humanitarian agencies working in
contemporary condition. In this regard, he has pre­ areas of poverty. The network is widely known for its
sented a number of original and fresh ideas attempt­ architectural and cultural work, including projects
ing to renew authentic Islamic outlooks, through his that revitalise historic cities. Some projects include
publishing and scholarly contributions. Some of the the renovation of the Old City of Aleppo and the
ideas include creating a relational map of shari’ah Al-Azhar Park in Cairo. The Aga Khan’s founda­
sciences and their relationship with other circles of tion maintains a strong and enduring presence in
sciences, creating “Islamic hermeneutics”, reviving the developing countries—building health care capaci­
tradition of auditing religious sciences and transmit­ ty, promoting economic development in rural areas
ting them through a chain of transmission as a criteri­ and helping improve educational opportunities. The
on of authenticity, and the Qur’anic accommodation AKDN is particularly influential in Central Asia,
of different civilisations, amongst others. where it works in areas that are often neglected by
other organisations. The period from July 2017 to
July 2018 was designated the Diamond Jubilee Year
of the Aga Khan’s 60th year of reign.

101
 Al-Habib Muhammad Luthfi Sheikh Abdul-Malik Al-
bin Yahya Houthi
Preacher Leader of the Houthi
Country: Indonesia Country: Yemen
Born: 10 November 1947 (age 75) Born: 22 May 1979 (age 43)
Influence: Scholarly, Spiritual Influence: Political
Guide School of Thought: Traditional
School of Thought: Traditional Shia
Sunni

30 Rank (2022): 32
Rank (2021): 32
Rank (2020): 33
31 Rank (2022): 33
Rank (2021): 33
Rank (2020): 34

Habib Luthfi is currently: Ra’is ‘Amm of the Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi is the current leader
Jam’iyyah Ahli Thariqah Al-Mu’tabarah Al- of the Houthi political, religious and militant
Nah­dliyah (Head of the Association of Recog- movement in northern Yemen.
nised Sufi Orders), Head of MUI Middle Java, Houthi: The Houthi movement was estab­
and the spiritual leader of the Ba Alawi tariqa lished in 1992 by Hussein Badr Al-Din Al-
in Indonesia. Houthi, a Zaydi Shia scholar and anti-Wahhabi who
Ba Alawi: The Ba Alawi are descendants of the wrote a number of books criticising Wah­habism and
Prophet  who migrated to Hadramaut in Yemen the leading authorities of Yemen. The Zaidis ruled
early on in Islamic history. They played a major role most of Yemen for over 1,000 years un­til 1962. They
in bringing Islam to the Far East, including Indone­ believe that Muslims should be ruled only by a de-
sia and Malaysia, and they hold high prominence to scendant of the Prophet Muhammad , whom they
this day. They emphasise the importance of inward call an Imam.
sincerity coupled with the study of religious sciences, Leader: Abdul-Malik has made major changes in
especially as espoused by Imam Al-Ghazali. Yemen through tactical and strategic plans that have
Seeker of Knowledge: Habib Luthfi started his enabled him to reach the position where he is today.
quest for knowledge early in life, and first studied In 2007, he founded the Al-Minbar website and in
under the tutelage of Ba Alawi teachers in Indone- 2012 he launched Al-Masirah TV channel.
sia. He then travelled to Makkah and Madinah for Taking Yemen: Abdul-Malik emerged as a leader
fur­ther education and received authorisation (ijaaza) after the February 2011 uprising. The Houthi au­
in all the traditional fields of learning including ha­ thority seized control over Saada and Jawf provinces
dith, and sufism (tasawwuf ). His authorisation to be in March 2011. Then in 2014, the Houthis seized
a spiritual master comes from more than one tariqa control over the Demag region in Saada and Am­ran
(spiritual brotherhood). provinces and in September 2014 they stormed the
Spiritual Guide: He has established thousands of capital Sana’a, seizing a large number of ministries
schools, mosques and zawiyahs in Indonesia, and and military facilities. He has driven Al-Qaeda out of
has a following numbering millions. He emphasises the regions which the Houthis have taken.
spiritual practices, especially the recitation of litanies Humanitarian Toll: Since 2015, they have been
(awrad). subject to aerial bombing by a Saudi-led coalition.
This bombing of one of the world’s poorest countries
has led to over 130,000 fatalities and a humanitarian
crisis which has left around 70 per cent of the popu­
lation (27 million) reliant on humanitarian aid and
over a million people infected by cholera. The UK
in particular has come under international criticism
for its supply of weapons which are being used in the
bombardment.

102
Maulana Tariq Jameel HE President Halimah
Scholar and Preacher Yacob
Country: Pakistan President of Singapore
Born: 1953 (age 69) Country: Singapore
Influence: Scholarly, Preacher Born: 23 August 1954 (age 68)
School of Thought: Sunni, Tabligh Influence: Political
Jamaat School of Thought: Sunni

Rank (2022): 35
Rank (2021): 35
Rank (2020): 36
32 Rank (2022): 36
Rank (2021): 37
Rank (2020): 38 33
Maulana Tariq Jameel is a prominent Deoban­ Halimah Yacob became Singapore’s eighth, and
di scholar who is also one of the most popu­ first female, President in September 2017 when
lar preachers in Pakistan. He belongs to the she was elected unopposed.
Tablighi Jamaat group and his lectures focus on Election: A former speaker of Parliament, she
the subject of self-purification, avoidance of vio­ gave up her parliamentary seat and position
lence, observance of Allah’s orders and pursuing the with the ruling People’s Action Party to run for Pres­
way of the Prophet Muhammad . ident. The government’s criteria for the current Pres­
Background: After completing pre-medical stud­ ident, including that the President must be an ethnic
ies, Maulana Tariq was admitted to the King Edward Malay, meant that Yacob was unopposed and became
Medical College in Lahore. It was there—under the President unelected, a process which has drawn some
influence of members of the Tablighi Jamaat—that criticism.
his focus changed to Islamic education. His Islam­ Background: Halimah Yacob comes from hum­ble
ic training is from Jamia Arabia, where he studied beginnings, being raised by her Malay mother after
Qur’an, Hadith, Sufism, Logic, and Islamic Jurispru­ her Indian father passed away when she was eight years
dence. Maulana Tariq’s background in the sciences old. Her mother struggled to raise her five children and
allows him to explain Islamic matters in a way that Halimah almost neglected her school studies because
appeals to modern urban Muslims. Additionally, his of the need to help out at home. She was successful
simple lifestyle and eloquence in Urdu, as well as at school and continued to obtain her law degree
his fluency in Arabic, catapulted his fame across the and master’s in law from the National University of
Muslim world. Singapore. She then went on to work at the National
Tablighi Jamaat: Tablighi Jamaat is a political mis- Trades Union Congress before becom­ing Director of
sionary movement founded by Muhammad Il­ yas the Singapore Institute of Labour Studies.
Al-Kandhlawi in India in 1927. It focuses on en- Political career: She entered politics in 2001 and a
couraging Muslims not to neglect the basic prac­ decade later was appointed Minister of Commu­nity
tices of their faith. It has informal affiliations with Development, Youth and Sports and later on Minister
the Deobandi movement but targets a more general of Social and Family Development. She was elected
audience. The sub-continent diaspora have carried Speaker of Parliament in 2013, becoming the first
its message to nearly every country in the world and woman to hold the post. As President she has pro-
its adherents number in the millions. It has annual moted initiatives for supporting a cohesive socie­ty,
gath­erings in Pakistan and Bangladesh which equally strengthening interfaith and recognising all work­ers
number in the millions. who contribute to Singapore’s growth. She has a strong
Influence: In addition to running a madrasah in international profile, regularly meeting world leaders.
Faisalabad, Pakistan, Maulana Tariq has delivered Advocate: In 2019, she advocated for companies
thousands of lectures around the world. He has been to embrace gender equality during her speech at the
very effective in influencing all types of the com­ Women’s Forum Asia. She has also publicly con-
munity ranging from businessmen and landlords to demned local media for offensive remarks against
ministers, actors, and sports celebrities. women and asked those responsible to apologise.

103
 Sheikh Muhammad Al- Professor Seyyed Hossein
Yaqoubi Nasr
Scholar and Spiritual Guide Philosopher and University
Country: Syria Professor
Born: 7 May 1963 (age 59) Country: United States of America
Influence: Scholarly Born: 7 April 1933 (age 89)
School of Thought: Sunni Influence: Scholarly
School of Thought: Traditional
Shia

34 Rank (2022): 37
Rank (2021): 39
Rank (2020): 40
35 Rank (2022): 38
Rank (2021): 40
Rank (2020): 41

Sheikh Al-Yaqoubi is a widely respected reli­ Seyyed Hossein Nasr is University Professor of
gious scholar who also has a significant spiritual Islamic Studies at George Wash­ington Universi-
following worldwide. He was appointed as ty. He remains one of the most influential Mus-
member of the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute of lim scholars in the world for his work on Islamic
Is­lamic Thought in 2016. tradition and philosophy. He is the only Muslim
Background: Sheikh Al-Yaqoubi was born in Da- to be included in the Library of Living Philosophers
mascus and was trained in Islamic studies by his fa- and has written over 50 books and over 500 articles.
ther, who was an imam and instructor at the Grand Background and Career: Nasr was born in Iran and
Umayyad Mosque. Sheikh Al-Yaqoubi followed in raised in a house of scholars and physicians. He was
his father’s footsteps teaching in the same mosque sent to school in the USA, won a scholarship to MIT
and becoming a world-renowned Islamic scholar of for undergraduate studies in physics and ob­tained a
theology, jurisprudence, and hadith. He is wide­ly doctorate in the history of science and phi­losophy
recognised as one of the reliable authorities for the from Harvard. He returned to Iran in 1958 where
issuing of fatwas in Islam. he swiftly rose through academic ranks to become
Against Extremism: He was one of the first schol­ Vice-Chancellor of Tehran University and then Pres-
ars to speak against da’ish, denouncing its atrocities ident of Aryamehr University. The 1979 Iranian rev-
and showing that its actions are un-Islamic. His book olution forced Nasr to leave Iran and so he settled in
Refuting ISIS (now in eight languages), has become the USA.
essential reading, providing theological arguments Reviver of Tradition: Nasr’s work has covered the
against extremists and calling on mainstream, tra- most important areas of contemporary Muslim
ditional followers to combat them. His criticism of thought from classical Islamic philosophy, Islamic
the Syrian government’s response to protests made science, Sufism, and critique of modernity to inter­
his stay in Syria untenable, and so he had to flee the faith relations, Islam–West relations, and the envi­
country, eventually seeking refuge in Morocco where ronmental crisis. Nasr was the first Muslim scholar
he is still based. ever to be invited to give the prestigious Gifford Lec-
Educator: As a teacher, he has trained several hun- tures, which were later published as Knowledge and
dred imams and teachers who work in the Arab the Sacred. Nasr’s work has been ahead of its time
World, the West, the Far East and South Africa. As in predicting the disastrous consequences of the en-
a spiritual guide, he focuses on the spiritual well-be­ vironmental crisis. Books such as The Encounter of
ing of Muslims and gives personal spiritual instruc­ Man and Nature (1968) critique the rise of a secu­
tion to his disciples, of which he has a significant fol­ lar, modern conception of nature as inert matter to
lowing in Europe and the USA. He is a charismatic be conquered by modern technology, and attempt to
public speaker in both Arabic and English (he also revive a sacred notion of nature.
speaks Swedish) and one of the most powerful voices Legacy: For Nasr, the quest for knowledge, specif­
of Islam, making a huge positive impact via his pub­ ically knowledge which “liberates and delivers him
lic talks, writings and numerous media appearances from the fetters and limitations of earthly existence”,
worldwide. His public teaching includes readings of has been and continues to be the central concern and
the entire collection of hadith in Sahih Bukhari. determinant of his intellectual life.
104
HE Sheikh Uthman Taha Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi
Calligrapher President of Ennahda Party
Country: Syria Country: Tunisia
Born: 1934 (age 88) Born: 1941 (age 81)
Influence: Calligrapher Influence: Political, Scholarly
School of Thought: Sunni School of Thought: Sunni

Rank (2022): 39
Rank (2021): 41
Rank (2020): 43
36 Rank (2022): 40
Rank (2021): 38
Rank (2020): 39
37
Uthman Taha is an internationally acclaimed Ghannouchi is one of the world’s leading Islamic
Arabic calligrapher who has hand-written the thinkers and one of the most influential Tuni­
Mushaf Al-Madinah, which is the copy of the sian politicians in the post-revolution transition
Qur’an issued by the King Fahd Complex for period. He was elected speaker of the parliament
the Printing of the Holy Qur’an. in November 2019.
Background: Sheikh Taha was born in 1934 near Politics: Ghannouchi co-founded The Ennahda
Aleppo, Syria. He developed a passion for calligraphy Movement (’Renaissance’) in the 1970s and was im­
when very young, but had to wait until he moved to prisoned several times before being forced into exile.
Damascus (where he studied a BA in Sharia at Da­ The Ennahda is a political party based on Islamic
mascus University) before he met the chief calligra­ values resembling the Christian Democratic political
pher in Syria, Muhammad Badawi Al-Diyrani, and parties in Europe. It supports the concept of a mul­ti-
the Iraqi calligrapher, Hashim Al-Baghdadi. He then party democracy. In 2012 he received the Chatham
travelled to Istanbul, where he met the most celebrat­ House Prize for “the successful compromises each
ed calligrapher of the time, Hamid Al-Amidi, from achieved during Tunisia’s democratic transition” and
whom he received certification. in 2016 he received the Jamnalal Bajaj Award for
Copying the Qur’an: The written copy of the Qur’an “promoting Gandhian values outside India”.
is known as a mushaf, and it took Taha ap­proximately Post Arab Spring: With the fall of President Ben
three years to copy one out. He wrote his first copy Ali, Ghannouchi returned to Tunisia in January 2011
in 1970 and in total has written out over 10 copies. having spent 20 years in exile. He led the Ennahda
The most significant one was the one as­signed to him (Renaissance) Party to victory in the October 2011
in 1988 by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing national elections. In 2014, Ghannouchi quit govern­
of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah. This copy is the one ment and handed power over to a technocratic gov­
printed by the King Fahd Complex and distributed ernment. When elections were held later that year,
to millions of pilgrims every year. It is the most com- Ennahda, without Ghannouchi leading them, came
mon copy of the Qur’an available worldwide. Taha second to the Nidaa Tounes party. The 2019 elections
has copied out six different textual variants including produced a deeply fragmented parliament with the
Warsh (used in Morocco and Al­geria), Hafs (world- government collapsing just 5 months into its term.
wide), Duri (Africa and Sudan), and Qalun (Libya). Ghannouchi, who was elected speaker of parliament,
He was granted Saudi citizenship in December 2021. narrowly won a vote of confidence in July 2020.
Countering terrorism: Ghannouchi has stated that
the widespread phenomenon of terrorism in the
Arab region is due to corruption in the economic, so­
cial and political sectors. He is acutely aware of the
bloodshed in neighbouring Algeria and is keen to
avoid having only binary options of identity availa­
ble. He also believes that whoever wants to fight ex­
tremism must do so in moderation by following the
Tunisian model.
105
 HE Samia Suluhu Hassan Mohamed Salah
President of Tanzania Footballer
Country: Tanzania Country: Egypt
Born: born 27 January 1960 (age Born: 15 June 1992 (age 30)
62) Influence: Celebrities and Sports
Influence: Political, School of Thought: Sunni
Administration of Religious Affairs
School of Thought: Sunni

38 Rank (2022): HM
39 Rank (2022): 41
Rank (2021): 42
Rank (2020): 44

Hassan is the current President of Tanzania, Mohamed Salah is an Egyptian football player
having assumed the post after the death of the of global fame.
former President in March 2021. International Player: Salah started his ca­
Politician: Born in 1960 in the Sultanate of reer in the Egyptian Premier League in 2010
Zanzibar, she ran for public office in 2000 and before moving to Switzerland, UK, Italy and
was elected as a special seat member to the Zanzibar then UK again. Salah enjoyed the most successful
House of Representatives. In 2010, she was elected season of his career with Liverpool FC in 2017/18.
to the National Assembly and was appointed as the He broke many records and won many accolades. He
Minister of State for Union Affairs. In 2015, she be- also helped Egypt qualify for the World Cup. The
came the first female vice-president in the history of 2018/19 season saw more success with Liverpool
Tanzania after John Magufuli was elected president. FC being runners-up in the English Premier League,
The same pair won the 2020 elections. and crowned 2019 European Champions and World
President: After Magufuli’s death in 2021, she was Club Champions. The 2019/20 season saw the end
sworn in as his successor, becoming Tanzania’s first of a 30-year wait for Liverpool to become champions
female President. Among her first actions as presi- of the English league again.
dent were enacting nationwide mandates to curb the Popularity: His affable nature and polite manners
spread of covid-19 in the country. She publicly took have won him many fans across the globe, and none
the vaccination and encouraged others to do so, in more so than in his native country of Egypt where
stark contrast to her predecessor. She has consolidat- he has donated to various charitable causes. In the
ed her position in her second year in office and been March 2018 Egyptian Presidential elections, over a
praised for her approach in encouraging investment, million people struck out the two names vying for
tourism and diffusing tensions with neighbours, es- the presidency and inserted Mohamed Salah’s name,
pecially with Kenya over Bagamoyo port. making him an unofficial runner up in the election.
His down to earth nature has shown itself in chance
meetings with fans and acts of kindness towards
those in need. He has over 217 million followers on
social media and now has a wax model in Madame
Tussauds.
Singing in the Terraces: His footballing exploits
during his time at Liverpool FC have had the unprec­
edented effect of football fans singing positive songs
about Muslims. “If he’s good enough for you, he’s
good enough for me. If he scores another few, then
I’ll be Muslim too. Sitting in the mosque, that’s where
I wanna be! Mo Salah-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la-la-la.”

106
HE President Abdel Fattah Sheikh Muqtada Sadr
Saeed Al-Sisi Scholar and Politician
President of the Arab Republic of Country: Iraq
Egypt Born: 4 August 1974 (age 48)
Country: Egypt Influence: Political, Social Issues
Born: 19 November 1954 (age 68) School of Thought: Shia
Influence: Political
School of Thought: Sunni

Rank (2022): 450

Rank: (2021) 450
Rank: (2020) 450
40 Rank (2022): 42
Rank (2021): 43
Rank (2020): 45
41
Former Field Marshal Abdel Fattah Saeed Al-Si- The son of the late Grand Ayatollah Moham­
si was sworn into office as President of Egypt on mad Sadiq Al-Sadr, and son-in-law of Grand
8 June 2014, having earlier that year resigned Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir Al-Sadr, Muqtada
from his post as the Commander in Chief of is a highly influential leader who inherited con­
the Egyptian Armed Forces. Since then, Sisi and trol over large social institutions that served mil­
his cabinet of technocrats have sought to take major lions in the slums of Baghdad.
steps to restore a sense of stability, revive the econo- Serving the Poor: He has focussed on serving Iraq’s
my as well as undertake novel political and diplomat- poor Shia Muslims and has had complete free­dom to
ic initiatives beyond Egypt’s borders. work in many parts of Iraq, especially Sadr City, a dis-
From Army Chief to President: Former Field Mar- trict in Baghdad named after his father. He provides
shal Abdel Fattah Saeed Al-Sisi removed Egypt’s first healthcare and access to food and clean water. He has
democratically elected president (Mohamed Morsi) raised issues of corruption, high unem­ployment and
from power in 2013. Outbreaks of violence ensued poor government services.
across Egypt that included the death of many hun- Politics: He gained prominence after the US in­
dreds of protesters at the hands of pro-military po- vasion of Iraq by creating the Mahdi Army, an armed
lice at Raba’a Al-Adawiya Square in Cairo. Sisi then insurgency movement that formed its own courts
ran for the office himself and was sworn into office and system of law enforcement. This is now known as
as President of Egypt on 8 June 2014, having earlier Saraya Al-Salam. Through it he has concentrated on
that year resigned from his post as the Commander campaigning against corruption in Iraq, criticising
in Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces. the government openly about this. He has worked for
Presidential Expectations: With the MB officially Shia-Sunni unity, and in 2017 called for Syrian pres-
banned, its leadership and cadre either in prison or ident Bashar Al-Assad to step down, and also met
in exile, Egyptians have looked to Sisi to resolve com- with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
plex domestic and international issues. Sisi inherited King-Maker: The Sadirist-led coalition won 73 seats
a politically and economically battered Egypt, with in the 2021 elections, beating the Iranian backed co-
a weak infrastructure, plummeting currency, and vi- alition, but months later a new government had still
olent insurgency and unrest in Sinai. Since then, Sisi not been formed. The principle of ‘consensus govern-
has managed to decrease electric power cuts and im- ment’, meaning that all political parties are included
prove the economy. Under Sisi, Egypt has enjoyed in administration, has come under fire for this, and
excellent relations with members of the Arab League, after Sadr withdrew his coalition and stated he would
most notably with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Sisi quit politics there were violent clashes between the
supported the blockade on Qatar as well as the supporters of the two coalitions. This led to fears of
GCC-led military intervention in Yemen. an all-out intra-Shia civil war, but Sadr again played a
prominent role in preventing this.

107
 Maulana Nazur ur-Rehman Moez Masoud
Amir of Tablighi Jamaat Televangelist
Country: Pakistan Country: Egypt
Born: 1929 (age 93) Born: 27 February 1978 (age 44)
Influence: Preacher, Influence: Preacher
Administration of Religious Affairs School of Thought: Sunni
School of Thought: Sunni

42 Rank (2022): 43
Rank: (2021) 45
Rank: (2020) 50
43 Rank (2022): 44
Rank (2021): 36
Rank (2020): 37

Maulana Nazur ur-Rehman is the fourth Amir Moez Masoud is an Egyptian preacher, televi­
of the Pakistani Tablighi Jamaat. He succeeded sion and radio presenter, and activist who fo­
Hajji Abdul-Wahhab who passed away in No­ cuses on the fields of contemporary spirituality,
vember 2018, aged 96. interfaith dialogue, and Islam in the modern
New Leader: A change of leadership changes world.
nothing for the Pakistan chapter of the Tablighi Ja­ Religious and academic work: Founder of Al-Ta­reeq
maat—a transnational Islamic organisation dedicat­ Al-Sahh (The Right Way) Institute, Masoud is
ed to reminding Muslims of their duty to fulfill their trained in the Islamic sciences and is currently a re­
religious obligations. Maulana Nazur was the Deputy search affiliate at the University of Cambridge. His
Amir and one of three people named by the previous writings are primarily centred around religious iden­
Amir as contenders for the position of Amir upon his tity and spiritual quest, as well as religious radicalisa­
demise. tion. He has spoken at such key global events as the
Missionaries: As Amir, or leader of Pakistan’s World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos.
Tablighi Jamaat, Maulana Nazur ur-Rehman’s influ- Media and Social Media: His engagement in me­dia
ence spans globally due to the organisation’s emphasis has been significant since 2007 when his first Ar­abic
on missionary work. It is active in over 150 countries TV show debuted, and by now his programmes and
and famously involves people in small groups trav­ appearances have acquired millions of viewers across
elling to Muslim communities reminding individ­ the Arab world. His Ramadan broadcast, Khutu-
uals about their religious duties. This act of da’wa wat Al-Shaytan, was widely viewed across the Arab
or exhortation towards fulfilling religious duties is world. In 2017, Masoud produced the Egyptian film
seen as a cornerstone of the faith and has enabled it Clash which has been hailed as: “one of the most tell-
to acquire a massive membership base. The Tablighi ing depictions of modern Egypt yet filmed”, and the
Jamaat has close ties with the prominent Islamic in­ film was selected to represent Egypt in the Os­cars’
stitution Darul Uloom Deoband, in India. It is where 2017 Best Foreign Language Film category. Masoud
the founder, Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhelvi, has a following of over 25 million on var­ious social
studied before establishing a following in Pakistan. media sites, including YouTube videos, Facebook and
Mass Appeal: Among the throngs of Pakistanis, di- Twitter. Masoud participated in the brief post-Tahrir
aspora South Asians, and others who carry the flag “Egyptian National Dialogue” and has continued
of the Tablighi Jamaat are notable Muslim leaders. that dialogue on socio-political issues in Egypt from
In Pakistan alone, prominent politicians, actors, and within the perspective of traditional Islam. In 2019
sports stars all publicly show allegiance to the group. he announced the production of a film about the
This is done easily because the TJ is wholly apolitical. Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people
It is identified as a spiritual revivalist movement. It died. It will be entitled Hello, Brother, the words spo-
condemns violence and distances itself from any mil­ ken by one of the victims.
itant groups. Annual gatherings in Raiwind, Pakistan
draw close to 2 million people, and those in Biswa,
Bangladesh attract over 3 million.

108
Dr Timothy Winter (Sheikh HE Ibrahim Saleh Al-
Abdal-Hakim Murad) Hussaini
Scholar Scholar
Country: UK Country: Nigeria
Born: 1960 (age 62) Born: 12 May 1938 (age 84)
Influence: Scholarly, Preacher, Influence: Scholarly,
Administration of Religious Affairs Administration of Religious Affairs
School of Thought: Sunni School of Thought: Sunni

Rank (2022): 45
Rank (2021): 47
Rank (2020): 48
44 Rank (2022): 47
Rank (2021): 48
Rank (2020): hm
45
Professor Timothy Winter, also known as Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini is current-
Sheikh Abdal-Hakim Murad, is an academic ly the head of the Supreme Council for Fatwa
who has been actively involved in numerous in- and Islamic Affairs in Nigeria and recently be-
itiatives in the UK over the past four decades. came a mem­ber of the Muslim Council of Elders
Academic: He is currently the Sheikh Zayed which em­braces prominent scholars.
Lecturer of Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Divini­ty Early Studies: Sheikh Ibrahim was born in Borno
at Cambridge University and Director of Studies in State in north-eastern Nigeria in 1938 and started
Theology at Wolfson College. He has published and his quest for knowledge at a very young age by ac­
contributed to numerous academic works on Islam companying his father, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Salih
and among his best-known works are transla­tions bin Yunus Al-Nawwy. He lost his father at the age of
from Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya, a series of aphorisms seven, and so completed his initial studies at the Su­
(Commentary on the Eleventh Contentions) and his preme Islamic Institute in Nigeria and then studied
most recent book, Travelling Home: Essays on Islam at the hands of renowned scholars in countries such
in Europe. as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, India, Pakistan,
Educator: He is founder of the Cambridge Mus- Senegal, Niger and Sudan.
lim College, which has offered Diploma courses for Scholar: Sheikh Ibrahim lectures in the fields of taf-
British Darul Uloom graduates and now has an ac- sir Al-Qur’an (exegesis) and hadith as well as Islamic
credited BA programme which is offered to grad­uate Sciences, jurisprudence and ethics. He has authored
religious leaders who are confident, competent and over 100 written works. He has held and still heads
conversant with the issues of the age. He is a much several significant positions, some of which are:
sought-after speaker and contributes regularly to the founder and mentor of the Islamic Renaissance Or­
media and is fluent in several languages. Hundreds ganization, Adviser to the Federal Government on its
of YouTube videos of his lectures and talks form an Islamic Affairs since 1992, Assistant Secretary-Gen­
important source of knowledge for English-speaking eral for African Affairs in the World Islamic People’s
Muslims. Leadership 1989 and many more.
Cambridge Mosque: Professor Winter has been the Current: He recently opened the Sheikh Sharif
main force behind the decade-long project to build Ibrahim Saleh Islamic Centre, which will focus on
the Cambridge Central Mosque. The mosque repre­ teaching and research. Its aim is to “promote a better
sents an authentic Islamic design contextualised to understanding of contemporary challenges and how
its location and times. It is Europe’s first eco-mosque, to face and handle such challenges in today’s world”.
having been designed with a high degree of environ­
ment sustainability. It also incorporates a café, and
meeting rooms for use by the whole community. The
mosque opened in April 2019 and has taken its place
as an iconic standard for all places of worship in the
country.

109
 Mohamed Bechari Dr Amr Khaled
Political Leader Preacher and Social Activist
Country: France Country: Egypt
Born: 16 April 1967 (age 55) Born: 5 Sept 1967 (age 55)
Influence: Political, Influence: Media, popular
Administration of Religious Affairs multimedia preacher with highly
School of Thought: Sunni visited website and social network
following
School of Thought: Traditional
Sunni

46 Rank (2022): 48
Rank (2021): 49
Rank (2020): 49
47 Rank (2022): 49
Rank (2021): 50
Rank (2020): HM

Dr Mohammed Bechari, born in Morocco, is Amr Khaled has been a televangelist to the
a leading prolific and dynamic public figure in Islamic world since 1998. He communicates
the landscape of European Islam. He heads a through his TV shows and web campaigns using
variety of organisations that seek to better rep­ Islamic ethics in order to inspire, foster commu­
resent French and European Muslims in the nity development, tolerance and inter-cultural
wider society as well as working to empower their relations.
own communities. Popular Media Figure: Part of Khaled’s influence
Head of Organisations: He is the Secretary Gen­ derives from the fact that he appeals to the common
eral of the UAE-based World Muslim Communities person. He holds a degree in accounting, and has no
Council, president of the French National Federa­ formal religious education, wears suits and ties, and
tion of Muslims, one of the leading entities organis­ has a clean-shaven face except for a trimmed mous­
ing Islam in France. He is also the secretary general tache—everything you do not expect from a Muslim
of the Islamic European Conference, a Europe-wide preacher. Khaled is credited with the launch of the
umbrella organisation that seeks to be a single entity first Muslim reality TV show Mujaddidun on Dubai
representing European Muslims at the European lev­ Television. His website is translated from Arabic into
el. Bechari is the founder of the Avicenna Institute in nearly 20 languages and his videos have racked up
Lille and member of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz over 246 million views on YouTube. He has over 47
International Center for Interreligious and Intercul­ million subscribers on his various social media.
tural Dialogue (KAICIID) in Vienna. Community Development: Khaled’s goal is to en-
Scholar and Awards: Bechari has written many courage community development in the Muslim
books and taken up visiting professor posts at several world by its own people with religious faith as the
international universities. He was awarded the King guiding inspiration—something he believes should
Abdullah II Award for Excellence of the First Class be linked to interfaith dialogue, tolerance and mod­
as well as The Medal of Sciences and Arts of the First eration. The break-up of communities is something
Class from the Arab Republic of Egypt. Khaled sees as responsible for the malaise in the
Outspoken: Bechari has been outspoken against Muslim World, and something he believes puts the
those who would incite hatred and violence. He has future of young people in jeopardy. One programme
included not only da’ish in this category but also any he launched to realise this objective of community
imams who preach hatred in French mosques. He has development was Life Makers, which had the stated
been keen to win Islam back from the distorted im­ goal to encourage youth to work in charity. The show
age portrayed by terrorists. He has voiced his beliefs was a great hit and expanded into one of the most
against da’ish and Al-Qaeda who promote terrorism famous charity organisations in Egypt
and have distorted the image of Islam worldwide.
During an interview on Dubai TV in 2016, he went
as far as saying that imams who incite and “preach ha-
tred in the mosques” should be deported.

110
Dr Aref Ali Nayed HE Mullah Haibatullah
Scholar Akhundzada
Country: Libya Leader of the Taliban
Born: 1962 (age 60) Country: Afghanistan
Influence: Scholarly, Political. Born: 1 January 1966 (age 56)
Influential figure in Libyan Influence: Leader of Taliban
government.
which governs 38 million
School of Thought: Sunni
School of Thought: Deobandi/
Taliban

Rank (2022): 46
Rank (2021) 46
Rank (2020) 47
48 Rank (2022): 50
Rank (2021) 450 Lists
49
Dr Aref Ali Nayed is a Libyan public figure, a re- Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada was named
nowned scholar in the field of Islamic Theology Taliban leader in 2016 after a US drone strike
(Kalam) and Philosophy, and a leading pioneer killed the previous leader Mullah Akhtar Mo­
of inter-faith relations. He was former Ambas- hammad Mansour. Akhunzada is known pri­
sador of Libya to the United Arab Emirates, marily as a religious leader who ran schools from
former Special Envoy of the President of the Libya which many of the Taliban have graduated.
House of Representatives to USA, UK, European Mujahideen and Taliban 1.0: Akhundzada is a for-
and African Unions, and led the Libya Stabilisation mer member of the Mujahideen, who fought against
Team in 2011—and has since played a vital and pos- the Soviet Union invasion during the 1980s. Howev-
itive role in the revitalisation of the Libyan political er, during that time, he was known more for his re-
track. ligious guidance rather than military leadership. He
Scholar: Nayed is the Founder and Chairman of continued in the position as a religious counsellor
two leading think tanks, Kalam Research and Media during the formation of the Taliban in the 1990s and,
(KRM) and the Libya Institute for Advanced Stud- after the Taliban captured the western Farah province,
ies (LIAS). He is also currently a Visiting Senior Re- he was put in charge of reducing crime in the area.
search Affiliate of Religious Studies at the University Later on, he took on the position as head of the mili­
of Virginia. He was former professor at the Pontifi- tary court, arbitrating disputes among Taliban mem­
cal Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (Rome), bers. After the US invasion in 2001, he became both
and a former professor at the International Institute head of the Taliban’s council of religious scholars, and
for Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC, Ma- as teacher in a village near the Pakistani border for 15
laysia). Prior to the Libyan revolution he lectured years until his sudden disappearance in 2016.
on Islamic Theology, Logic, and Spirituality at the Taliban 2.0: After the United States’ withdrawal in
restored Uthman Pasha Madrasa in Tripoli, Libya, 2021 and the Taliban’s subsequent takeover, Akhun-
and supervised graduate students at the Islamic Call dzada has become the head of the newly announced
College in the country. Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. In 2022, he has ve-
Political Leader: Nayed is viewed in many circles as toed a plan for girls in grades 7 to 12 to return to
a man of integrity, wisdom, strength and diplomatic school, ordered a ban on foreign broadcasts from
foresight—virtues that are needed at the highest level inside Afghanistan, instructed the government to
to put Libya back on track. In 2017, Nayed launched enforce gender segregation of public parks, prevent-
a new movement for change in Libya named “Ihya ed women from boarding aircraft if unaccompanied
Libya” (Reviving Libya) which centres around a com- by a male chaperone, and barred male civil servants
prehensive vision for Libya, and managed to galva- from going to work if they are not wearing a turban
nise various social fabric and civil society groups into or sporting a full beard. He has published a decree
a political consortium. Ihya Libya aims to create a sta- requiring all women in Afghanistan to cover their en-
ble, prosperous and democratic country. Dr Nayed is tire bodies except for their eyes when in public, with
one of the leading figures in the Libyan diplomatic, the burqa being the recommended covering; and in
civic and political landscapes and is a leading Presi- addition he has issued a decree banning criticism or
dential candidate in the coming elections in Libya. dissension against the Islamic Emirate.
111
 Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas THE TOP 50
Attar Qadiri
Preachers & Spiritual Guides
Country: Pakistan
INS & OUTS
Born: 12 July 1950 (age 72)
Influence: Spiritual guide and
preacher THE INS
School of Thought: Traditional
Sunni Barelvi
• Sheikh Yahya Cholil Staquf, Chairman of Indone-

50
sia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (450 lists)
Rank (2022): HM
page
Rank (2021): HM
Rank (2020): HM • HE President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania
(HM)
page
Sheikh Qadiri is an Islamic scholar belonging • HE President Abdel Fattah Saeed Al-Sisi, Egypt
to the Qadri Razawi order and is the leader of (450 lists)
Dawat-e-Islami, a global religious organisation page
spread over 195 countries. Sheikh Muhammad • Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadiri, Founder of
Qadiri studied for 22 years under the former Dawat-e-Islami Movement, (HM)
Grand Mufti of Pakistan, Sheikh Mufti Waqar ud- page left
Din Qadri Razavi. He has authored over 30 books,
including Faizan-e-Sunnat on the merits of good THE OUTS
deeds.
Dawat-e-Islami: Ilyas Qadiri was head of the youth • Professor KH Said Aqil Siradj, Chairman of Indo-
wing of Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan ( JUP) when he was nesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (19) to 450
chosen to head the newly formed Dawat-e-Islami in page
1981 in Karachi. This movement quickly spread to • Imran Khan, Pakistani Politician to HM (10) to
all parts of Pakistan and soon all around the world. HM
The movement bases itself on the teachings of Imam page
Ahmed Raza Khan (1856-1921) and has often had • Sheikh Mahmud Effendi, Scholar and Preacher
rivalry with the Tabligh Jamaat and the Deobandi (34) – PASSED AWAY (RA)
movements, despite all following the Sunni Hanafi page
school of jurisprudence. • Sheikh Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, Head of the In-
Global Following: The subcontinent diaspora has ternational Union of Muslim Scholars (31) –
carried the movement globally and it is estimated PASSED AWAY (RA)
that it has over 200 million followers in over 195 page
countries. It is non-political, emphasising the love of
the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the key compo-
nent of faith. It centres on the propagation of Islam-
ic knowledge and manages two main activities: the
Jamiat-ul-Madina chain of religious schools, and the
non-commercial Madani TV channel.

112
HONOURABLE
MENTIONS

113
HE Grand Ayatollah Professor Syed Muhammad
Abdullah Jawadi Amoli Naquib Al-Attas
Scholarly Scholarly
Country: Iran Country: Malaysia
Born: 1933 (age 89) Born: 5 September 1931 (age 91)
Grand Ayatollah Amoli is a lead­ As a scholar of Islam, Tan Sri Syed
ing theologian and interpreter of Naquib has made significant con-
the Qur’an. He is a prolific scholar tributions to the contemporary
having published over 300 articles and books. He is world of Islam in the domains of the Islamisation of
most well known for his commentary of the Qur’an, contemporary knowledge and of Muslim education.
Tafsir al-Tasnim, which has been widely lauded by He was responsible for the conceptualisation of the
his peers. Amoli has remained a very public figure Islamic University, which he initially formulated at
throughout his career, having led a diplomatic mis­ the First World Conference on Muslim Education,
sion to the USSR, and continues to speak publicly held in Makkah (1979), and founded and directed
on current affairs. the International Institute of Islamic Thought and
Civilization (ISTAC). Tan Sri Syed Naquib has writ-
HE Grand Ayatollah ten extensively in the fields of Islamic philosophy,
Mohammad Ishaq Fayadh theology and metaphysics, history, literature, art and
Scholarly civilisation, religion and education. He is among the
Country: Iraq few contemporary scholars who is thoroughly rooted
Born: 1930 (age 92) in the traditional Islamic sciences, being a competent
Grand Ayatollah Fayadh, original­ master in theology, philosophy, metaphysics, history,
ly from Afghanistan, is one of the and literature.
four maraji’ of the Hawza Semi­
nary in Najaf, Iraq—one of the two most important Professor Akbar Ahmed
seats of learning in Twelver Shi’ism. Fayadh is known Scholarly
for his quietist approach to politics and is well-re­ Country: Pakistan
spected especially amongst the Shia population of Born: 15 January 1943 (age 79)
South Asia. Professor Akbar Ahmed is the Ibn
Khaldun Chair of Islamic Stud-
Professor M Din Syamsuddin ies at the American University in
Scholarly Wash­ington, DC and the former
Country: Indonesia Paki­stani High Commissioner to the UK and Ire-
Born: 31 December 1958 (age 64) land. In addition to his academic and public sector
Professor Din Syamsuddin served careers, Ahmed has produced a number of notewor-
as chairman (2005-2015) of the thy films and authored more than a dozen award-win-
larg­est modernist Islamic organi- ning books. He produced the Jinnah Quartet and fea­
sations in Indonesia, the Muham- ture film, Jinnah (1998). He was awarded the 2017
madiyah. He also served as chairman of the Indo- Sir Syed Day Lifetime Achievement Award for ex­
nesian Coun­cil of Ulema and is currently acting as cellence in Poetry, Literature, Arts and the Sciences
chairman of its Advisory Council. He is a member and declared the 2017 Scholar/Teacher of the Year of
of the Group of Stra­tegic Vision Russia – Islamic the American University School of International Ser-
World, Chairman of the World Peace Forum and vice. Ahmed was awarded the Diplomatic Leader­ship
President of the Inter Reli­gious Council—Indonesia. Award in 2019 from PakPac USA for outstand­ing ac-
He was recently re-elect­ed for another five-year term ademic endeavour. He has produced two films: Jour-
as President of the Asian Conference of Religions ney into America and Journey into Europe, which are
for Peace (ACRP). Syamsuddin is still very active both accompanied with books with the same titles.
in interfaith and in­tercultural dialogue and was ap-
pointed the Special Envoy for Religious Harmony by
President Widodo.

114
Dr Ingrid Mattson Ismail Haniyeh
Scholarly Political
Country: Canada Country: Palestine
Born: 24 August 1963 (age 59) Born: 29 January 1962 (age 60)
Dr Ingrid Mattson is the London Haniyeh was elected as the leader
and Windsor Community Chair of Hamas’ political bureau in May
in Islamic Studies at Huron Uni­ 2017 after his predecessor, Khaled
versity College at Western Uni­ Mashal, had completed his two
versity in Canada. Previously she had worked for terms in office. Haniyeh has been a senior political
14 years as Professor at the Hartford Seminary in leader of Hamas for over 20 years and led Hamas
Hartford, and served as Director of the Macdonald to a shock win over Fatah in the 2006 elections. He
Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim served as one of two disputed prime ministers of
Relations. In 2001 she was elected Vice President of the Palestinian National Authority. After being dis­
ISNA and in 2006 she was elected President. She is missed by President Mahmoud Abbas, Haniyeh con­
the author of the highly acclaimed The Story of the tinued to exercise prime-ministerial authority in the
Qur’an. In late 2018, Dr Mattson founded a major Gaza Strip until 2014 when Hamas and Fatah agreed
project to uphold the sacred inviolability (hurma) on a reconciliatory deal. Haniyeh is a popular figure
of those who enter Muslim spaces from exploitation in Gaza, where he lives, and has broadened the appeal
and abuse by those holding religious power and au- of Hamas in Gazan politics.
thority. The Hurma Project is conducting research,
education, training and protocols for professional HE Datuk Seri Anwar
oversight for imams, chaplains, mosque boards and Ibrahim
others. Political
Country: Malaysia
HE President Mahmoud Born: 10 August 1947 (age 75)
Abbas Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the
Political current leader of the opposition.
Country: Palestine He was the Deputy Prime Min-
Born: 15 November 1935 (age 87) ister of Malaysia from 1993-98 before a falling out
Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, with Tun Mahathir Muhammad led to Anwar being
is the President of the Palestinian jailed on controversial charges. He spent the follow-
National Authority, and chairman ing two decades being charged, imprisoned, freed
of the Palestine Liberation Organization. He is one and in exile. In 2018, the Pakatan Hara­pan (Alliance
of the few surviving founder members of Fatah, the of Hope), with Anwar as the de facto leader, won the
main political grouping within the PLO, and was one elec­tions and he was released from prison. The coa-
of the principal architects of the Oslo Peace Process. lition collapsed after 2 years and Anwar now heads
He accompanied Yassir Arafat to the White House the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and is also Pres-
to sign the Oslo Accords. He was elected President ident of the People’s Justice Party (PKR. His wife is a
of the PNA in 2005 in what was due to be a four-year former Deputy Prime Minister and his daughter is a
term. No elections have been held since then, and so current MP). He has held academic positions at in-
he remains President. President Abbas opposed the stitutions globally (including Oxford, John Hopkins,
“Deal of the Century”, refusing promises of billions and Georgetown universities).
worth of investment, but suffered the consequences
with aid cuts of hundreds of millions of dollars by the
US leaving the economy in ruins. The financial crisis
has led to deep salary cuts which in turn have fuelled
further unpopularity to his rule.

115
HE Datuk Seri Mahathir Sadiq Khan
Mohamad Political
Political Country: United Kingdom
Country: Malaysia Born: 8 October 1970 (age 52)
Born: 10 July 1925 (age 97) Sadiq Khan, the son of a London
Mahathir is a dominant political bus driver, was elected the Mayor
figure. In his first tenure as Prime of London in May 2016 and then
Minister (1981-2003) he won five re-elected in May 2021. His jour­
consecutive general elections. He was the key figure ney to arguably one of the highest posts in the UK
behind the transition of Malaysia’s economy from in­cluded being a human rights solicitor, chair of the
being agricultural based into a newly industrialised hu­man rights group Liberty, councillor for Wand-
market economy. He is noted for his support for lib- sworth, and then MP for Tooting from 2005-2016.
eral Muslim values and has established Islamic insti- He is a member of the Labour Party and served as
tutions such as the International Islamic University Minister in two posts in Gordon Brown’s govern-
of Malaysia. Mahathir has, however, been criticised ment as well as serving in Ed Miliband’s shadow cab-
for his record on civil liberties and for the trials and inet in more senior ministerial posts. Much has been
tribulations that his former Deputy Prime Minister, made of his British Pakistani ethnicity as well as him
Anwar Ibrahim, endured after being sacked by Ma- being Mus­lim, but he has stressed that those parts of
hathir in 1998. After retiring for many years, Ma- his identi­ty merely strengthen his willingness to serve
hathir registered a new political party in 2017 and all parts of society. He has worked to build cohesion
joined the coalition Pakatan Harapan (Pact of Hope) among London’s diverse communities.
which went on to win the 2018 elections with Ma­
hathir becoming, at 94 years old, the world’s oldest Aminu Ado Bayero
sitting head of government. He was expected to serve Administration of Religious Affairs
in this role for a year and then allow Anwar Ibrahim Country: Nigeria
to succeed him, but another falling out between the Born: 1961 (age 61)
two prevented this and broke the Aminu Ado Bayero became the
coalition. 15th Emir of Kano on 9 March
2020. His father had been the
HE Imran Khan 13th Emir (1963-2014) but was
Political succeeded by a nephew, who was subsequently de­
Country: Pakistan throned by the Kano state government in 2020, al­
Born: 5 October 1952 (age 70) lowing Bayero to claim the title. The Emir of Kano
Imran Khan became the Prime is historically the second most important Muslim
Minister of Pakistan in 2018 amid position in Nigeria after the Sultan of Sokoto. The
huge expectations that he could bring the country Emir of Kano serves as the leader of the Tijani sufi
forward on issues of governance, accountability and order in Nigeria.
reduction of corruption. He endured a tough time
before being ousted in April 2022 through a no-con- Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani
fidence motion. He has maintained that foreign Administration of Religious Affairs
interference played a major role in his ousting and Country: India
pointed fingers at various institutions in the country. Born: 14 Jan 1947 (age 75)
In August 2022, Khan himself was charged by the Pa- Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nom­
kistani police under anti-terror laws and is currently ani is the current Mohtamim
on bail. Khan still maintains massive popular support (Vice-Chancellor) of Darul
in the country as well as with the large and powerful Uloom Deoband in India. He was
Pakistani diaspora. His challenges are seen as part of elected as Mohtamim on 23 July 2011 succeeding
the inevitable results of trying to change a system rife Maulana Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi. The De­
in corruption and of trying to reduce the role of the oband Darul Uloom is where the Deobandi school
military. was established and it is still the worldwide centre,
having some 7,000 students. Mufti Abul Qasim
Nomani graduated from Darul Uloom Deoband in
116
1967 and was appointed as Member of Majlis Shura speakers from all over the world. His Youtube chan­
(Governing Body) of Darul Uloom in 1992. nel has close to 228 million views and he has over 22
million Facebook followers.
Sheikh Nuh Keller
Preachers & Spiritual Guides Ahed Tamimi
Country: Jordan Social Issues
Born: 1954 (age 68) Country: Palestine
Sheikh Nuh Keller’s Reliance of the Born: 31 January 2001 (age 22)
Traveller is the first Islamic le­gal Ahed Tamimi is a Palestinian who
work translated into a Europe­an has become a globally recognised
language to receive certification icon for resistance to the Israeli oc-
from the Al-Azhar University. He also possesses a cupation of Palestine. In 2017, she
number of ijazaat in various disciplines, most nota- con­fronted Israeli soldiers who entered her yard in the
bly as an authorised sheikh of the Shadhiliyyah Sufi West Bank village of Nabi Saleh, and then proceeded
or­der. He teaches students from his zawiyah in Jor- to slap and kick them. Her mother was recording the
dan as well as at annual gatherings all over the world. incident and later the video went viral. A few days lat-
er, at night, the Israeli army’s own camera doc­umented
Dr Muhammad Al-Arifi soldiers entering her house, handcuffing and arresting
Preachers & Spiritual Guides Tamimi. She was then subject to inter­rogation, a fate
Country: Saudi Arabia common to most Palestinian youth living under oc-
Born: 16 July 1970 (age 52) cupation, detained for three months and sentenced
Dr Al-Arifi is a well-known schol­ to eight months in jail. Her mother was also impris-
ar and lecturer from Saudi Arabia. oned but never charged. Ahed was re­leased after serv-
He is a founding and honorary ing eight months as a political prison­er and received
member of various da’wa organ­ worldwide support for highlighting the oppressive
isations, as well as being a member of their adviso­r y life faced by Palestinians. She has recently published
committees. He is also a Professor at King Saud Uni- a book entitled They Called Me a Lioness.
versity of Riyadh. He takes a special interest in hadith
literature and has received licenses for the chains of Loujain Al-Hathloul
transmission for various hadith texts from a number Social Issues
of scholars. He has over 42 million follow­ers on so- Country: Saudi Arabia
cial media. Born: 31 July 1989 (age 33)
Al-Hathloul is a Saudi women’s
Zakir Abdul Karim Naik rights activist who has recently been
Preachers & Spiritual Guides released from prison but is under
Country: India strict conditions of no travelling or
Born: 18 October 1965 (age 57) political engagement. She was a fierce critic of the law
Zakir Abdul Karim Naik is a pop­ forbidding women to drive in Saudi Arabia and she
ular preacher and comparative reli­ used social media to challenge this and the male guard-
gion specialist in the mould of the ianship system. In 2014, she was detained for 73 days
legendary Ahmed Deedat. Naik after she at­tempted to drive into Saudi Arabia from the
challenges leaders of other faiths to public debates United Arab Emirates. A year later, Al-Hathloul at-
that are broadcast around the world on Peace TV—a tempted to stand in the local elections, which marked
satellite channel that he helped to found. In 2015, he the first time Saudi women were allowed to vote, but
was awarded the King Faisal International Prize for was ul­timately barred. She was detained again in 2018,
Services to Islam. Since 2016 he has been resident in but this time she was tortured and held in prison with­
Malaysia, but is being investigated by the National out charges or trial for 10 months, but then charged
Investigation Agency (NIA) on incitement to terror the following year with attempting to destabilise the
and money-laundering charges. India has requested kingdom. She was sentenced to 5 years in December
extradition so he might stand trial on those charges. 2020. Her husband, a Saudi stand-up comedian had
In 2021, Naik launched Al Hidaayah, a new platform also been forcefully returned from Jordan to Saudi
with educational content from renowned Islamic Arabia and is currently under arrest.
117
 Malala Yousufzai Sami Yusuf
Social Issues Arts & Culture
Country: Pakistan Country: United Kingdom
Born: 12 July 1997 (age 25) Born: 19 July 1980 (age 42)
Yousufzai’s rise to prominence be­ Sami Yusuf is an internationally re­
gan tragically when the Taliban nowned British composer, produc­
shot her in a school bus for encour­ er, vocalist and master musician
aging girls to go to school in Swat. who has created a revolution in the
After the assassination attempt, Malala was flown music industry. Sami Yusuf ’s works are often inspired
to England, where she recovered and continued her by traditional musical systems and mystical poetry
schooling. She received high-profile support for her that enlighten and inspire the listener. For the past
campaign to ensure that all children worldwide be several years, his focus has been on revivifying and
schooled. In 2013, Yousafzai addressed the UN, re­ promoting musical heritage and he has demonstrated
ceived the prestigious Sakharov Prize, and was nom­ a unique ability to engage contemporary audienc­
inated for the Nobel Peace Prize, which she co-re­ es with his dramatically staged performances of his
ceived in 2014 at the age of 17, thereby becoming its compositions inspired by centuries-old traditions.
youngest-ever recipient. She has been granted audi­ Performing at sold-out venues on six continents,
ences with royalty and world leaders, and this along his music appeals to all age groups, ethnicities and
with her high-profile international exposure has led beliefs across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and
some in her native Pakistan to question whether she North America. With downloads of over a billion,
has overreached. Now graduated from Oxford Uni­ Sami Yusuf has released nine studio albums to date,
versity, books published and contracts from media has over 34 million albums sold, and has 20 million
companies, her global profile continues to rise. followers across his social media platforms. The artist
is also known for his extensive involvement in global
Dr Uğur Şahin charitable initiatives.
Science & Technology
Country: Germany Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Al-
Born: 1965 (age 57)
Sudais
Uğur Şahin is an immunologist Qur’an Reciters
and CEO of BioNTech, the com­ Country: Saudi Arabia
pany which developed one of the Born: 10 February 1960 (age 62)
major vaccines against covid-19. Al-Sudais is the Chief of the Imams
His family emigrated to Germany from Türkiye, at the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
where he studied medicine at the University of Co­ He memorised the Qur’an at the
logne. He has worked as a professor and lecturer age of 12, and studied Shari‘ah at Riyadh University,
at vari­ous university hospitals across Germany. In Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, and
2011, Şa­hin became deputy director of the Univer- Umm Al-Qura University. Al-Sudais is also popular
sity Center for Tumor Diseases Mainz and, in 2017, for his sermons and stance on peaceful conflict-res­
Şahin helped establish the new Helmholtz Institute olution. In 2005, he was named by the Dubai Inter­
HI-TRON. But it was in 2008 when Şahin founded national Holy Qur’an Award (DIHQA) Organising
BioNTech with his wife, Özlem Türeci and mentor, Committee as its 9th annual “Islamic Personality
Christoph Huber. The main focus of his research Of the Year” in recognition of his devotion to the
work is the discovery of mRNA-based drugs for use Qur’an and Islam. In 2017, Al-Sudais supervised the
as in­dividualised cancer immunotherapies, but with film One Day in the Haram, a film about the haram in
the ad­vent of the covid-19 pandemic, BioNTech Makkah, told through the eyes of the workers.
pivoted to using mRNA-based drugs towards fight-
ing this new threat. By the end of 2020, BioNTech
developed the BNT162b2 vaccine and reported a
95% effica­cy against the covid-19 disease and became
the first mRNA drug approved for human use. Sub-
sequently, Şahin entered a partnership with Pfizer
pharmaceuti­cal company to distribute it worldwide.
118
Sadio Mane Khabib Nurmagomedov
Celebrities & Sports Celebrities & Sports
Country: Senegal Country: Russia
Born: 10 April 1992 (age 30) Born: 20 September 1988 (age 34)
Sadio Mane is a Senegalese and Khabib Nurmagomedov is a for-
Bayern Munich footballer, current mer mixed martial artist. As well as
African Footballer of the Year and being the youngest Russian wres-
globally renowned as one of the tler in his­tory to compete in the
best footballers in the world. He had been instru- UFC, he was also the first Russian and Muslim to win
mental in Liverpool’s success (2016-2022) winning a UFC title. He was the Lightweight UFC champi-
the Champions League in 2019 and then ending a on holding the longest undefeated streak in MMA
30-year wait to win the Premier League in 2020. He history with 29 wins before retiring in March 2021.
also played for the Senegal team which reached the He won a high-profile fight with Conor McGregor
2020 African nations cup final. He is seen making but was involved in a brawl immediately following
supplication before the start of each match and per- the fight which led to both fighters being banned for
forms a prostration every time he scores a goal. He is several months. On his return to the ring in Septem-
well known for his modest and humble personality, ber 2019, he beat the interim champion. He is ethni-
and has donated significant amounts of his personal cally from the Russian republic of Dagestan and has
wealth to develop the infrastructure in his hometown chosen the nickname “the eagle” to pay homage to
of Sedhiou. He transformed his childhood village of this region. This has won him great support amongst
Bambalia—a village in the south of Senegal—with many Muslim youth not only in Dagestan but also
a number of charitable works, including building a in Chechnya and other ex-soviet Muslim majority
new hospital, school, mosque, sports stadium and countries. His appeal is not limited to these as he has
other infrastructures. managed to transcend ethnic complexities and be-
come one of Russia’s most popular sportsmen.

Faint not, neither grieve, for you shall prevail if you are believers.
The Family of ‘Imrân, 139
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

119
There is no compulsion in religion. Rectitude has become clear from error;
so whoever disbelieves in the false deity, and believes in God, has laid
hold of the most firm handle, unbreaking; God is Hearing, Knowing.
God is the Protector of the believers; He brings them forth from the
shadows into the light. And the disbelievers - their protectors are
false deities that bring them forth from the light into the shadows;
those are the inhabitants of the Fire, therein they shall abide.
The Cow, 256-257
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com
THE 450 LISTS

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 • The Lists •
Scholarly Business
page 123 page 169
These scholars, thinkers, and educators are well-re- These entrepreneurs head and direct key organi-
spected leaders who have made significant con- sations in the business world pushing innovation
tributions to the study and cultivation of Islamic and financial development forward.
knowledge and Muslim culture.
Science & Technology
Political page 174
page 133 These are the main figures from the world of sci-
These leaders possess high positions of power over ence and technology.
substantial groups of people and exert influence
from their status, reputation, or political clout. Arts & Culture
page 179
Administration of Religious Affairs These are artists and cultural ambassadors whose
page 142 work has become part of people’s daily lives.
These agents of change are responsible for found-
ing and/or directing institutions that influence the Qur’an Reciters
religious affairs of Muslims. page 188
The recitation of the Qur’an is a special art that is
Preachers & Spiritual Guides valued by Muslim communities across the world.
page 149 The word al-Qur’an literally means ‘the recitation’
Preachers rely on charisma to inspire millions referring to its origins as an oral text.
through multimedia while spiritual guides tradi-
tionally teach through live study circles and indi- Media
vidualised directives to their disciples. page 190
In an age of impulsive news and innovative media,
Philanthropy, Charity & Development these personalities have garnered influence from
page 156 their activity in the media world.
These activists work in the field, affecting the
world through poverty alleviation programmes, Celebrities & Sports Stars
emergency aid, charitable giving, sponsorships of page 195
various initiatives for people and communities to These instantly recognisable figures have a huge
become self-reliant. public following due to their prominence in popu-
lar culture and sport.
Social Issues
page 159 Top Extremists
These individuals address various social issues such page 198
as health, education, women’s rights, the environ- These individuals are responsible for heinous acts
ment, human rights and conflict resolution. and controversial statements that are rejected by
Muslim orthodoxy, separating them clearly from
others engaged in armed conflict.

122
 SCHOLARLY

Middle East and North Africa website, and a staunch anti-war activist. His most
recent book is The End of Two Illusions: Islam after
the West.
ALGERIA
Damad, Ayatollah Dr Seyyed
Cherif, Mustapha Mostafa Mohaghegh
Professor Mustapha Cherif is a philosopher and re- Damad is one of very few high-level clerics in Iran to
searcher specialising in international relations and have been educated in international law in the West.
dialogue between cultures. Cherif has written nu- Damad is a forceful advocate for a more progressive
merous works on religion, civilisation and dialogue interpretation of shari’ah. He is a very well-respected
between cultures. He has held many senior academic scholar and is currently a professor in the Faculty of
and diplomatic positions including Algerian Minis- Law at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran. In Octo-
ter of Higher Education and Ambassador to Egypt. ber 2010, at the Pope’s behest, he addressed the Syn-
He was awarded the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for od in the Vatican, stressing the Muslim view towards
Arab Culture and the Ducci Foundation Peace Prize Christians as one of friendship, trust, and mutual un-
in 2013. He is also a member of the World Catho- derstanding. He was honoured as a prominent figure
lic-Muslim Forum and a permanent delegate at the of humanities in Iran at the 8th Farabi International
Arab League. Award ceremony in 2017.

BAHRAIN Shirazi, Grand Ayatollah Nasir Makarim

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi is a leading theologian
Yaquby, Nizam teaching at the Qom Seminary, one of the two most
Sheikh Nizam Yaquby was trained in the Islamic important centres of learning for Twelver Shia. He is
sciences in Bahrain and Makkah, studying under most influential for his Tafsir Al-Amthal, which is a
some eminent sheikhs, before going on to study at very popular, simplified commentary of the Qur’an.
McGill University. He sits on a plethora of shari’ah He has also spearheaded the creation of schools and
advisory boards and has been a visiting lecturer at magazines devoted to young people. He has been
Harvard University. A highly sought-after expert outspoken in his support for Palestinians.
with an immense breadth of experience with the
Muslim community, Yaquby recently led a team Sobhani, Ayatollah Jafar
which issued a fatwa supporting a crypto currency. Sobhani is a leading member of the Council of Mu-
jtahids at the Qom Seminary, one of the two most
IRAN important centres of learning in Twelver Shi’ism. He
is the director of the Imam Sadiq Institute in Iran and
Amoli, Grand Ayatollah Abdullah Jawadi was previously a member of the Society of Seminary
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 114 Teachers at Qom. His work in all areas of the Islamic
sciences is widely known and receives critical atten-
Dabashi, Professor Hamid tion. Sobhani is a prolific writer, having published
Hamid Dabashi is the Hagop Kevorkian Professor over 300 scholarly works.
of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at
Columbia University in New York. He has written IRAQ
extensively in major publications and peer-reviewed
journals on a variety of topics including religion, lit- Fayadh, Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq
erature, cinema and philosophy. He founded Dreams Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 114
of a Nation, a Palestinian Film Project, dedicated to
preserving and safeguarding Palestinian Cinema. He Al-Najafi, Grand Ayatollah Bashir
is also a public speaker, a current affairs essayist (con- Grand Ayatollah Bashir Al-Najafi is one of the four
tributing opinion pieces regularly to the Al-Jazeera maraji’ of the Hawza Seminary in Najaf, Iraq, and
123
one of Iraq’s most powerful Shia clerics. As a marja’ MOROCCO
of the Hawza in Najaf, Iraq’s premier Shia institution,
Najafi holds a position of immense authority. Najafi, Abdurrahman, Professor Dr Taha
originally from Pakistan, holds less sway amongst Taha Abdurrahman is a Moroccan philosopher fa-
Iraq’s population than the other maraji’ but has sig- mous for his work on the creation of an ethical hu-
nificant clout in South Asia. manistic modernism on the basis of the ethics and
values of Islam. Abdurrahman has won the Moroc-
Al-Qaradaghi, Professor Ali Mohyi can Book Prize twice and was awarded the ISESCO
Professor Al-Qaradaghi is the Secretary General of Prize for Islamic Philosophy in 2006. He is the pres-
the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) ident of the Wisdom Circle of Thinkers, Morocco,
and professor of Jurisprudence at Qatar University. and a member of the International Union of Muslim
He holds key positions in various Islamic Fiqh or- Scholars. In 2020 he received the Necip Fazıl Award.
ganisations as well as being on shari’ah supervisory
boards for several banks. He is also President of the OMAN
Board of Trustees of the University of Human Devel-
opment in Sulamaniyah, Iraq, where he was born. He Al-Khalili, Sheikh Ahmad
has written more than 30 works. Sheikh Al-Khalili is the Grand Mufti of Oman. He
was born, and lived, in Zanzibar until the end of the
Al-Sadr, Ayatollah Al-Faqih Al-Said rule (1964) and then moved to Oman along
HE Ayatollah Al-Faqih Seyyed Hussein Ismail Al-Sa- with many others of Omani heritage. He is a strong
dr is the most senior Shia cleric in Baghdad, Iraq. He advocate for religious tolerance and works hard
heads the Ayatollah Seyyed Hussain Ismail Al-Sadr to ensure harmony between the different religious
Foundation Trust, which runs humanitarian, devel- schools of thought in Oman.
opment, and peace and reconciliation projects in
Iraq. His role as a social leader and humanitarian has PALESTINE
increased significantly during the recent hostilities
in Iraq. The issue of reconciliation and dialogue be- Abu Sway, Professor Mustafa
tween Iraq’s different religious and ethnic commu- Professor Abu Sway was appointed as the first holder
nities has featured heavily in the Ayatollah’s recent of the King Abdullah II Integral Professorial Chair
efforts. for the Study of Imam Ghazali’s Work at Al-Masjid
Al-Aqsa and at Al-Quds University in 2012. He has
JORDAN been Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies at
Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, Palestine, since
Khasawneh, Sheikh Abdul Karim 1996. He taught at the International Islamic Uni-
Sheikh Khasawneh has served Jordan in his capacity versity in Malaysia (1993-96) and was a visiting Ful-
as a religious scholar and mufti in various roles. He bright Scholar-in-Residence at the Wilkes Honors
is a former Mufti of the Jordanian Armed Forces, College at Florida Atlantic University, as well as a
served as the Grand Mufti of Jordan between 2010- Visiting Professor of Islamic Studies at Bard College,
2017, and was reappointed to this post in 2019. Kha- NY.
sawneh is also a member of the Jordanian Ifta Coun-
cil and a member of the board of the World Islamic Nusseibeh, Professor Sari
Sciences and Education University. Sari Nusseibeh comes from one of Jerusalem’s oldest
and most prominent families, having a 1300-year
LEBANON presence in the city. He has studied at various uni-
versities including Oxford and Harvard and is a pro-
Qabbani, Dr Mohammad Rashid fessor of philosophy as well as being a leading public
Mohammad Rashid Qabbani is the former Grand intellectual. He served as president of the Al-Quds
Mufti of Lebanon and the country’s leading Sunni University in Jerusalem for more than 20 years.
scholar. Qabbani speaks out regularly against sectar-
ianism and violence. His is an important voice in a Al-Tamimi, Justice Sheikh Dr Tayseer Rajab
region where tensions can easily escalate. Al-Tamimi is the Chief Islamic Justice of Pales-
tine and a leading scholar. Popular as an outspoken
124
thinker and leader on Palestinian-Israeli relations, SYRIA
Al-Tamimi is also the head of the Palestinian Centre
for Religion and Civilization Dialogue. Al-Nabulsi, Dr Mohammed Ratib
The son of a well-known Syrian religious scholar, Dr
SAUDI ARABIA Al-Nabulsi has represented Syria all over the world
in many Islamic conferences. Muslims know him
Al-Awni, Dr Hatim through his lessons, orations, symposiums, and inter-
Dr Hatim Al-Awni is the General Supervisor of the views broadcast on radio and television. He has writ-
International Committee for the Support of the Fi- ten a number of Islamic books, many of which have
nal Prophet (ICSFP). He has also served in a number been translated into English. In addition to studying
of academic and political capacities, including the in his native Syria, he has also studied in Ireland and
Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia for two sepa- France.
rate terms. While his academic research includes doz-
ens of publications, perhaps his greatest contribution
is the awakening of Salafi introspection in Saudi Ara- Sub-Saharan Africa
bia. His widely read articles have pointed out clear
connections between militant extremism and core
Salafi texts. He also writes extensively on rapproche- ERITREA
ment between Islamic schools of thought, particu-
larly between Salafi and Traditionalist (Ash’ari and Said, Sheikh Faid Mohammed
Maturidi) approaches. Sheikh Faid Mohammed Said was raised in Eritrea,
where he was educated by Sheikh Hamid, the Senior
Al-Fawzan, Sheikh Salih Bin Fawzan Judge of the Sharia Court in Asmara. He later moved
Sheikh Al-Fawzan is considered to be the most senior to Madinah Al-Munawarah, where he continued his
scholar of the Salafi movement in Saudi Arabia. He studies under Sheikh Atiyyah Mohammed Salim,
is a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Resident Scholar of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi and
the Committee for Fatwa and Research. He has au- Senior Judge of Madinah. He has also completed a
thored over 35 books and is one of the major muftis PhD from the University of Minnesota USA. He is
in the country. currently General Secretary of the Fatwa and Islam-
ic Affairs commission and Imam and Khateeb of the
Al-Madkhali, Sheikh Rabee ibn Haadi ‘Umayr Central Mosque in London.
Sheikh Rabee ibn Haadi ‘Umayr Al-Madkhali is one
of the most radical thinkers in the Salafi movement. ETHIOPIA
He is an influential writer and speaker whose influ-
ence has led to an independent faction within Salaf- Idris, Hajji Omar
ism. Al-Madkhali’s adherents are known as Mad- Hajji Omar Idris is a mufti and leader of Ethiopian
khali Salafis and make up one of the most significant Muslims, who represent 40 percent of Ethiopia’s
and influential branches inside the Salafi movement. population. Widely respected, he is a proponent of
A former head of the Sunnah Studies Department at Muslim unity and was elected as President of the
the Islamic University of Madinah, Al-Madkhali is a Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council in May
scholar who has authored over 30 works in the fields 2019, marking the first peaceful transition of leader-
of Hadith and Islamic disciplines. ship since the council was formed. Hajji Idris is also
President of the Fatwa and Da’wa Councils.
Al-Saffar, Hasan Musa
Hasan Musa Al-Saffar is a Saudi Shia reformist leader GAMBIA, THE
who has made significant progress in communicat-
ing with Salafi leaders and other senior officials in Jah, Ambassador Professor Dr Omar
Saudi Arabia. This is important as sectarian tensions Jah is an important figure in the Gambian Muslim
throughout the Muslim world have risen with in- community and in Gambian scholarship on Islam.
creased Sunni-Shia hostilities in Iraq. Jah was the former Gambian Ambassador to Saudi
Arabia, Secretary of the Muslim Scholars Council
of Gambia, and Acting Vice-Chancellor at the Uni-
125
 versity of Gambia. After more than a decade at the Order of Luthuli (Silver), South Africa’s highest ci-
University of Gambia, he is now the Pro-Vice Chan- vilian order for his contribution to scholarship and
cellor at the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) work for justice.
Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he was appointed by the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Moosa, Ebrahim
Ebrahim Moosa is the Mirza Family Professor of Is-
MAURITANIA lamic Thought and Muslim Societies in the Keough
School of Global Affairs, the Kroc Institute for In-
Al-Shanqiti, Muhammad Al-Hasan ternational Peace Studies, and in the Department of
Muhammad Al-Hasan bin Al-Diddu Al-Shanqiti is History at the University of Notre Dame. His inter-
a Mauritanian Muslim scholar, author, writer, and pretive and historical research on questions of tradi-
poet. He is the President of O'lama Information tion, ethics, and law includes two monographs as well
Centre, and the President of Abdallah ibn Yasin as several edited and co-edited books. His prize-win-
University. He is also head of the country’s Centre ning book Ghazali and the Poetics of Imagination was
for the Development of Scholars. In 2014 he was the awarded the Best First Book prize in the History of
Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Religions by the American Academy of Religion. He
Scholars. He has licenses (ijaazaat) from various Is- is the author of What is a Madrasa? (2015). Moosa
lamic scholars authorising him to teach all the major is also regarded as a prominent public intellectual. In
hadith collections. 2007 he was invited to deliver the King Hasan Lec-
ture (Durus Hasaniyyah) to HM King Mohammed
NIGERIA VI of Morocco in Arabic. He currently directs the
Madrasa Discourses project, advancing scientific and
Zakzaky, Sheikh Ibraheem theological literacy amongst young theologians (ma-
Sheikh Ibraheem is the leading force behind the most drasa graduates) in South Asia.
influential Shia movement in Nigeria and heads its
Islamic Movement. The movement has witnessed UGANDA
rapid growth and is based on the model of Hezbol-
lah, focusing on social services, education, charity, Mamdani, Mahmood
etc, but also including military training. In Decem- Mamdani is the Herbert Lehman Professor of Gov-
ber 2015, the Nigerian Army raided his residence ernment in the Departments of Anthropology and
in Zaria, massacred hundreds of his followers, killed Political Science at Columbia University in the
three of his sons and held him under state detention United States, and Director of Makerere Institute of
before being released. He was arrested again and ac- Social Research in Kampala, Uganda. He is a leading
quitted, but still has travel restrictions in place. public intellectual. He is the former President of the
Council for Development of Social Research in Afri-
SOUTH AFRICA ca in Dakar, Senegal. Mamdani is well-known for his
book Good Muslim, Bad Muslim: America, The Cold
Esack, Farid War and The Roots of Terror, which became signifi-
Farid Esack is a traditionally trained scholar who cant in liberal policy circles in the US.
is also a successful academic in modern universi-
ties. He has authored many famous written works
on Islam and is arguably the world’s leading Islamic Asia
Liberation theologian. He was appointed as gender
equality commissioner by Nelson Mandela. Through
the organisation, The Call of Islam, Esack played a AZERBAIJAN
leading role in the struggle against apartheid. He
is an advocate of interreligious solidarity, against Pashazade, Sheikh ul-Islam Haji
all forms of injustice and has worked extensively to Allahshukur Hummat
support Muslims infected with HIV. He is currently Pashazade is the Grand Mufti of Azerbaijan, the elect-
Head of the Department of Religion Studies at the ed Mufti of the Caucasus region, and the Chairman
University of Johannesburg and has been a professor of the Religious Council of the Caucus. Pashazade is
at Harvard University. In 2018 he was awarded the also the world’s only Sunni-Shia Grand Mufti, giv-
126
A Common Word
www. acommonword. com
The ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’ initi- lim Forum, which was first held at the Vatican in
ative (ACW) was launched on October 13th, 2007 in- 2008, at the Baptism Site, Jordan, in 2011, and at the
itially as an Open Letter signed by 138 leading Muslim Vatican in November, 2014.
scholars and intellectuals (including such figures as the • Giving rise to a variety of other events, activities, ini-
Grand Muftis of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Oman, Bosnia, tiatives and even legislative bills.
Russia, and Istanbul) to the leaders of the Christian
Thus HH Pope Benedict XVI, said of it (during the
churches and denominations of the entire world, in-
First Seminar of the Catholic-Muslim Forum held at the
cluding His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. In essence
Vatican, 4-6 November 2008:
it proposed, based on verses from the Holy Qur’an
and the Holy Bible, that Islam and Christianity share, “The Open Letter ‘A Common Word between
at their cores, the twin ‘golden’ commandments of the Us and you’ has received numerous responses and
paramount importance of loving God and loving one’s has given rise to dialogue, specific initiatives and
neighbour. Based on this joint common ground, it meetings, aimed at helping us to know one an-
called for peace and harmony between Christians and other more deeply and to grow in esteem for our
Muslims worldwide, who together comprise over 55% of shared values."
the world’s population. ACW was and is an extended Equally, HG Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of
global handshake of interreligious goodwill, friendship Canterbury, said of it (in 2010):
and fellowship and consequently of world peace. “The appearance of the A Common Word [Open
ACW is a document which uses religion as the Letter] of 2007 was a landmark in Muslim-Chris-
solution to the problems of interreligious tensions. By tian relations and it has a unique role in stimu-
basing itself on solid theological grounds in both reli- lating a discussion at the deepest level across the
gions—the twin Commandments to love God and love world."
the neighbour—ACW has demonstrated to Christians Insofar as Muslim-Christian relations are concerned,
and Muslims that they have a certain common ground Professor Miroslav Volf of Yale University said of it (in
(despite irreducible theological differences) and that 2011):
both religions require them to have relations based on
love not on hatred. “The A Common Word Initiative is the most signif-
icant initiative in Muslim-Christian relations since
During the ten years since its launch ACW has be- Nostra Aetate of the Second Vatican Council."
come arguably the most influential interfaith dialogue
between Muslims and Christians in history. It has pro- And in so far as Muslim initiatives towards Chris-
vided a common ground on which thousands of Mus- tians are concerned, Professor David F. Ford (Regius
lim and Christian religious leaders have been brought Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge, U. K.
together through: and Director of the Cambridge Interfaith Program) said
of it (in 2011):
• Initiating a multitude of conferences, seminars,
workshops, training programs, and university cours- “The Open Letter A Common Word Between
es in Jordan, the Vatican, the USA (Yale University, Us and You (2007) was probably the single most
Georgetown University and the College of William important initiative ever taken by Muslim scholars
and Mary, Fuller Theological Seminary, ISNA, Or- and authorities towards Christians."
egon, Virginia, South Carolina, New Orleans), the The A Common Word initiative was awarded the
UK (Cambridge University, Oxford University, UK’s Association of Muslim Social Scientists Building
Heythrop College and Lambeth Palace), Oman, Ma- Bridges Award of 2008; Prince Ghazi, Habib Ali Al-Jifri
laysia, Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan, the UAE, the Brook- and Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric were awarded Germa-
ings Institute in Qatar, the Mediterranean Dialogue ny’s Eugen Biser Award for it in 2008, and Prince Ghazi
of Cultures, Germany (the Munich School of Philos- was awarded the St Augustine Award for Interreligious
ophy), the World Council of Churches in Switzer- Dialogue in the Mediterranean (Milan, Italy, 2012) and
land, the Philippines, and Australia. the Interfaith Harmony and Tolerance Prize by the In-
• Being the subject of books, articles, PhDs and over 74 ternational Islamic University of Malaysia, Jamia Ma’din
dissertations and reports. and the National Unity and Integration Department,
Malaysia.
• Founding the regular [every 3 years] Catholic-Mus-

127
ing each group religious edicts (fatawaa) according Syamsuddin, Professor M Din
to their own legal methodology (madhab), reflect- Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 114
ing Azerbaijan’s Sunni-Shia mix. He co-chaired the
World Summit of Religious Leaders, held in Azerbai- MALAYSIA
jan in April 2010. He has been spearheading Azerbai-
jan’s initiatives of promoting dialogue between faiths Al-Akiti, Dato Dr Muhammad Afifi
within the region and internationally. Al-Akiti is a scholar, trained theologian, and philol-
ogist. He is a lecturer of Islamic studies with the Fac-
INDIA ulty of Theology at Oxford University. He is inter-
nationally acclaimed for his 2005 fatwa “Defending
Nadvi, Rabey Hasani the transgressed by censuring the reckless against the
Nadvi is an Islamic scholar and a bilingual author killing of civilians”, written in response to the 7 July
of around 30 books in both Arabic and Urdu. His London bombings, which was praised by scholars of
influence emanates from being the fourth President Islam and gained a massive readership on the Inter-
of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Rector net. Al-Akiti was appointed Privy Councillor to the
of Darul-Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, and a founding State of Perak, Malaysia by the Crown Prince of Per-
member of Rabita Aalam-e-Islami, Makkah Mukar- ak. In 2012, he was the sole recipient of the Darjah
ramah. He is also the president of multiple Islamic Dato’s Paduka Cura Si-Manja Kini (DPCM) which
centres and academies. carries the Malaysian title of “Dato” in the Sultan of
Perak Birthday Honours List.
Nadwi, Bahauddeen Muhammed Jamaluddeen
Dr Bahauddeen Muhammed Jamaluddeen Nadwi is Al-Attas, Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib
the founding Vice Chancellor of Darul Huda Islamic Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 114
University, Kerala, India. He has authored a number
of books, treatises, edited volumes, and translations Bakar, Dr Osman
in Arabic, English and Malayalam spanning Qur'anic Osman Bakar is currently Al-Ghazali Chair of Islam-
sciences, Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith, education, ic Thought at ISTAC-International Islamic Univer-
Sufism, Comparative Religion, Arabic Language and sity Malaysia and Emeritus Professor of Philosophy
Literature, and Islamic History. He is the Editor in of Science at the University of Malaya. He was for-
Chief of an international Journal of Islamic studies, merly Distinguished Professor at Sultan Omar Ali
and a member of regional (Kerala), national, and in- Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies (SOASCIS),
ternational organisations. Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia Chair of
Southeast Asian Islam at the Prince Al-Waleed bin
INDONESIA Talal Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding,
Georgetown University, Washington DC. Dr Bakar
Bisri, Kyai Haji Achmad Mustofa is author and editor of 38 books and numerous arti-
Kyai Haji Achmad Mustofa Bisri is widely revered cles on various aspects of Islamic thought and civi-
as a religious scholar, poet, novelist, painter, and lisation, particularly Islamic science and philosophy
Muslim intellectual. A graduate of Al-Azhar, he is a and interreligious and inter-civilisational dialogue.
former Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Supreme His writings have been translated into many lan-
Council and has strongly influenced the NU’s (Nah- guages. He has served as advisor and consultant to a
dlatul Ulama) social and political development over variety of international academic and professional or-
the past 30 years. He heads the prestigious Raudla- ganisations, including UNESCO, the Qatar Founda-
tuth Tholibin Islamic Boarding School in Rembang, tion, and The European Science Foundation. He was
Central Java. Mustofa Bisri’s role in combining spirit- awarded a Datukship by the Malaysian King in 2000.
uality with artistic expression is widely admired in
Indonesia, where he is regarded as a cultural icon. Kamali, Professor Mohammad Hashim
Often called the ‘President of Poets’ he is celebrat- Kamali was Dean and Professor at the Internation-
ed for his courage in defending artistic and religious al Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization
freedom in the face of radical onslaughts. (ISTAC) and the International Islamic University in
Malaysia. Kamali is currently Founding CEO of the
International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies
128
in Malaysia. He is the world’s leading expert on com-
parative studies between Islamic and modern law, and
Europe
one of the most prolific producers of quality scholar-
ship on Islam in the world today. Kamali received the BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
King Abdullah II bin Hussein International Award
for the year 2010 in recognition of his intellectual Ceric, Sheikh Dr Mustafa
and academic contributions towards serving Islam Dr Mustafa Ceric was schooled at the Gazi Husrev
and Muslims. In February 2010, he worked on the Beg Madrassa in Sarajevo, Al-Azhar University and
new constitution of Somalia. the University of Chicago (PhD in Islamic Studies);
he became an imam in Zagreb in 1987 and was the
PAKISTAN Grand Mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina from 1999-
2012. Dr Ceric is an advocate of cross-cultural en-
Ahmed, Professor Akbar gagement as well as a peace activist. In 2006, he is-
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 114 sued the “Declaration of European Muslims” stating
that European Muslims are dedicated to the com-
Hashmi, Dr Farhat mon values of law, tolerance, democracy and human
Dr Farhat Hashmi is an influential Islamic teacher, rights, the value of life, faith, freedom, property, and
public speaker, and scholar. She is a prominent name dignity. In 2008, Dr Ceric led the Muslim delegation
in the burgeoning field of the role of women in Islam. of the “A Common Word” initiative to the Vatican,
In addition to the academic aspects of Islamic teach- which included a meeting with the Pope. Dr Ceric is
ings, Hashmi also focuses on its relatable and prac- currently the President of the World Bosniak Con-
tical aspects, thereby ensuring that her message res- gress as well as an active member of many local and
onates with a multitude of women across the globe. international scholarly organisations and societies.
She holds a PhD in Hadith Sciences from the Uni-
versity of Glasgow, Scotland. She is the Founder of Karic, Dr Enes
Al-Huda International, a non-profit institute found- Dr Enes Karic is a Professor of Qur’anic studies and
ed in 1994. Al-Huda promotes Islamic learning and history of the interpretation of the Qur’an at the
serves in the field of social welfare and has branches Faculty of Islamic Studies, University of Sarajevo.
across Pakistan as well as internationally. He previously served as the Minister of Education,
Science, Culture and Sports with the Republic of
Najafi, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussain Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1994-1996. Dr Karic
Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussain Najafi is the has written extensively on the Qur’an and Islamic
only marja in South Asia. Based in the Sargodha dis- studies in English and Bosnian and has delivered
trict of the Punjab province in Pakistan, he was the first lectures worldwide. He has also won literary awards
scholar from that country to be given the status of mar- for his novels which have been translated into many
ji’iyya and is one of only two Ayatollahs from Pakistan. languages.

Al-Qadri, Sheikh Dr Tahir RUSSIA

Sheikh Tahir Al-Qadri is a Professor of law and the
founder of Minhaj ul Qur’an International World- Gaynutdin, Mufti Sheikh Ravil
wide and the Minhaj Welfare Foundation. Al-Qadri Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin is a Moscow-based
has authored some 450 published works and given Muslim scholar. Among various academic roles, he is
more than 6,000 lectures on various subjects which Grand Mufti of Russia and Chairman of the Union
are aired on international satellite channels. In March of Muftis of Russia. He is probably the single most
2010, Qadri issued a 600-page fatwa declaring that important figure in the schema of Russian Islam. As
terrorists and suicide bombers are unbelievers. He a member of the Russian President’s Council for Co-
has continued to be outspoken against terrorists. His ordination with Religious Organizations, he is a key
attempts to lead popular revolts against the Pakistani figure in relations between the Kremlin and Russia’s
government has led to a fall in his standing. He is Muslim population.
based in Canada.

129
 SWITZERLAND ing. Born in Egypt, Abdel Haleem memorised the
Qur’an (this was a prerequisite for entry to Al-Azhar
Ramadan, Dr Tariq University) before starting his further education. He
Ramadan is a European Muslim intellectual and au- has many publications including a widely acclaimed
thor about Islam in public life. He was a professor of translation of the Qur’an.
Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University
and holds academic positions at other institutions Hellyer, Dr Hisham
worldwide. In February 2018, Ramadan was accused Dr Hisham A. Hellyer is currently a fellow at the
of raping two women (a third charge was dropped Centre of Islamic Studies at the University of Cam-
when the testimony of one of his accusers was dis- bridge, and a Carnegie Endowment for International
credited) and was arrested in that same month pend- Peace scholar. In 2020, he was elected fellow of the
ing his trial. In 2020 he was charged with raping two Royal Society of Arts for his scholarship in politics,
more women. The French justice system has come international relations and Islamic studies, with his
under scrutiny for the way it has treated Ramadan career including positions at Harvard, Warwick Uni-
since then, denying him bail and putting him in soli- versity, Brookings, and the American University in
tary confinement where his physical health has dete- Cairo. Trained in the Islamic canon, Shaykh Hisham
riorated (he suffers from multiple sclerosis). was also appointed as Council Member of the British
Board of Scholars and Imams, the first “senior schol-
TÜRKIYE ar” of the renowned Azzawia Institute, and the first
professorial fellow at Cambridge Muslim College.
Kalin, Dr Ibrahim His books include Muslims of Europe: the ‘Other’ Eu-
Ibrahim Kalin, PhD, is a senior advisor to the Presi- ropeans, A Revolution Undone: Egypt’s Road Beyond
dent and Presidential Spokesperson. Dr Kalin is the Revolt, A Sublime Path: the Sufi Way of the Makkan
Founding Director of the SETA Foundation for Po- Sages, and The Islamic Tradition and the Human
litical, Economic and Social Research based in An- Rights Discourse.
kara, Türkiye and served as its director from 2005 to
2009. He is a fellow at the Prince Alwaleed Center Mangera, Dr Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf
for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown Dr Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera is a
University. Dr Kalin has published widely on Islamic British Muslim scholar educated in both the Islam-
philosophy, relations between Islam and the West, ic and Western traditions. He has memorised the
and Turkish foreign policy. Qur’an and studied with accomplished scholars in
the UK, South Africa, India, and Syria. He holds a
Karaman, Professor Dr Hayrettin PhD from SOAS and has served as an imam in the
Karaman is one of the most prominent scholars of UK and USA. He is the founder of Whitethread In-
Islam in Türkiye, and the pre-eminent scholar of Is- stitute, a post-graduate institute for Islamic scholars.
lamic law (Shari’a) there. He publishes popular aca- He works on scholarly publications through White
demic texts extensively and writes a weekly column Thread Press (www. whitethreadpress. com) with
in the newspaper Yeni Safak (New Dawn). His long many of his lectures being available on www. zamza-
career in academia has garnered him much respect. macademy.com.
At the pinnacle of his career, Karaman was a dean at
Türkiye’s premier university, Marmara University. He Nadwi, Sheikh Dr Mohammad Akram
left this position at the height of the headscarf con- Sheikh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi is one of the
troversy in 2001. most important Islamic scholars in the Western world
today. He has a doctorate in Arabic Language and has
UNITED KINGDOM authored and translated over 30 titles on Arabic, ju-
risprudence, Qur’an, and Hadith. He travels exten-
Abdel Haleem, Professor Muhammad sively, and his courses and lectures have a worldwide
Professor Muhammad Abdel Haleem is a much-loved following. His biographical dictionary of women
Professor of Islamic Studies at SOAS, University of scholars in Islamic history (over 40 volumes) is now
London, and Editor of the Journal of Qur’anic Stud- being published by al-Rabitah al-Muhammadiyyah li
ies. He was awarded an OBE in 2008 in recognition al-ulama in Rabat. A revised edition of the English
of his services to Arabic and interfaith understand- translation of the introductory volume Al-Muhad-
130
dithat was published in 2013. He is the subject of the Sardar, Ziauddin
best-selling book: If the Oceans Were Ink: An Unlikely Sardar has been described as “Britain’s own Muslim
Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Qur’an Polymath” by The Independent newspaper. He is an
(2015). award-winning writer who specialises in Muslim
thought, futurology, science and cultural relations.
Pirzada, Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain He has authored and edited over 50 books and
Sheikh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada has written for various journals (Nature, New Scien-
served the global Muslim community for nearly half tist) and newspapers. He has worked on numerous
a century. He is a leading voice in literature, educa- ground-breaking initiatives representing British
tion and training of scholars, and community and Asian and Muslim communities, producing pro-
charity work. His books guide on educational, reli- grammes for national TV. He has taught at UK uni-
gious, and current issues in multiple languages acces- versities and worked overseas as advisor to Anwar
sible to scholars and the wider society. His 5-volume Ibrahim (then Education Minister of Malaysia) and
commentary Qur’an: The Sublime Word is acclaimed in Saudi Arabia. He currently edits the Critical Mus-
worldwide in Arabic, Urdu and English. In 2019, lim and has recently established the Centre for Post-
he was honoured at the Imam Bukhari Complex in normal Policy and Futures Studies.
Samarqand to complete his 10-volume commentary
Bukhari: The Sublime Tradition. Both works are the
first to be written in English in the western world. Oceania
Through Jamia Al-Karam, the institution he founded
in 1985, hundreds of male and female British Muslim
scholars have studied under his tutelage, who today NEW ZEALAND
serve as imams, chaplains, teachers and community
leaders. He is founder of Muslim Charity, a leading Hayward, Professor Joel (new)
international relief and development NGO, and he Hayward has taught Islamic Studies in many elite
is president of the World Organisation for Al-Azhar institutions, including the Royal Air Force College
Graduates (UK). (UK), of which he served as Dean for five years, and

The Muslim Council of Elders

www. muslim-elders. com
The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international body that was established on 21 Ramadan 1435
Hijri (18 July 2014) in order to promote peace in Muslim communities. The goal of the Muslim Council of Elders is
to create secure societies that respect knowledge and scholars; to encourage dialogue, tolerance, respect for others,
and peace; to restore the role of scholars by using their expertise to improve muslim societies; and to help eliminate
causes of fragmentation and promote conciliation.
The council consists of Muslim scholars, experts and dignitaries known for their wisdom, sense of justice, inde-
pendence and moderateness. They work together to promote peace, to discourage infighting, and to address the
sources of conflict, divisiveness, and fragmentation in Muslim communities.
Based in the United Arab Emirates’ capital, Abu Dhabi, the council is the first institutional body that aims to
bring the Islamic nation together by extinguishing the fire that threatens Islam’s humanitarian values and tolerant
principles, and putting an end to the sectarianism and violence that have plagued the Muslim world for decades.
The Muslim Council of Elders was formed as a result of the recommendations of The Forum for Promoting Peace
in Muslim Societies, and it is a joint initiative by Grand Imam Sheikh Dr Ahmad al-Tayyib, the Sheikh of al-Azhar,
and the forum’s chairman scholar Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah.

131
 the National Defence College of the UAE. He weaves tank. Dr Huda is the editor of Crescent and Dove:
together classical Islamic knowledge and methodolo- Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam and Striving
gies and the source-critical Western historical meth- for Divine Union: The Spritual Exercises of Suhrwar-
od to make innovative yet carefully reasoned sense di Sufis. His forthcoming book, A Quest of Applied
of complex historical issues that are still important Peace-building, is about seeding the field of peace ed-
in today’s world. His books on Islam include War- ucation, peacebuilding and conflict analysis in Mus-
fare in the Qur'an (2012), War is Deceit: An Analysis lim majority countries. His areas of research are on
of a Contentious Hadith (2017), Civilian Immunity comparative ethics, religious identities, nonviolence,
in Foundational Islamic Strategic Thought (2019), and strategies for effective education. Dr Huda serves
and The Leadership of Muhammad : A Historical as an expert for the UN Alliance of Civilizations and
Reconstruction (2021). The latter won the illustrious UN Development Programme (UNDP).
prize of “Best International Non-Fiction Book” at
the 2021 Sharjah International Book Awards. His Jackson, Dr Sherman
latest book (2022) is The Warrior Prophet: Muham- Jackson is the King Faisal Chair in Islamic Thought
mad  and War. and Culture and Professor of Religion and American
Studies and Ethnicity, and the Director of the Center
for Islamic Thought, Culture and Practice (CIT-
North America CAP) at the University of Southern California. He
is a well-respected scholar and author of works deal-
ing with Islam, Shari’a, and the African-American
CANADA Muslim community. Jackson is the co-founder of the
American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM)
Mattson, Dr Ingrid and is featured on the Washington Post-Newsweek
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 115 blog “On Faith” and the “Huffington Post”. He is a
former member of the Fiqh Council of North Amer-
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ica and a former Professor of Law, Near Eastern Stud-
ies and Afro-American Studies at the University of
Bewley, Aisha (new) Michigan.
Aisha Bewley is a scholar, author, writer and one of
the most prolific and accomplished translators of Qadhi, Dr Yasir
classical Islamic works from Arabic to English. Since Yasir Qadhi is one of very few professors of Islam-
converting to Islam in 1968, she has spent the decades ic studies who is also a classically trained scholar.
faithfully learning the Islamic tradition and making Currently he is the Dean of The Islamic Seminary
available its key texts to the global English-speaking of America, the Resident Scholar of the Memphis
Muslim community, often in collaboration with her Islamic Center, and a professor at Rhodes College,
husband. She was born 1948 in the United States, Memphis, TN. He has established a reputation as a
obtained an MA in Near Eastern Languages from the cleric who appreciates the cultural impact that Mus-
University of California and then spent a year at the lims have to face in the US. He is also renowned for
American University in Cairo. She started her tradi- reaching out to media outlets and mainstream Amer-
tional Islamic learning in a Dar al-Ulum and contin- icans of different religions to promote a better under-
ued her journey following the teachings of Sheikh standing of Islam, and to challenge stereotypes about
Muhammad ibn al-Habib of Meknes (passed away Muslims in the US.
1972) under the late Sheikh Abdalqadir al-Murabit
(passed away 2021).

Huda, Qamar-ul
Qamar-ul Huda is an adjunct Associate Professor at
Georgetown University and at New York University,
Washington, DC. After serving as a senior policy ad-
visor to former Secretary John Kerry’s Office of Reli-
gion and Global Affairs, he co-founded the Center
for Global Policy, a nonpartisan research think
132
 POLITICAL

Middle East and North Africa political prisoners in the eighties and nineties and is
currently under US sanctions. Raisi has frequently
pressed for economic reform, such as the develop-
IRAN ment of the agriculture sector over the commercial
sector, tripling the monthly state benefits, and tack-
Ebtekar, Dr Masoumeh ling corruption and increasing employment. He’s
Dr Ebtekar was the first female Vice President of Iran also a strong advocate of women’s rights, as well as
in 1997. A scientist, journalist, and politician, she the arts and culture sector.
frequently writes on environmental, political, social,
and women’s issues in Persian and English. She is one IRAQ
of the founding members of the reformist Islamic
Iran Participation Front and served as Head of the Barzani, Masoud
Environmental Protection Organization under Rou- Barzani entered the political arena at the young age of
hani and Khatami. Her accolades include the Energy 16 under the wing of his late father and became the
Globe Foundation Honorary Lifetime Achievement leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in 1979. He
Award, being named one of the seven 2006 Champi- played a major role in shaping the new Iraq after the
ons of the Earth by the United Nations Environment fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. He has been the main
Program, and one of 50 environmental leaders by force fighting da'ish and is adamant about establishing
The Guardian newspaper. In 2016, Dr Ebtekar was an independent Kurdish state. He was President of
awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political the Iraqi Kurdish Region from 2005-2017, but had
Science by the Hankuk University of Foreign Stud- to resign because of fierce regional opposition to the
ies, Seoul, Korea. In August 2017, Ebtekar was ap- referendum he held in September 2017 for Kurdish
pointed as Women Affairs’ Vice President. independence (there was overwhelming support for
an independent Kurdistan). There are approximately
Jafari, Major General Mohammad Ali five million Kurds living within the Kurdish region in
General Mohammad Ali Jafari has been the Chief Iraq, 14.5 million in Türkiye, 6 million in Iran, and less
Commander of the Iranian Army of the Guardians than 2 million in Syria.
of the Islamic Revolution (also known as the Revolu-
tionary Guard) since 2007. It is a 300,000 strong elite ISRAEL
faction of the Iranian armed forces separate from the
armies that report directly to the Velayat-e Faqih. Salah, Sheikh Raed
The Revolutionary Guard Corps occupies cabinet Raed Salah is the head of the northern branch of the
positions, parliament seats, and controls an extensive Islamic Movement in Israel. He is widely respected
business empire, which it partially used to fund and in the Islamic world as a religious leader. From 1989
direct Shia movements abroad such as Hezbollah to 2001, Salah also served as the Mayor of Umm Al-
and the Mahdi Army. Because of this, Jafari has a sig- Fahm, an Israeli-Arab city. He is frequently arrested
nificant degree of influence in Iraq and Lebanon. and imprisoned by the Israeli government and, in
February 2020, a court in Israel sentenced Salah to
Raisi, President Ebrahim 28 months in prison for “inciting to terror”, much
Raisi (Sayyid Ebrahim Raisolsadati) is the President of which has been spent in solitary confinement. In
of Iran. He is seen as more conservative than his pre- December 2021, he was released from prison after
decessor and ran largely on an anti-corruption ticket. having served 16 months of his sentence.
Raised in a clerical family, he attended the famous
Qom seminary and also attained a PhD in law. He JORDAN
served as Deputy Chief Justice, Attorney General
and Chief Justice, before winning the 2021 Iranian Abu Rashta, Ata
presidential election. He has been accused by Am- Ata Abu Rashta is the global leader of the Islamic
nesty International of overseeing the executions of political party Hizb ut-Tahrir. Having worked closely
133
The Marrakesh Declaration
www. marrakeshdeclaration. org
In the Name of God, the All-Merciful, NOTING FURTHER that deep reflection upon the
the All-Compassionate various crises afflicting humanity underscores the inev-
Executive Summary of the Marrakesh Declaration itable and urgent need for cooperation among all reli-
on the Rights of Religious Minorities in Predominantly gious groups, we
Muslim Majority Communities AFFIRM HEREBY that such cooperation must be
25th-27th January 2016 based on a “Common Word," requiring that such coop-
eration must go beyond mutual tolerance and respect,
WHEREAS, conditions in various parts of the Muslim to providing full protection for the rights and liberties
World have deteriorated dangerously due to the use of to all religious groups in a civilised manner that eschews
violence and armed struggle as a tool for settling con- coercion, bias, and arrogance.
flicts and imposing one’s point of view;
BASED ON ALL OF THE ABOVE, we hereby:
WHEREAS, this situation has also weakened the au-
thority of legitimate governments and enabled criminal Call upon Muslim scholars and intellectuals around
groups to issue edicts attributed to Islam, but which, in the world to develop a jurisprudence of the concept of
fact, alarmingly distort its fundamental principles and “citizenship” which is inclusive of diverse groups. Such
goals in ways that have seriously harmed the population jurisprudence shall be rooted in Islamic tradition and
as a whole; principles and mindful of global changes.
WHEREAS, this year marks the 1,400th anniversary Urge Muslim educational institutions and authorities
of the Charter of Medina, a constitutional contract be- to conduct a courageous review of educational curric-
tween the Prophet Muhammad, God’s peace and bless- ula that addresses honestly and effectively any material
ings be upon him, and the people of Medina, which that instigates aggression and extremism, leads to war
guaranteed the religious liberty of all, regardless of faith; and chaos, and results in the destruction of our shared
societies;
WHEREAS, hundreds of Muslim scholars and intellec-
tuals from over 120 countries, along with representatives Call upon politicians and decision makers to take the
of Islamic and international organisations, as well as political and legal steps necessary to establish a consti-
leaders from diverse religious groups and nationalities, tutional contractual relationship among its citizens, and
gathered in Marrakesh on this date to reaffirm the prin- to support all formulations and initiatives that aim to
ciples of the Charter of Medina at a major conference; fortify relations and understanding among the various
religious groups in the Muslim World;
WHEREAS, this conference was held under the aus-
pices of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Call upon the educated, artistic, and creative mem-
and organised jointly by the Ministry of Endowment bers of our societies, as well as organisations of civil soci-
and Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Morocco and the ety, to establish a broad movement for the just treatment
Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies based of religious minorities in Muslim countries and to raise
in the United Arab Emirates; awareness as to their rights, and to work together to en-
sure the success of these efforts.
AND NOTING the gravity of this situation afflicting
Muslims as well as peoples of other faiths throughout Call upon the various religious groups bound by the
the world, and after thorough deliberation and discus- same national fabric to address their mutual state of
sion, the convened Muslim scholars and intellectuals: selective amnesia that blocks memories of centuries of
joint and shared living on the same land; we call upon
DECLARE HEREBY our firm commitment to the them to rebuild the past by reviving this tradition of
principles articulated in the Charter of Medina, whose conviviality, and restoring our shared trust that has been
provisions contained a number of the principles of con- eroded by extremists using acts of terror and aggression;
stitutional contractual citizenship, such as freedom of
movement, property ownership, mutual solidarity and Call upon representatives of the various religions,
defence, as well as principles of justice and equality be- sects and denominations to confront all forms of reli-
fore the law; and that, gious bigotry, vilification, and denigration of what peo-
ple hold sacred, as well as all speech that promote hatred
The objectives of the Charter of Medina provide a and bigotry; AND FINALLY,
suitable framework for national constitutions in coun-
tries with Muslim majorities, and the United Nations AFFIRM that it is unconscionable to employ religion
Charter and related documents, such as the Universal for the purpose of aggressing upon the rights of religious
Declaration of Human Rights, are in harmony with the minorities in Muslim countries.
Charter of Medina, including consideration for public Marrakesh
order. January 2016 , 27th

134
with the organisation’s founder, Taqiuddin Al-Nab- OMAN
hani, Abu Rashta gained prominence in Jordan dur-
ing the First Gulf War when he contested the Iraqi HRH Sultan Haitham bin Tariq
invasion of Kuwait. In 2003, he became the leader of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq ascended the throne on
Hizb ut-Tahrir. Hizb ut-Tahrir is popular in the Le- the 11 January 2020 after the passing of his cousin,
vant, the former Soviet Union, South and Southeast Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Previously, Sultan Haitham
Asia, and Western Europe. served as Secretary General of the Ministry of For-
eign Affairs, and as Minister of Heritage and Culture
HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah from 2002, a position he held until his inauguration
Named Crown Prince in 2009, HRH Crown Prince as Sultan of Oman. In his first speech to his nation,
Hussein bin Abdullah is the eldest son of His Majes- Sultan Haitham promised to “follow the path of Sul-
ty King Abdullah II, making him heir to the throne. tan Qaboos and build upon it”. Sultan Haitham is a
HRH holds the rank of First Lieutenant in the Jor- passionate sportsman and was the first to head the
danian Armed Forces and has accompanied his fa- Oman Football Association in the early 1980s. He is
ther on several military and political occasions. His also chairman of the “2040 Oman Vision” and was
efforts to develop the Jordanian youth community described by The Economist as “outward-looking and
started with the Haqeq (achieve) initiative, an activ- Western-oriented”.
ity targeting school-aged children. In 2015, Crown
Prince Hussein became the youngest person to chair PALESTINE
a UN Security Council meeting and in 2017 he de-
livered Jordan’s address at the 72nd Session of the HE President Mahmoud Abbas
United Nations General Assembly. Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 115

KUWAIT Haniyeh, Ismail

Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 115
HH Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
HH Emir Sheikh Nawaf served as Crown Prince Mashal, Khaled
from 2006 until the passing of his half-brother, HH Khaled Mashal was Hamas’ politburo chief from
Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in September 2020. 2004-2017. His term began after the Israeli assas-
Prior to that he had served as Home Minister for a sinations of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and Abdel Aziz
decade and then Defence Minister from 1988. After Al-Rantisi in 2004 and ended in a peaceful transi-
the Iraqi invasion of 1991, he served as Social Affairs tion to Ismail Haniyah. Mashal saw the organisation
and Labour Minister. He is now 83 years old and through multiple attempts at a roadmap to peace
his ascension was quite straightforward, as was the and a major Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip. Mashal
selection of the new Crown Prince, Sheikh Meshaal has shown a willingness to negotiate with Israel to
Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. return to the 1967 borders and grant Palestinians a
right of return, while importantly implying the nec-
LIBYA essary existence of the State of Israel, despite Hamas’s
historic denial of that possibility. Mashal has been
Haftar, Khalifa one of the most direct and candid leaders in dialogue
Khalifa Haftar rose to prominence after the uprising and confrontation with Israel and this has garnered
against the late General Gaddafi and was the person international recognition. In 2021, Hamas elected
who announced that the Libyan government had Mashal for a four-year term as head of its office in the
been suspended. A leading figure in Libya’s military diaspora.
establishment, Haftar became a major general in the
Libyan Army in 2011. Haftar’s Libyan National Army SUDAN
is at odds with the UN-recognised government and
seized control of Libyan oil ports in 2018. The UAE, Abdalla, Asma Mohamed
Egypt, and Russia continue to support Haftar where- Asma Mohamed Abdalla became Sudan's first female
as the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord Minister of Foreign Affairs in early September 2019
(GNA) is headed by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid in Sudan’s Transitional Cabinet. Previously she had
Dbeibeh and is supported by Türkiye and Qatar. served as ambassador and worked at the Ministry of
135
 Foreign Affairs before being dismissed after the 1989 Al-Qassimi, Sheikha Lubna
coup d’etat which brought Omar Al-Bashir to power. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al-Qassimi
She left Sudan and lived in exile, doing work for IS- is the UAE’s Minister of State for Tolerance. She
ESCO and UNICEF amongst other organisations. was the first woman to hold a ministerial post in the
During the 2018–19 Sudanese protests‎, Abdalla UAE, where she served as the Minister of Economy
joined the Forces of Freedom and Change. and Planning from 2000-2004. In 2000, she founded
Tejari, the Middle East’s first business-to-business on-
SYRIA line marketplace which now has franchises in Kuwait,
Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. In March 2014, she
Al-Assad, President Bashar was appointed President of Zayed University.
Al-Assad is President of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Since 2011, the civil war between the regime and
an assortment of groups (mainly gathered under the Sub-Saharan Africa
umbrella of the Free Syrian Army) has resulted in ap-
proximately 450,000 people being killed, six million
displaced internally, and about five million having NIGER
fled the country in a humanitarian crisis which is
also having a destabilising influence on neighbouring Bazoum, President Mohamed (new)
countries. In May 2021, Al-Assad won a fourth term President Bazoum was elected President of Niger in
in office with 95.1 percent of the votes. 2021 marking the first time in Niger’s history that a
peaceful transition had taken place from one demo-
TUNISIA cratically elected leader to another. He is a seasoned
politician who has served multiple positions includ-
Saied, President Kais (new) ing Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He founded the
President Kais Saied ran as an independent candidate Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism in the
with broad political support and popular appeal to 1990s and was elected to the National Assembly in
win the presidential election in 2019. With econom- 1993. He is the first Diffa Arab president of Niger.
ic conditions not improving, protests were dealt with Niger has a population of approximately 24 million,
in a heavy-handed manner, and then in July 2021 with 99 percent Muslim.
Saied suspended parliament and dismissed the Prime
Minister. A year later a new constitution was adopt- SOMALIA
ed through a referendum (30 percent turnout) and
elections are scheduled for December 2022. Already, Adam, Fawzia Yusuf Haji
most political parties are calling for a boycott amidst Fawzia’s influence stems from the fact that she was
the fear that Tunisia is returning to pre-Arab Spring the first woman to be named Foreign Minister and
rule. Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia. (2012-2014) She
had a significant role in revitalising the Somali econ-
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES omy by recovering national assets that were frozen, as
well as signing an agreement with Sheikh Abdullah
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum bin Zayed Al-Nahyan for bilateral cooperation. A
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is similar agreement was also signed with China. Faw-
the constitutional monarch of Dubai, as well as the zia launched a TV channel named RAAD TV aimed
Prime Minister and Vice President of the United at providing a better image of the unstable and war-
Arab Emirates. In 1995, as Crown Prince of Dubai, torn Somalia. She ran in the 2022 Somali presiden-
his chief objective was to make Dubai a resort and tial election but lost to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
business destination. To that end, he helped develop
the Palm Islands, the Burj Al-Arab hotel, the Burj
Khalifa skyscraper, the Dubai World Cup and the Asia
Godolphin Stables. He has also launched multiple
charity initiatives from Dubai, such as Dubai Cares, Baradar, Abdul Ghani
which has reached over 18 million beneficiaries in 53 Baradar is the political head of the Taliban and Dep-
countries since its inception in 2007. uty Prime Minister of Afghanistan. Baradar fought
136
against the Soviet invasion until their withdrawal es. She works closely with both the World Uyghur
in 1989, then set up a madrasah in Kandahar with Congress and the Uyghur American Association.
his former commander, Mullah Mohammad Omar, She is well-known for her work in Europe and North
which produced the Taliban. During the Taliban’s America publicising the plight of the Uyghur ethnic
first time in power (1996-2001), Baradar held a num- group and is partially responsible for raising the issue
ber of key posts, including that of Deputy Minister both in China and abroad. The Chinese government
of Defence. In 2010, Baradar was imprisoned in Pa- sees Kadeer as an agitator.
kistan and only released after the Trump Administra-
tion started talks with the Taliban in 2018. He then INDIA
became the Taliban’s chief ambassador and spoke di-
rectly to President Trump. Farooq, Dr Mohammad Umar
Dr Farooq inherited the 14th Mirwaiz (tradition-
AZERBAIJAN al preacher of Muslims in Kashmir) in 1990 at the
age of 17 after the assassination of his father. At the
Aliyev, President Ilham young age of 20 he became Chairman and Founder of
Aliyev is the current President of Azerbaijan and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a grassroots co-
Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party. He came to alition of pro-freedom parties in Jammu & Kashmir.
office in 2003 (succeeding his father) and has won He has raised the Kashmiri problem at the UN, the
three subsequent elections with voter shares of over EU parliament, and the IOC, advocating dialogue
80 percent. Not being outwardly religious, his advo- with both India and Pakistan so that the aspirations
cacy of a moderate cultural Islam is representative of of the Kashmiri people may be realised. He has been
the demands of the population of the country. Azer- under house arrest since August 2019.
baijan, with a population of 9.8 million Muslims
(over 80 percent are Shia Muslim) is an active mem- INDONESIA
ber of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
Parawansa, Khofifah Indar
BANGLADESH Parawansa took office as the 14th Governor of East
Java in 2019. She had previously served as the Dep-
Wazed, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina uty Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representa-
Sheikh Hasina Wazed began her fourth term as the tives and the Minister of Social Affairs. She has been
Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 2019 after her party a strong supporter of inter-faith unity and also led a
won 288 of the 300 parliamentary seats in the elec- campaign to reduce red-light districts by offering al-
tions. She served her first term from 1996-2001, ternative jobs. She was also chairwoman of the Musli-
becoming the first Bangladeshi Prime Minister since mat, a women’s group affiliated to Nahdlatul Ulama.
its independence to complete its entire term. She has She has 2 million followers on social media and is
survived assassination attempts, corruption charges considered a presidential candidate for 2024.
and vote-rigging allegations. Poverty alleviation has
become a priority for one of the poorest but most Subianto, Lt Gen Prabowo
populous Muslim countries. Wazed is the daughter of Lt Gen Prabowo Subianto was appointed Defence
Mujibur Rahman, the first president of Bangladesh. Minister in 2019. He ran for the vice presidency in
2009, and for president in 2014 and 2019, where he
CHINA was defeated both times by Joko Widodo. In 2019 his
supporters (he has been General Chair of the Gerin-
Kadeer, Rebiya dra Party since 2014) protested the results leading to
Kadeer is the de facto leader of the movement for violence, but the supreme court decided in Widodo’s
social justice for the 15-million-strong Uyghur eth- favour. Prabowo’s military past has prompted mixed
nic-population of China. She was formerly a success- reactions from various organisations.
ful businesswoman and philanthropist in China but
was imprisoned in 1999 for leaking state secrets and Sukarnoputri, Megawati
now lives in exile in the United States. Before her ar- Megawati Sukarnoputri is the daughter of Indonesia's
rest, Kadeer was running the 1,000 Families Mother’s first President, Sukarno. She served as Vice-President
Project which helped Uyghur women start business- from 1999-2001 and then became Indonesia’s first
137
 female president (from 2001 to 2004) and the fourth 2019—something which critics pointed to as further
woman to be the leader of a Muslim-majority nation. evidence of who is really controlling Pakistan. Since
She is the current head of the PDI-P party. the chaotic political events of 2022, there has been
increased public scrutiny of the influence of the army
KAZAKHSTAN in the democratic system.

Tokayev, President Kassym-Jomart (new) Khan, Imran

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became the sec- Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 116
ond President of Kazakhstan in 2019, ending the
28-year rule of Nursultan Nazarbayev. President To- Sharif, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz (new)
kayez has gradually introduced reform and is leading Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif became the 23rd
the country into a more democratic and transparent prime minister of Pakistan in April 2022 after a
nation. January 2022 saw some violent outbreaks, but no-confidence motion against former Prime Minis-
a June referendum has given the President the man- ter Imran Khan. Sharif is the brother of former Prime
date to push ahead with reforms. Significant reforms Minister Nawaz Sharif and has himself had a long
include limiting the presidential rule to one 7-year political career, being the President of the Pakistan
term (the previous president was re-elected 5 times) Muslim League and serving as the Chief Minister of
and reverting to the original name of the capital city, Punjab three times (1997, 2007, and 2013). He was
Astana. It had been renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 in arrested in 2020 on charges of corruption and mon-
honour of the first President. ey laundering and spent a few months in jail before
being granted bail in April 2021. Although enjoying
MALAYSIA a reputation as a competent administrator, he has
much work to do to build national and international
Ibrahim, HE Anwar trust in his government.
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 115
Sharif, Nawaz
Mohamad, HE Mahathir Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif served as Prime
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 116 Minister of Pakistan on 3 occasions: from 1990-
1993, from 1997-1999 and from 2013-2017. On the
Wan Ismail, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah last occasion he was forced to resign over corruption
Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was the Depu- charges and in 2018 was convicted of corruption.
ty Prime Minister of Malaysia (the first woman to He received a 10-year sentence and spent 2 months
serve in that position) from 2018-2020. She served in prison before the Pakistan High Court suspend-
as a government doctor for 14 years before deciding ed the sentence (the same happened to his daugh-
to support her husband, Anwar Ibrahim, when he ter, Maryam). Sharif was then found guilty of fresh
was appointed the Deputy Prime Minister of Ma- corruption charges and an accountability court sen-
laysia in 1993. Since then, her political journey has tenced him to 7 years in prison and fined him $25
been largely defined by his struggles. Following the million. He was allowed to leave for London to re-
dismissal and arrest of her husband in 1998, Wan ceive medical treatment in November 2019 and has
Azizah moved full-time into politics, forming po- yet to return to Pakistan. It is widely expected that
litical parties, alliances and winning seats at general this will happen now that his brother has become
elections. Prime Minister.

PAKISTAN PHILIPPINES

Bajwa, General Javed Gutoc-Tomawis, Samira

General Qamar Javed Bajwa is the current Chief of Samira Gutoc-Tomawis is a strong advocate for Mus-
Army Staff (COAS) of the Pakistan Army having lims in Mindanao. She has particularly strong sup-
been appointed so in 2016, ahead of two more senior port in Marawi City, where she runs relief missions
generals, by then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. His to civilians still suffering the results of the 5-month
tenure of the post was extended for another three battle in Marawi between government forces and
years by then prime minister, Imran Khan, in August da'ish supporters in 2017. She has been critical of
138
the delayed rehabilitation of the city ravaged by the UZBEKISTAN
war and the continued imposition of martial law in
Mindanao. She served as a member of the Regional Mirziyoyev, President Shavkat (new)
Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of In 2021 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev won a sec-
Muslim Mindanao and a member of the Bangsamoro ond five-year term, winning 80.1 percent of the vote.
Transition Commission. In 2021, she joined Aksyon Since succeeding the authoritarian Islam Karimov
Demokratiko’s national executive board, but was un- (who ruled for 25 years before he died in office),
successful in her bid for the senate in 2022. President Shavkat has introduced gradual reform
including restricting the power of the security ser-
Misuari, Nur vices, encouraging foreign trade and investment and
Nur Misuari began his campaign through the Min- allowing more political freedom. He has looked to
danao Independence Movement (MIM) in the better relations with neighbouring countries as well
1970s, which later became the Moro National Liber- as the USA, China and Russia. Shavkat served as
ation Front (MNLF). Under Misuari’s leadership the Prime Minister from 2013-2016 before being elected
MNLF challenged the government until the Tripo- President.
li Agreement was negotiated in 1976. Misuari was
charged in connection to the deadly 20-day attack in
Zamboanga city in September 2013, which left near- Europe
ly 200 people dead; but in 2016, Misuari was granted
a temporary suspension of his arrest and asked for
his help in the peace negotiations in Mindanao. In KOSOVO
late 2019, President Duterte appointed Nur Misuari
as Special Economic Envoy on Islamic Affairs to the Osmani-Sadriu, President Vjosa (new)
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). Despite Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu was elected the 5th President
recent pressure to arrest Misuari, he continues to of Kosovo in 2021, running on an anti-corruption
work toward peace with the Philippines’ government platform. A law graduate, she has been involved in
and has offered to deploy MNLF fighters to help de- politics from an early age including being elected
feat the da'ish-backed Maute Group. to the Assembly of Kosovo, holding the position of
speaker and also serving as acting president. She ex-
SINGAPORE perienced the effects of war in her hometown and
went on to help prepare the legal work for Kosovo’s
Rasheed, Zainul Abidin independence. As President she is willing to normal-
Rasheed is Singapore’s Ambassador to Kuwait and ise relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
the Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs
to the Middle East. In 2017, he was appointed to the NETHERLANDS
Board of Trustees at the Nanyang Technological Uni-
versity of Singapore. He previously served as Senior Aboutaleb, Ahmed
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for Singapore Ahmed Aboutaleb has served as Mayor of Rotter-
and mayor of the city-state’s North Eastern district. dam since 2009. Born in Morocco and arriving in
Rasheed’s activities focus on Singapore’s diplomatic the Netherlands at the age of 15, Aboutaleb has also
relations with the Muslim world and sharing Singa- served as State Secretary for Social Affairs and Em-
pore’s expertise in inter-cultural and inter-religious ployment. He has balanced the racial and interfaith
relations with nations that have substantial Muslim tensions that exist in Rotterdam. In December 2020,
populations. Rasheed is widely known domestical- he was confirmed as Mayor for a third term and in
ly, having held numerous positions of leadership 2021 won the World Mayor Award.
throughout his career in journalism, organised la-
bour, and representation of Singapore’s large Muslim RUSSIA
community.
Kadyrov, President Ramzan
Ramzan Kadyrov is the President of Chechnya and
the son of the former president, rebel leader, and Muf-
ti, Akhmad Kadyrov. In 2016, Kadyrov was re-elect-
139
 ed with nearly 98 percent of the vote. He has over- from her post in August 2014, citing her disagree-
seen a massive reconstruction of Chechnya and has ment with HM Government’s policy over the 2014
held several important international Islamic confer- Israel-Gaza conflict. Baroness Warsi is now involved
ences in Chechnya, including one that attempted to in a number of charities and educational institutions
define Sunni Islam in 2016. A Putin loyalist, who was and remains a powerful voice on the issue of Islamo-
recently promoted to the rank of Lieutnant General phobia. In 2017, Baroness Warsi published her first
in the National Guard, he has offered key support in book, The Enemy Within: A Tale of Muslim Britain.
the war on Ukraine. In recent years she has appeared in several TV reality
shows.
TÜRKIYE

Davutoğlu, Ahmet Oceania

Ahmet Davutoğlu was Prime Minister of Türki-
ye from 2014, before differences with President
Erdoğan saw him resign in 2016. He is a political AUSTRALIA
science academic who was appointed Ambassador,
Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Foreign Min- Husic, Ed
ister and then Prime Minister in rapid succession. In 2010, Ed Husic became the first Muslim to be
In 2019, Davutoğlu resigned from the AKP accus- elected to the Australian Federal Parliament. When
ing it of falling into a culture of corruption. He then Kevin Rudd announced the Second Rudd Ministry
launched a new political party, the Future Party, be- in 2013, Husic was named as Parliament Secretary to
coming its first leader, and now hopes to build it into the Prime Minister. Taking his oath on the Qur’an,
a political force. Husic became the first Muslim sworn in to the Aus-
tralian federal government frontbench. With his rise
UNITED KINGDOM in political prominence came growing Islamophobic
abuse directed toward him. After Labor's victory in
Khan, Sadiq the 2022 Australian federal election, Husic became
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 116 the Minister for Industry and Science.

Shah, Naseem (new)

Naseem Shah, more commonly known as Naz Shah, North America
is a Labour Party politician who is currently the
Shadow Minister for Crime Reduction, having pre-
viously held shadow ministerial posts of state for UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Women and Equalities (2018-20) and Community
Cohesion (2020-21). She was re-elected as the MP Carson, André
for Bradford West in the 2019 general election with André Carson was the second Muslim to be elected
a huge majority. She is a strong voice for victimised to the US Congress. He was first elected to Congress
groups and community groups. She has championed in 2008, and is now serving his eighth 2-year term
the voice of the British Muslim community on the as representative of Indiana’s seventh congression-
issues of Kashmir and Palestine and has spoken pow- al district. Alongside national issues, he has spoken
erfully in the House of Commons in defence of the against Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory,
Prophet (PBUH). voted against a House resolution condemning the
BDI movement and, at the end of July 2002, he an-
Warsi, Baroness Sayeeda nounced a bill to investigate the killing of journalist
Baroness Warsi was Britain’s first Muslim Cabinet Shireen Abu Akleh.
Minister. From May 2010 to September 2012 she
was the Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, Ellison, Keith
and a Minister without Portfolio in David Cam- Keith Ellison was the first Muslim to serve in the US
eron’s Cabinet. She was Minister of State for Faith Congress. He represented the Fifth Congressional
and Communities and Senior Minister of State for District of Minnesota from 2007-2019 before decid-
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. She resigned ing to run for attorney general rather than congress.
140
He was duly elected as the 30th Attorney General of the environment, Palestinians and other causes. For-
Minnesota becoming the first Muslim in the US to mer President Trump tweeted against her on numer-
win statewide office. Ellison has been an outspoken ous occasions resulting in death-threats from white
advocate for American Muslims, and his trips to the supremacists.
Muslim world have garnered international support
for his outreach to the Muslim world. Tlaib, Rashida
Born in the USA, Rashida Tlaib won the Democrat-
Omar, Ilhan ic nomination for the US House of Representatives
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, to a Somali father and seat from Michigan’s 13th congressional district in
Yemeni mother, Omar came to the USA in 1995 2018 and was unopposed in the general election,
at the age of 13. She excelled in studies and started thus becoming the first Palestinian-American wom-
work as a community nutrition educator whilst also an, and joint first Muslim woman, in Congress. She
working as a campaign manager. She is the Director has previously served in the Michigan state house
of an association that advocates for women from (2009 to 2014) and was the first Muslim woman ever
East Africa to take on civic and political leadership elected to the state’s legislature. She has been arrest-
roles. She has been the US Representative for Min- ed on several occasions for her political stance; once
nesota’s 5th congressional district since 2019 (having was against former President Trump; and one at a
received the largest percentage of the vote of any fe- pro-labor rally supporting union rights for fast food
male candidate for US House in state history). She is workers.
vocal in her support for the working class, students,

And fulfil God’s covenant when you made a covenant, and do

not break [your] oaths after pledging them and having made
God surety over you. Truly God knows what you do.
The Bee, 91
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

141
 ADMINISTRATION
OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIR S

Middle East and North Africa MOROCCO

Al-Tawfiq, Ahmad
EGYPT Al-Tawfiq is the Minister of Endowments and Is-
lamic Affairs in Morocco and a strong supporter of
Allam, Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Sufi groups. He is a writer for the Association of Mo-
Sheikh Allam is the 19th Grand Mufti of Egypt roccan Authors for Publication, as well as the Vice
(succeeding HE Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa). In February President of the Moroccan Association for Historical
2013, he was elected by Al-Azhar’s Council of Sen- Research. Al-Tawfiq is an advocate of interfaith dia-
ior Scholars, headed by Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayeb. His logue and is currently on the Board of World Reli-
election by peers was unprecedented, as the Grand gious Leaders for The Elijah Interfaith Institute.
Mufti had previously been chosen by the President of
Egypt. Allam is also a professor of Islamic jurispru- PALESTINE
dence and law at the Al-Azhar University, and has
written more than 25 works, many of which address Hussein, Muhammad Ahmad
issues pertaining to women. Hussein was appointed the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem
in 2006. Previously, he had been the Manager and
Badie, Dr Mohammed Imam of the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. He is an out-
Dr Mohammed Badie succeeded Mohammad Mah- spoken critic of the Israeli occupation and has per-
di Akef as the 8th Supreme Guide of the Muslim sonally defended the Al-Aqsa Mosque from settlers
Brotherhood in January 2010. Following the military and the Israeli army. In July 2018, Hussein issued a
coup against Morsi’s leadership, he was one of many fatwa forbidding Muslims from selling or transfer-
Muslim Brotherhood leaders arrested. Badie—whose ring any land in Palestine to Jews.
son was shot dead during one of the counter-protests
against the coup—was sentenced to death in April Sabri, Sheikh Dr Ekrima Sa’id
2015 along with 13 other senior Muslim Brother- Sheikh Sabri is the head of the Supreme Islam-
hood members. In 2017, the Cassation Court ac- ic Council and former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem
cepted the appeal of Badie and 49 other defendants and Palestine. He remains an imam of the Blessed
against their death sentences. He is currently serving Al-Aqsa Mosque, where he preaches regularly. Sabri
multiple life sentences in prison. is well-respected in Palestine for his forthright views
on Israel. He has been at various times banned from
IRAN entering Al-Aqsa Mosque and arrested.

Rashad, Professor Ali Akbar SAUDI ARABIA

Prof Ali Akbar Rashad founded the Islamic Research
Institute for Culture and Thought, and has been its Altwaijiri, Dr Abdulaziz Othman
President since its establishment in 1994. He is a Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri was the Director
philosopher and a scholar in the field of Philosophy General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and
of Religion and Islamic studies. In addition to trans- Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and ex-officio Sec-
lations and ongoing research, he has written over 35 retary General of the Federation of the Universities of
books and 69 articles. He is also active in internation- the Islamic World (FUIW)1991-2019. He established
al scholarly activities and conferences, particularly in the Supreme Council of Education, Science and Cul-
the field of interfaith dialogue. ture, an alliance designated for work outside of the
Islamic world and is a member of numerous interna-
tional organisations and forums such as the Royal Aal
Al Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, and the Nizami
142
Ganjavi International Center. Dr Altwaijri is also a social issues, as well as encouraging Kenyans to cam-
staunch advocate of cultural dialogue and the alliance paign peacefully in general elections and to engage in
of civilisations and has received high-level distinctions politics on the basis of issues rather than along tribal
from over 26 countries. He is an accomplished aca- affiliations.
demic, a senior lecturer, eminent writer and poet.
NIGERIA
Al-Issa, Dr Mohammad ben Abdel Karim
Dr Al-Issa was appointed Secretary-General of the Ahmad, Abdrahman Olanrewaju
Muslim World League in 2016. Prior to that he Sheikh Abdrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad is the Na-
had served as Minister of Justice and Head of the tional Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of
Supreme Council for Justice. The Muslim World Nigeria, a 96-year-old Islamic organisation estab-
League is an NGO which was founded in 1962 and lished for the purpose of educational, moral, and
is based in Makkah. It propagates Saudi teachings social development for Muslims. The organisation
worldwide as well as carrying out social work. Al-Issa boasts millions of members, with its achievements
visited the Vatican in 2017 where he met the Pope spanning Nigeria’s faiths and ethnicities.
and in 2020 led a delegation of Islamic scholars to
visit Srebrenica in Bosnia, and Auschwitz concentra- Ajibola, Prince Bola
tion camp in Poland. HE Prince Bola Ajibola is the former head of the Ni-
gerian High Commission in London and the Presi-
Al-Malik, Dr Salim M. dent and Founder of the Islamic Mission for Africa.
Dr Salim M. Al-Malik was appointed as the new Di- He also served as a judge of the International Court
rector General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague between 1991 and
and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in May 2019 1994. In 1994, Prince Bola Ajibola was appointed a
(replacing Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri). Dr Salim member to the Permanent Court of Arbitration with
has a PhD in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and respect to the court’s deliberations on the land dis-
a PhD in Pediatrics. He has previously held various pute between Nigeria and Cameroon. He also served
senior positions in Saudi Arabia. ISESCO is based as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of
in Rabat, Morocco and strives to strengthen cooper- Nigeria, as well as being the former President of the
ation among member states in educational, scientific, Nigerian Bar Association. He is the founder, proprie-
and cultural research, making Islamic culture the focal tor, and president of the Board of Trustee of Crescent
point of educational curricula at all levels. University in Abeokuta. Currently he serves as the
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Muslim Um-
Al-Othaimeen, Dr Yousef Ahmad mah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).
Dr Yousef Ahmad Al-Othaimeen has been the Secre-
tary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooper- Bayero, Aminu Ado
ation (OIC) since 2016. Prior to that, Al-Othaimeen Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 116
was the Minister of Social Affairs for the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, from 2007 to 2015. He holds degrees Oloyede, Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju
from Ohio University (1982), and the American Uni- Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede is the Secretary
versity in Washington DC (PhD in 1986). In March General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islam-
2018, Al-Othaimeen met with the Pope to discuss the ic Affairs and Executive Secretary of the Nigeria In-
migration crisis and the plight of the Rohingya. ter-Religious Council. He also serves as the President
of the Association of African Universities (AAU)
and is the former Vice-Chancellor of the University
Sub-Saharan Africa of Ilorin.

Sanusi, Alhaji Dr Sanusi Lamido

KENYA In 2014, Sanusi succeeded his late uncle Dr Ado Baye-
ro to become the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano, the sec-
Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed ond highest Muslim authority in the land (the Sultan
Khalifa is the Organising Secretary of the Council of of Sokoto being the first). However, in March 2020 he
Imams and Preachers of Kenya. He addresses various was dethroned by the Governor of Kano on grounds of
143
 showing disrespect towards government institutions. by his epithet “Abul Aytam” (“Father of Orphans”)
He has accepted this and asked his followers to recog- for his service to orphans and the destitute. He ad-
nise the new 15th Emir. Sanusi is the former governor vocates peaceful co-existence, social harmony and its
of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (2009-2014) international propagation and has set up thousands
and a respected Islamic scholar who has won numerous of cultural centres and educational institutes in India.
awards. He has pointed out corruption in previous Sheikh Abubakr has authored and published more
governments, pushed for an end to child marriage and than 60 books on a variety of topics in Arabic, Urdu
been targeted by Boko Haram. and Malayalam.

SENEGAL Al-Bukhari, Sayyid Ibraheemul Khaleel

Sayyid Ibraheemul Khaleel Al-Bukhari is the Found-
Mbacke, Serigne Mountakha er and Chairman of Jamia Ma’din (Ma’din Academy),
Serigne Mountakha Mbacke was appointed Leader Kerala, India. It’s an umbrella body of various edu-
of Senegal’s Mourid Brotherhood in January 2018 af- cational and charity ventures where 25,000 students
ter the death of his predecessor, Serigne Cheikh Sidy are enrolled for different courses from primary to re-
Mokhtar Mbacke who died at the age of 94. He has search level. He is an advisor to the International In-
become the eighth caliph of the brotherhood which terfaith Harmony Initiative, Malaysia; the Vice Presi-
was established by his grandfather, the sufi Sheikh dent of the Muslim Educational Board of India, New
Ahmadou Bamba, who died in 1927 and is buried in Delhi; General Secretary of Kerala Muslim Jama’at,
Touba. It is estimated that over a sixth of all Senega- the apex body of Muslim community in the Kerala;
lese are members of the tariqa, and it is particularly the President of Sunni Management Association.
influential in the economic and political spheres. The He is also the Managing Editor of Armonia Journal
Grand Magal of Touba is a pilgrimage of millions (armoniajournal. com) and has penned 22 books in
who converge on Touba to celebrate the life and various languages.
teachings of Amadou Bamba.
Kandhalvi, Maulana Saad
Maulana Saad Kandhalvi is the great-grandson
Asia of Maulana Muhammad Ilyas, the founder of the
Tablighi Jamat (TJ) missionary movement and the
grandson of its second ameer. He is currently the
CHINA head of the TJ centre in Nizamuddin, New Delhi,
India. A recent falling out with other leaders has led
Faming, Hassan Yang to some clashes between rival followers and a fatwa
Hassan Yang Faming is the President of the China Is- issued by Deoband criticising Maulana Saad’s lead-
lamic Association. This is a government-linked body ership has led to further ramifications worldwide
which liaises with China’s Muslims. A conservative including at Biswa Ijtema, Bangladesh, the second
estimate numbers 30 million Muslims from a variety largest religious gathering in the world.
of ethnic backgrounds. The Hui are the most popu-
lous but the Uyghur have the greatest concentration Nomani, Mufti Abul Qasim
in the Xinjiang region, where internment camps hold Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 116
over a million Muslims in a bid to “re-educate” them.
The “Sinicisation” of Islam has stepped up in relent- Noorie, Maulana Shakir Ali
less fashion in the last few years. Maulana Noorie is the President of Sunni Dawate Is-
lami, a non-political religious organisation in Mum-
INDIA bai, India. Its Annual Congregation is one of the larg-
est Sunni Muslim assemblies held in India, attracting
Ahmad, Sheikh Abubakr around 300,000 people annually into the heart of
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is the General Secretary of Mumbai, India’s financial capital. There are approx-
the All India Muslim Scholars Association, Found- imately 50 institutions under his leadership provid-
er and Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Markaz Saqafathu ing knowledge to more than 7000 students. Maulana
Sunniyya, one of the leading educational and human- Muhammed Shakir Noorie has authored over 40
itarian institution in India. He is often referred to books which are published in many languages. He
144
has initiated several human welfare campaigns in- (NU), the world's largest Islamic organisation (he re-
cluding: women empowerment through education, signed in late 2018). Amin's early education was at a
feeding and clothing the poor and downtrodden, boarding school established by NU founder Hasyim
counselling assistance to the youth, and a programme Asyari, before receiving his bachelor's degree in Is-
against drug abuse and intoxicants. lamic philosophy. He then started his lifelong activi-
ties of working in da’wa (religious propagation) and
Owaisi, MP Janab Asaduddin politics, finding success in both.
Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi is an eminent Indian
parliamentarian and has served as President of the Nashir, Dr KH Haedar
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Dr KH Haedar Nashir was elected as Chairman of
since being elected in 2004. Under Owaisi’s steward- the Muhammadiyah Movement in 2015. He previ-
ship, the party won seven assembly seats in each of ously served in a variety of other roles in the organisa-
2009 and 2014. In 2019, he started his fourth term tion, which has approximately 30 million members.
being elected to the 17th Lok Sabha (House of the The Muhammadiyah Movement focuses on promot-
People). An outspoken parliamentarian, Owaisi has ing moral and spiritual ideals through various social
been instrumental in persuading the Indian govern- activities. It strongly opposes syncretism but pro-
ment to establish the Ministry of Minority Affairs to motes interfaith relations.
look after the welfare of religious minorities in India,
including Muslims. He has over five million social MALDIVES
media followers.
Saeed, Mohamed Shaheem Ali
Ul-Hassan, Maulana Zuhair Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed is a hafiz of the
Maulana Zuhair Ul-Hassan is a leader of the Tablighi Qur'an, a licensed lawyer, and former Chancellor of
Jamat (TJ) group. He was born and raised in Nizam- the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM). He re-
uddin, New Delhi and completed his Islamic studies signed from his post as the Minister of State for Is-
in Saharanpur. His late father Zubair Ul-Hasan was lamic Affairs of the Republic of Maldives in 2015 and
one of three leaders appointed as members of the left politics altogether in 2017. Dr Saeed was central
leadership council. The TJ has faced unprecedent- to the establishment of the Maldives Hajj Corpora-
ed divisions of late with Maulana Zuhair’s followers tion, the Maldives Islamic Bank Pvt Ltd, and a waqf
clashing with followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi fund. He is a member of the Sharia Advisory Council
over who leads the TJ. of the Central Bank of the Maldives. Dr Saeed has
authored many articles and books on religious issues
INDONESIA and has spoken at forums in 9 countries.

Achar, Miftahul PAKISTAN

Miftahul Achar became the Rais ‘Aam (supreme
leader) of the country’s largest Muslim organisation, Naqvi, Ayatollah Sayed Sajid Ali
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), after the resignation of Ayatollah Syed Sajid Ali Naqvi leads the Shia Ul-
Ma’ruf Amin (now Vice-President of Indonesia). The ema Council (previously called Tehrik-e-Jafaria
NU was established in 1926 and claims a 90-million (TJP) of Pakistan). He was chosen by the Supreme
membership. It is a charitable body funding schools leader of Iran, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, to lead
and hospitals as well as organising communities to Shia Muslims in Pakistan and is now his religious
help alleviate poverty. The majority of its leaders pro- representative.
mote Islam Nusantara, a moderate and compassion-
ate approach. Ul-Haq, Siraj
From humble beginnings, Ul-Haq has worked his
Amin, Maruf way up to senior leadership positions in both re-
Maruf Amin was the running mate of Joko Wid- ligious and political parties. He is a former finance
iodo in the 2019 general elections and is now the minister of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly
Vice-President of Indonesia. He is an Indonesian in Pakistan, resigning in protest against US drone
Islamic scholar who was chair of the Majelis Ulama strikes. In 2019, Ul-Haq was re-elected Ameer of
Indonesia and general guide of the Nahdlatul Ulama Jamaat-e-Islaami, one of the most influential Islamic
145
 movements in Pakistan. He became the Vice-Presi- BULGARIA
dent of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal in March 2018. He
served as Senator of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the Par- Hadzhi, Mustafa Alish
liament of Pakistan from 2015-2021. Hadzhi is Bulgaria’s Chief Mufti. Bulgaria has been
referred to as “Istanbulgaria” because of the impor-
SRI LANKA tance of Turkish-Bulgarian relations. Hadzhi is the
leader of the Muslim community in a predominantly
Mufti, MIM Rizwe Christian state with a large influx of Muslims. He de-
Mufti MIM Rizwe is the President of the All Ceylon fended his community from extreme nationalists who
Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the supreme body of Is- went so far as to attack mosques and worshippers.
lamic theologians in Sri Lanka. Inaugurated in 1924,
ACJU boasts a 7,500-strong membership of scholars GERMANY
while an executive committee of 33 senior scholars
run the organisation's 155 branches throughout the Köhler, Ayyub Axel
island’s 24 Districts. Mufti Rizwe is a specialist in the Köhler is former chairman of the Central Council
field of Islamic Jurisprudence, and was instrumental of Muslims in Germany. He has written numerous
in bringing Islamic insurance, interest-free banking articles, primarily for Islamic magazines such as Al
and Halal certification to Sri Lanka. His other contri- Islam of the Islamic Centre of Munich, and Al Fajr
butions that have benefited the Sri Lankan commu- of the Islamic Centre of Hamburg. He also published
nity at large include the Maktab Preliminary Islamic newsletters for the Muslim League around the issue
Education System, Careline Islamic Counseling, and of the integration of Islamic ways of life into German
Mahmood Institute for Skill Development of Ulama. society.

TAJIKISTAN ITALY

Abdulkodirzoda, Mufti Saidmukarram Pallavicini, Imam Yahya Sergio Yahe

Mufti Saidmukarram Abdulkodirzoda is the state-se- Pallavicini is an important figure in the religious life
lected Grand Mufti and thus head of Tajikistan’s of Italian Muslims. He is also a prominent figure in
Muslims, most of whom are Sunnis, and whose tradi- European relations with the Muslim world. He is
tion includes following the Hanafi school in matters Vice President of Comunit Religiosa Islamica (The
of jurisprudence and the Naqshbandi spiritual path. Islamic Religious Community), Italy, the Chairman
They belong to the Persian-speaking Tajik ethnic of the ISESCO Council for Education and Cul-
group who share a language, culture, and history with ture in the West, and an advisor for Islamic affairs
Afghanistan and Iran. to the Italian Minister of Interior. Pallavicini is also
the Imam of the Al-Wahid Mosque of Milan in Via
Meda, where he organises the training of imams in
Europe Italian. His father was the late Abd Al-Wahid Palla-
vicini, the noted preacher and Head of the Ahama-
diyyah Idrissiyyah Shadhiliyyah brotherhood in Italy.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
KOSOVO
Kavazovic, Husein
Husein Kavazovic has been the 14th Raisu-l-ulama Ternava, Sheikh Naim
(Grand Mufti of Bosnia) since 2012. Kavazovic had Naim Ternava is the Grand Mufti of Kosovo. He is
pushed for cooperation with other religious commu- the leading religious figure in Kosovo, which emerged
nities and a wider “incorporation of women into the after an ethno-religious war resulted in widespread
work of the Islamic religious community”. His sphere loss of life and destruction. Ternava is a key figure in
of influence is primarily with the community of 2.5 the attempts of the country’s Muslim population to
million Bosniak Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovi- overcome the horrors of war. He was instrumental in
na, as well as the Bosniak diaspora, who number ap- the creation of the Inter-Religious Council Organi-
proximately 1.5 million. He speaks Bosnian, Arabic, zation for Interfaith Relations.
and English.
146
 RUSSIA FIANZ has been considerable, building bridges
with the government, New Zealand's population as
Nasibullahoglu, Cafer a whole, and leaders of other faiths. Dr Ghani was
Cafer Nasibullahoglu is the Imam of the St Peters- awarded the title of Member of New Zealand Order
burg Mosque. He is also the Mufti of St Petersburg, of Merit by the Government of New Zealand.
home to close to one million Muslims. His diverse
congregation consists of Muslims of Tatar, Kazakh,
Uzbek, Tajik, and Arab origins, among others. The North America
sermon at St Petersburg mosque is often conducted
in Arabic, Tatar, and Russian.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
Mohammed II, Warithudeen
Ahsan, Dr Muhammad Manazir Warithudeen Mohammed II is the eldest son of
Dr Muhammad Manazir Ahsan is the Chairman of Imam W Deen Mohammed. He is President of The
the Board of Trustees of The Islamic Foundation, and Mosque Cares, a charitable organisation established
Rector of the Markfield Institute of Higher Educa- by Imam W Deen Mohammed. The organisation
tion, Leicester, UK. He has published and lectured sponsors classes in Qur’anic Arabic and financial
extensively on Islam and Muslims in Britain. He is literacy, as well as informational sessions in health
also the Editor of The Muslim World Book Review, and nutrition, and business and entrepreneurial
a quarterly journal devoted to analysing the latest initiatives.
publications on Islam and the Muslim World. He has
chaired several major Muslim and interfaith organi-
sations in the UK and has received an MBE for his South America
contribution to interfaith and community activities.

ARGENTINA
Oceania
Hallar, Muhammad Yusuf
Hallar is an active figure in Argentina and is involved
AUSTRALIA in community development for Muslims. He has
conducted comprehensive research on Muslims in
Alsuleiman, Imam Shady Latin America and holds a number of positions in-
Imam Shady Alsuleiman is an Australian-born imam cluding Secretary-General of the Islamic Organiza-
who has strongly connected with the Muslim youth tion of Latin America and the Director of the Office
and helped integrate the Muslim community with of Islamic Culture. He is also a member of the Expert
wider Australian society. Alsuleiman is the President Committee on Minority Rights for the Organization
of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
which represents over 200 member imams from each
of the Australian States and Territories. It is also the BRAZIL
body that elects the Mufti of Australia. He’s an inter-
national speaker with many followers on social me- Bukai, Sheikh Mohamad
dia and has also established one of Australia’s largest Sheikh Mohamad Bukai was born in Syria and stud-
youth and community centres known as the UMA. ied at Al-Azhar University. He has been living in Sao
Paulo since 2007 and is known for his soft speech,
NEW ZEALAND kind nature and splendid character. He has previous-
ly served as sheikh of the Liga Islamica do Pari and
Ghani, Dr Anwar is the Imam of the Mesquita Brasil in Sao Paulo and
Dr Ghani has been President of the Federation of Director of Religious Affairs of the Uniao Nacional
Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) for das Entidades Islamicas. His page on Facebook often
12 years. He is now leading the national and inter- airs live transmissions of his Friday khutbas as well as
national relations of FIANZ. His work in leading short videos on Islam.
147
 ECUADOR

Suquillo, Professor Juan

Professor Juan Suquillo is the President and
Co-founder of the Islamic Centre in Quito. He re-
ceived the "National Hero" award in recognition for
his services to Ecuador. He is also the General Sec-
retary for the Interfaith Council CONALIR fight-
ing for religious rights and anti-discrimination. His
books in Spanish have been popular and Suquillo is
regarded as a bridge and reference for Latino Muslim
leaders and scholars.

Recite: In the Name of your Lord Who created

The Clot 96 : 1
Calligraphy by Hasan Kan’an © FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

Free Islamic Calligraphy

www. FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com
FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com is an established website that is doing much to make high quality Islamic calligraphy
available more widely.
Having noticed that the Divine Names, key Qur’anic verses and sacred formulas were not available free online
in the most perfect and beautiful styles of Arabic calligraphy, the Prince Ghazi Trust for Qur’anic Thought com-
missioned prize-winning calligrapher Mothana Al-Obaydi and other calligraphers to draw them and digitise them
onto JPG, vector files and ‘Word document’ files so that they can be adapted, coloured and printed out by anyone
according to their taste from the website. Thus, instead of paying for decorating their home with drawings or West-
ern posters, or instead of paying for expensive name-brand calligraphy, any Muslim in the world can adapt the most
beautiful pieces.
FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com is a non-profit website owned by the Prince Ghazi Trust for Qur’anic Thought, an
Islamic charity (waqf ) set up by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal in 1433 AH / 2012 CE. of calligraphy
and decorate his or her home with it for the price of a piece of a paper. This, God willing, will not only make people’s
homes more beautiful, but also their lives more beautiful as they see and remember God’s Name more often.
The calligraphy pieces featured in this publication are used courtesy of www. FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com.

148
 PREACHER S & SPIRITUAL GUIDES

Middle East and North Africa JORDAN

Keller, Sheikh Nuh

ALGERIA Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 117

Belkaid, Sheikh Abdellatif SAUDI ARABIA

Sheikh Abdellatif is well-known in Algeria, Egypt,
and Europe as a spiritual teacher and leader of the Hi- Al-Arifi, Dr Muhammad
briyya tariqa. He inherited his father’s spiritual gifts. Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 117
The sheikh’s students include many highly placed
officials in the Algerian government, as well as the Al-Qarni, Dr Aaidh
famous Egyptian scholar, Sheikh Sha’rawi, before the Dr Aaidh Al-Qarni is a prominent Saudi scholar, au-
latter’s death. thor, and activist preacher, best known for his pop-
ular self-help book Don’t Be Sad. Dr Al-Qarni has
Al-Khairi, Sheikh Abdul-Nacer garnered a substantial following through a preaching
Sheikh Abdul-Nacer is a master of the Shadhili tari- career which spans various modes of broadcast me-
qa, and has a wide following in his native Algeria, dia. He apologised on Saudi TV for his past preach-
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia, and various European ing, calling his prior understanding of Islam “hard-
countries where his students come from all walks of line” and apologising for his past ties with Qatar. He
life. He emphasises the recitation of the Qur’an, as said that he now agrees with the Islamic understand-
well as abundant salawaat (praying for the Prophet ing of Crown Prince MBS.
Muhammad). He is a descendant of the famous sufi
of Prophetic lineage, Abdul Salam ibn Mashish of Al-Shugairi, Ahmad
Morocco. Al-Shugairi is a televangelist with a huge following
around the world. He is at the forefront of a religious
EGYPT revivalist movement that is affecting young people
across the Middle East. Best known for his TV pro-
Abdelkafy, Sheikh Dr Omar gram Khawatir (2005-2015), Al-Shugairi took a break
Abdelkafy is an Egyptian preacher and da’wa practi- for a number of years before launching Seen in 2021,
tioner. A well-respected hafiz of the Qur’an, he is also which is proving to be every bit as successful. With no
the Director of the Qur’anic Studies Centre at the formal Islamic training and an MBA, his popularity
Dubai International Holy Qur’an Award. In addition comes from repackaging a balanced understanding of
to working in his native Egypt, he travels abroad to Islam for his throngs of fans of all ages. He has over 53
help Muslim communities, working specifically with million fans across social media platforms.
the Muslim community in Canada.
YEMEN
IRAQ
Al-Zindani, Sheikh Abdul Majeed
Kubaisi, Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al-Zindani is an active Yemeni politician and preacher.
Kubaisi is a very popular Sunni cleric and preacher He is the Founder of Iman University in Yemen, the
in Iraq. He advocates the end of foreign occupation Founder of the Commission on Scientific Signs in the
in Iraq and the institution of an Islamic state. To this Qur’an and Sunnah in Makkah, the Chairman of the
end, he is a spokesperson of the Sunni Ulema Coun- Shura Council of the Islah party (the Yemeni Con-
cil, an important association of Sunni Muslim schol- gregation for Reform), and the Head of the Muslim
ars in Iraq. Kubaisi leads prayers that are televised Brotherhood in Yemen. He has been a vocal critic of
worldwide from the state mosque of Abu Dhabi. terrorism and any killing of civilians. At the same time,
he is an outspoken critic of US policies, declaring that
jihad against any army that invades Yemen is self-de-
149
 fence and is the right of its citizens. The US Treasury ty Kano in 2009. He has lectured across Nigeria as
labelled him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist a Professor of Arabic and linguistics. Sheikh Maqari
(SDGT) for his indirect association with Al-Qaeda. In has multiple published books and articles in interna-
2020 he moved from Saudi Arabia to Türkiye. tional journals, and is a member of the Assembly of
Muslims in Nigeria, the Supreme Council for Islamic
Affairs, and Founder of Tazkiyyah Educational Re-
Sub-Saharan Africa source Center.

ZIMBABWE
GHANA
Menk, Mufti Ismail Musa
Sharubutu, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Dr Ismail Menk is the Mufti of Zimbabwe under
Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu is an Islamic the Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, an Islamic educa-
scholar, National Chief Imam of Ghana, member tional and welfare organisation that caters to the
of the National Peace Council and Founder of The needs of the country's Muslims. Mufti Menk is very
SONSET Fund and IPASEC. He has worked tire- well-known internationally and is invited frequently
lessly on religious, social and educational issues, to give lectures. His ability to relate religious prin-
helping to promote disadvantaged and vulnerable ciples to contemporary settings has made him par-
communities in Ghana. This has enabled him to ticularly influential amongst the Muslim youth. His
transcend religious boundaries and be respected by eloquence and humour have endeared him to many
all sectors of the country. non-Muslims as well. He currently has a combined
online following of more than 20 million.
NIGERIA

Bauchi, Sheikh Tahir Usman Asia

Now in his mid-80s, Sheikh Tahir Usman Bauchi of
the Tijaniyya Sufi order is celebrated for his Qur'anic
schools which specialise in producing huffaz (mem- INDIA
orisers) of the Qur'an. His public exegesis of the
Qur’an, delivered in Hausa every year during the Azmi, Hazrat Allama Maulana Qamaruzzaman
month of Ramadan, attracts thousands. Additional- Maulana Azmi is the Khalifa of Imam Ahmed Raza
ly, millions of West Africans listen to it on the radio Khan Barelvi’s son. He is a prolific speaker and, ac-
or buy recordings. He has critically engaged with cording to the Times of India, has millions of fol-
puritanical Islamic schools of thought since the early lowers worldwide. At the age of 18 he established
1980s. In July 2014, he escaped a suicide bombing Al-Jameatul-Islamia, which is now recognised as one
attack which killed 23 people. of India’s top Islamic universities. For over 50 years,
he has been building organisations, institutions,
Katsina, Sheikh Yakubu Musa mosques, colleges, and universities around the world.
Sheikh Yakubu Musa Katsina is a popular preacher
in Nigeria. He is also the leader of the Izala revivalist Madani, Maulana Syed Arshad
sect in Katsina. The Izala, or Jama’at Izalatil Bidia- Madani is the President of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind,
wa Iqamatus Sunnah (Movement Against Negative a group which strongly opposed the creation of a
Innovations and for Orthodoxy), is an activist Sufi separate Muslim state of Pakistan. In 2006, Maulana
brotherhood that calls for a return to the practices of Syed Arshad Madani succeeded his brother, Maula-
the Prophet Muhammad and a true practice of Islam. na Syed Asad Madani, but since 2008, the group has
His family comes from Katsina, the predominantly been split into two factions. Maulana Arshad is also
Muslim city in northern Nigeria, and he is outspoken a noted scholar. He is the Principal of Darul Uloom
against corruption in the country. Deoband. He also supervises much social work and
heads a number of Islamic seminaries and bodies and
Maqari, Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Ahmad is an adviser to eight international Islamic schools.
Sheikh Maqari completed his studies at Al-Azhar
in 1999 and then his doctorate at Bayero Universi-
150
 Naik, Zakir Abdul Karim for his achievements by Egyptian Prime Minister
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 117 Mostafa Madbouly in 2020.

Saifuddin, Syedna Mufaddal MALAYSIA

Saifuddin is the 53rd Dai Al-Mutlaq (Unrestrict-
ed Missionary) of the Dawoodi Bohras, a subgroup Awang, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi bin
within the Mustaali-Ismaili Shia branch of Islam. He Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi bin Awang is the current
succeeded—but not without dispute—to the office af- President of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party or PAS.
ter his father, Syed Mohammed Burhanuddin passed He was recently appointed as the Prime Minister’s
away in 2014. In 2017, he inaugurated the 14-acre Special Ambassador to the Middle East with ministe-
Nairobi campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, a Dawoodi rial status. He is also the Vice-President of the Inter-
Bohra institute of higher learning. Kenyan President national Union of Muslim Scholars. He was former
Kenyatta awarded him the Elder of the Order of the Chief Minister of the state of Terengganu in Malaysia
Golden Heart as a result. He also met Egyptian Pres- from 1999-2004, Member of Parliament for Marang
ident El-Sisi in 2016 and donated 10 million EGP to Terengganu, and a state lawmaker for Rhu Rendang.
the Long Live Egypt fund. He is the spiritual leader He has written several books related to democracy
of 2-5 million people living in 100 countries. and politics in Islam. Awang’s Friday morning lec-
tures at Rusila Mosque draw thousands of people.
INDONESIA
MrGlani, Sheikh Dr Mahmoud
Gymnastiar, Abdullah Aa Gym Born in Madinah to a family of Prophetic lineage,
Abdullah Gymnastiar, more commonly known as Sheikh MrGlani himself belongs to the Shadhili Sufi
“Aa Gym” (“Elder Brother Gym”), was for a long tariqa but strongly emphasises the need to recognise
time Indonesia’s most popular preacher. With his all authentic Islamic Sunni Sufi tariqas and sheikhs.
style of modern, youthful, enjoyable preaching, he His teachings emphasise the need to establish love
built a substantial following and a large media em- for the Prophet. To this end, he has founded a num-
pire. His regular audience boasted over 80 million ber of zawiyahs around the world to re-establish the
Indonesians and had an approval rating that peaked practice of regular and abundant dhikr and salawaat.
at 91 percent, leading to Gymnastiar being courted For the past several years, he has been delivering a se-
by several political parties as a potential vice presi- ries of widely attended public lectures titled “Divine
dential nominee. In 2006 Gym announced a polyga- Gifts on the Path to Allah” in major Malaysian cities
mous marriage and immediately saw a huge backlash and universities. He encourages people around the
from his mainly female audience: his ratings dropped world to rediscover and practice their core human
and his commercial enterprises took a huge hit. Over values, to oppose colonial and oppressive thinking,
the past several years, Gymnastiar has been slowly and to espouse mutual respect and tolerance among
regaining his popularity using his unique preacher/ followers of all the heavenly religions.
performer style. He is an attractive, funny, and charis-
matic man who tells engaging stories and sings nash- PAKISTAN
eeds (religious songs). He has over 18 million fans on
social media. Bukhari, Khanum Tayyaba
Bukhari is one of very few female religious schol-
Shihab, Quraish ars in Pakistan and has significant influence. She is
Quraish Shihab is an Indonesian expert on Qur’anic a sought-after speaker who excels in six languages:
exegesis who regularly preaches on national televi- Urdu, Arabic, Persian, English, Punjabi, and Sirai-
sion. He is noted as a progressive scholar who teaches ki. She also has a large following in Europe, North
Qur’anic exegesis using context and simple language. America, and Australia. Ms Bukhari is the founder of
He is an author of many Islamic books, including Bukhari Relief Foundation, a well-known, non-gov-
Tafsir Al-Misbah. He served as Indonesian Minister ernmental charitable organisation that helps people
of Religious Affairs in 1998 and also as Chairman of all over Pakistan who have been displaced by major
the Indonesian Ulama Council since 1984. Shihab natural disasters.
was also a director of State Islamic University, Syarif
Hidayatullah, 1992-1998. He was awarded a medal
151
 Ghamidi, Javed Ahmad ligious advisor and chaplain at University of London
Javed Ahmad Ghamidi is a Pakistani public intellectu- colleges including LSE, Imperial College and SOAS.
al and Qur'an scholar. He is the founder of Al-Mawrid
Institute of Islamic Sciences and its sister organisation, GREECE
Danish Sara. He was a member of the Council of Is-
lamic Ideology and in 2009, Ghamidi was awarded Metso, Mufti Djemali
Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the third highest civilian honour of Mufti Djemali Metso was one of the muftis in
Pakistan. He appears regularly on TV shows and has Greece's Western Thrace cities of Komotini and
a large middle-class professional following. Xanthi who were retired compulsorily by the Greek
government recently. The Western Thrace region of
SINGAPORE Greece is home to a Muslim Turkish minority of
around 150,000 people, and Mufti Metso had served
Alattas, Syed Hassan bin Muhammad bin Salim the community for over 30 years in his capacity as
Syed Hassan, more affectionately known as Habib Mufti of Komotine. He still enjoys a close relation-
Hassan, has been a pillar of strength and unity in build- ship with the community, who look upon him as not
ing religious harmony in Singapore and throughout only a mufti but as a spiritual leader.
Southeast Asia. He has condemned acts of terrorism
and has been the force behind bringing Islam togeth- TÜRKIYE
er with other religions in Singapore. In 2015, during
Singapore’s 50th National Day, he was conferred one Gülen, Fethullah
of the highest awards by the Singapore Government in Fethullah Gülen is a preacher, intellectual and edu-
recognition of his outstanding work and contributions cator, who assumed the leadership of the Nurcu reli-
toward building a harmonious nation. gious movement started by Said Nursi (1878—1960
CE). He enjoyed huge support among all of Türkiye’s
religious population until he was accused of orches-
Europe trating the attempted coup of 15 July 2016, and his
organisations and supporters subsequently bore the
brunt of Erdoğan’s crackdown. Many of his followers
ALBANIA and supporters in state institutions, such as the po-
lice, judiciary and education, have been targeted and
Naci, Elvis removed from their posts (over 500,000 people have
Naci is an Albanian imam and director at the Islam- been detained since the coup). Türkiye has formally
ic Community of Albania. Hes extremely popular asked the United States to extradite Gülen.
in Albania and regularly appears as a guest on talk
shows. He also has an active Facebook and Youtube Haqqani, Sheikh Mehmet Adil
profile. In 2019, he was named Man of the Year by Sheikh Mehmet Adil Haqqani is the Sheikh of the
several magazines in Albania. Naqshbandi Haqqani Order, by his father, the cele-
brated Sheikh Nazim Al-Haqqani. He is the eldest
BELGIUM son of Sheikh Nazim, and was born and raised in Da-
mascus, Syria, while his father was studying there un-
van Ael, Sheikh Sulayman der his own sheikh, Sheikh Abdullah Fa'izi Dagest-
Sulayman van Ael converted to Islam in 1994 at the ani. With an uncanny resemblance to his father, and
age of 18, after which he travelled to the desert of Su- a soft, humble approach, Sheikh Mehmet is currently
dan to memorise the Qur’an. He studied under nu- teaching thousands of students worldwide.
merous scholars and received authorisation (ijazah)
in the 10 qira’at (recitations) and transmitting the Topbaş, Osman Nuri
books of hadith. He also holds a Bachelors in The- Osman Nuri Topbaş is an author, philanthropist, and
ology, and Masters in Mental Care. He previously spiritual leader of a Naqshbandi Sufi order based in
was Host Professor of Islamic sciences at Erasmus Istanbul. His group is known as Eronkoy (named
College and Fisb University and at the University of after the town where he was born) and, like other
Applied Sciences Rotterdam and currently teaches sufi groups in Türkiye, focuses heavily on charitable
at the Cambridge Muslim College. He was also re- work. He has written works in history, literature, re-
152
ligious sciences, and poetry. Translations of his works first accredited Islamic university in India in 2009:
span 43 languages, including English. Preston International College, Chennai. However,
he is most notably the Founder and Chancellor of
UNITED KINGDOM the Islamic Online University AKA International
Open University (iou. edu. gm), which currently has
Ali, Sheikh Hasan over 450,000 registered students studying accredited
Sheikh Hasan Ali is a popular preacher and reputa- English-medium degree courses in Islamic Studies
ble figure in London. In addition to volunteering his (Shari’a), Education, Psychology, Banking and Fi-
expertise at local mosques, community centres, and nance, IT and Business Administration, and a BA
secondary schools, he contributes to local interfaith in Arabic language and literature. The IOU has the
programmes and various community events. He is distinction of having the most diverse student body
the Founder of Safar Academy and holds a master’s of any university in the world. Dr Bilal also reaches
degree in Educational Psychology in addition to his mass Muslim audiences through his television ap-
Islamic training. pearances on global satellite channels like Peace TV,
Huda TV, and Islam Channel as well as through his
Babikir, Sheikh Ahmed official Facebook page. He has over ten million social
With his gentle and warm disposition, Sheikh media followers.
Babikir is a popular figure in the UK. He studied
Islamic Sciences in Sudan and is fully authorised in Rabbani, Sheikh Faraz
a host of Islamic disciplines, including fiqh, hadith, Sheikh Rabbani is the Founder, Education Director,
creed, and Sufism. He holds an undergraduate degree and an Instructor at SeekersGuidance Canada, an
in mathematics and a Master’s in Management from educational institute featuring a very popular Q&A
the University of London. He has contributed widely service, online courses, and occasional retreats. In
to UK society through social, charitable, and educa- August 2011, he helped launch SeekersHub in To-
tional initiatives. He was the Headmaster of Islamic ronto with affiliated branches being developed in
Primary School for many years, and is currently the Australia and elsewhere. He was formerly a central
Director and Founder of Rumi’s Cave, a community figure with SunniPath, and has continuously been
hub in West London. at the vanguard of effectively utilising the latest web
technologies and services to teach Islam in the West
Nakshawani, Ammar for over a decade. He serves as a partner and legal ad-
Dr Sayed Ammar Nakshawani is an Islamic Scholar visor with StraightWay Ethical Advisory.
and a popular speaker. Having completed his under-
graduate studies at University College, London and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
his PhD at the University of Exeter, he went on to
study at the Islamic Seminary in Damascus, Syria. He Kabbani, Sheikh Muhammad Hisham
was a visiting scholar at the Centre of Islamic Studies, Sheikh Kabbani established the American branch of
University of Cambridge and then moved to the USA the Haqqani Educational Foundation, dedicated to
to become the inaugural holder of the Imam Ali Chair the promotion of the fundamental Islamic teachings
for Shii Studies and Dialogue among Islamic Legal of tolerance, respect, and peace. Since Sheikh Mu-
Schools at the Hartford Seminary. Dr Nakshawani is hammad Nizam Adil’s death in 2014, Kabbani has
a former associate at the Harvard Kennedy School’s become the leader of the Naqshbandi Haqqani Sufi
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Order. In 1991, Kabbani moved to the United States
and has since founded 23 study and meeting centres
in the United States and Canada as well as an Islamic
North America retreat centre in Michigan focusing on spreading Sufi
teachings.

CANADA Al-Ninowy, Sheikh Dr Muhammad bin Yahya

Sheikh Dr Muhammad Al-Ninowy is a Syrian-Amer-
Philips, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal ican scholar and author based in Atlanta, Georgia,
A notable Jamaican-Canadian Muslim convert and whose lineage is traced back to the Prophet Muham-
Islamic scholar, Dr Bilal Philips is founder of the mad (blessings and peace be upon him). Al-Ninowy
153
is considered a scholar in hadith. In addition to a Wahhaj, Siraj
PhD in Islamic studies, he also holds a BA in micro- Siraj Wahhaj is Imam of the Al-Taqwa Mosque in
biology from the University of Illinois, and a Doc- Brooklyn, a prolific lecturer, community activist, the
tor of Medicine degree. He is the founding director leader of the Muslim Alliance in North America, and
of Madina Institute and Seminaries, the Center for former Vice-President of ISNA. He first became fa-
Non-Violence and Peace Studies, and the charitable mous for his successful efforts in fighting drugs and
organisation Planet Mercy, globally. Al-Ninowy is crime in his neighbourhood. In 1991, he became
also leading a reformist Rifa‘i Shadhili Sufi school the first Muslim to recite the Opening Prayer of the
aiming to completely realign Sufi principles, litanies, Qur’an (Al-Fatiha) at the US House of Representa-
and practices to the Qur’an and Sunnah in an effort tives. Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markow-
to revive the school of tasawwuf of ahl al-hadith. His itz, proclaimed 15 August “Siraj Wahhaj Day” in
latest release is The Book of Love, a reflection on Islam honour of his “lifetime of outstanding and meaning-
from the perspective of love. ful achievement”.

Shakir, Imam Zaid

Zaid Shakir is a senior faculty member and co-found- Caribbean
er of Zaytuna College, Berkeley, California, the first
accredited Muslim undergraduate college in the
USA. Shakir accepted Islam in 1977 while serving TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
in the United States Air Force. He obtained a BA in
International Relations and later earned his MA in Hosein, Sheikh Imran N
Political Science. In 2001, he graduated from Syria’s Sheikh Imran N Hosein is an Islamic scholar spe-
Abu Noor University with a BA in Islamic Studies. cialising in contemporary interpretations of Islamic
He is one of America’s top Islamic scholars, a voice of eschatology. Having given up his career as a diplomat
conscience, and a compelling force for the improve- in 1985 to dedicate his life to the mission of Islam,
ment of race relations for non-Muslims in America. Sheikh Imran is a tireless missionary who often trav-
He co-founded the New Brunswick Islamic Center, els for 2-3 years at a time in the cause of Islam and
formerly Masjid al-Huda in NJ, Masjid Al-Islam in calls for Muslims to retreat to faith-based eco-villages
New Haven, CT, and more recent the Lighthouse until such time as Imam Mahdi appears. He is also a
Mosque, in Oakland, CA. He led the funeral prayer commentator on international monetary economics,
for the late boxing champion and human rights icon, and advocates the establishment of free-markets and
Muhammad Ali. Inspired to work with religious currency with intrinsic value as a means of savings
groups on sustainable living and climate change, he and aversion of a pending collapse of the “world of
is a Green Faith partner in action for the earth. Imam paper money”. He has very popular videos on You-
Zaid recently assumed leadership of Muslim Alliance Tube with millions of views, especially related to es-
in North America (MANA). chatology, politics, and the economy.

Suleiman, Omar
Imam Omar Suleiman is the President of Yaqeen In- South America
stitute for Islamic Research and a professor of Islamic
Studies at Southern Methodist University. He start-
ed his journey of Islamic learning in the year 2000 BRAZIL
and studied in various countries in the Middle East
as well as Malaysia. He has become a hugely popular Hammadeh, Sheikh Jihad
speaker, delivering regular online lectures which have Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh has a long history of con-
reached millions, as well as writing frequently for var- tributions to da’wah in Brazil. His educational back-
ious media outlets. In the 2000s, he was noted on a ground includes a theological course at the Islamic
national level as being a strong advocate of communi- University of Madinah, a bachelors in History and
ty service, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, and a masters in Social Communication. Besides being
was awarded for his outstanding civic achievement by Vice-President of the Uniao Nacional das Entidades
the Mayor and City Council of New Orleans. Islamicas, he presides over two other islamic institu-
tions. He regularly appears on national TV in Brazil
154
and other media outlets speaking about Islam and has
also worked as a consultant for two Brazilian soap
operas on the theme of Muslims and Muslim-major-
ity countries.

The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Compassionate One
Whom they will not be able to address • on the day when the Spirit and the angels stand
arrayed. They will not speak, except him whom the Compassionate One permits, and who says
what is right. • That is the True Day. So whoever wishes [to], let him seek resort with his Lord.
• Lo! We have warned you of a chastisement that is near, the day when a person will behold
what his hands have sent ahead and the disbeliever will say, ‘O would that I were dust!’ •
The Tidings, 6-16
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

155
 PHILANTHROPY, CHARIT Y &
DEVELOPMENT

Middle East and North Africa QATAR

HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned

IRAQ Her Highness Sheikha Mozah is the mother of the
current Emir of Qatar, and Chairperson of the Qatar
Al-Khoei, Sayyed Jawad Foundation for Education, Science and Communi-
Sayyed Al-Khoei is the Secretary General of the ty Development. The Foundation has brought some
London-based Al-Khoei International Foundation, of the leading US university programmes to Qatar.
an international charity promoting the welfare of It also promotes international research and provides
Shia communities throughout the world. He spends scholarships around the world. Sheikha Mozah also
his time between the UK and his native Iraq. As a serves as the President of the Supreme Council for
researcher in Islamic Affairs, Sayyed Jawad has au- Family Affairs and is Vice Chairperson of both
thored various studies and articles on religious mi- the Supreme Education Council and the Supreme
norities in Iraq and the need for interfaith dialogue. Health Council. She plays a very active role in pro-
moting a wide range of issues at home, in the Gulf
JORDAN region, and internationally.

HM Queen Rania Al-Abdullah SAUDI ARABIA

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah is the wife
of HM King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein, but is also AbuSulayman, Muna
in her own right an educational activist with global Muna AbuSulayman was the first Saudi woman to
appeal. Through sheer hard work, she has developed become an iconic TV personality and is interna-
one of the largest virtual followings of any Muslim tionally recognised as a leader in the fields of phi-
in the world (over 33 million followers), and she de- lanthropy, media and social impact. She is one of the
fends and humanises Islam and Arab causes in-and founding co-hosts of the social issues show Kalam
to-the West as effectively as any Muslim scholar in Nawaem, which was ranked number one across the
the world. She is the initiator and key leader behind Arab World for eleven years in a row. She was also
the launch of several educational initiatives such as chosen as the first Saudi UN Goodwill Ambassador
the Jordanian Madrasati, “My School”, a project for for the UNDP as well as a Young Global Leader at
the development of Jordan's public school system. In the World Economic Forum in the same year while
2017, Queen Rania received the Global Trailblazer managing one of the largest Muslim foundations. Re-
Award and the Fellowship Award from “Fashion for cently, AbuSulayman has successfully launched, man-
Relief '” in recognition of her humanitarian efforts aged, and scaled multiple businesses and is running a
towards children caught in conflict. Social Impact investment fund and consultancy that
focuses on finding “Big Ideas that Work” to solve
LEBANON problems in education, gender inequalities, sustain-
ability and social cohesion.
Al-Sadr, Rabab
Rabab Al-Sadr is a social and human rights activist, Al-Madani, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali
and a philanthropist. She is a dynamic thinker and Al-Madani is the President of the Islamic Develop-
is the President of the Imam Al-Sadr Foundation, ment Bank (IDB), which aims to provide short- and
one of the most successful humanitarian organisa- long-term solutions to poverty alleviation in the
tions working in Lebanon. The foundation’s projects Muslim world. The IDB is the principal financing
focus on training, development, and poverty allevia- institution of the Organization of the Islamic Con-
tion across Lebanon. She is the sister of Imam Musa ference. Al-Madani is keen on taking the IDB to the
al-Sadr. next level of excellence with Vision 1440H, a plan
156
that aims at alleviating poverty, eradicating illiteracy,
providing better health facilities to people, strength-
Asia
ening ties with the private sector and NGOs, and
women’s development. Previously, Al-Madani served INDIA
as the Deputy Minister of Education in Saudi Ara-
bia, and as Secretary General of the Muslim World Premji, Azim
League. He currently serves as a Member of the Premji is an Indian business tycoon and philanthro-
Board of Trustees of King Abdullah University of pist who is the Chairman of Wipro Limited, a leader
Science and Technology. in the software industry. In 2011, he was awarded
Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES by the Government of India. In 2013, he signed the
Giving Pledge, agreeing to give away at least half of
HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin his wealth and has given away billions in charity since
Mohammed Al-Qassimi then. The Azim Premji Foundation supports pro-
Sheikh Sultan is the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah. grams that reach more than 2.5 million children. It
He had the educational vision to start University City also pledged $134 million towards providing aid for
in 1997, which included the American University of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharjah, the University of Sharjah, and other colleg-
es. Since then, his vision has inspired neighbouring Qasmi, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal
emirates and countries to emulate his endeavour of Maulana Badruddin Ajmal is a prominent Indian
bringing world-class university education to the re- businessman who runs the Ajmal Group of Compa-
gion . He is known for his philanthropic activities nies, which sells attar perfume, oils, and textiles. He
and has endowed chairs for Arabic and Islamic stud- is a proponent and member of various social service
ies in Western universities (e. g. Exeter University). organisations and is also a scholar of Islam, having
He is also an accomplished poet and an academic. studied at the Darul Uloom Deoband. Qasmi is also
a politician who founded the Assam United Demo-
cratic Front political party. He is noted for his con-
Sub-Saharan Africa tributions to charitable hospitals, orphanages and
educational institutions, including a women’s science
college.
SOUTH AFRICA
INDONESIA
Sooliman, Dr Imtiaz Ismail
Sooliman is the founder of the Gift of the Givers Bagir, Haidar
Foundation. It is the largest disaster relief organisa- Haidar Bagir is the founder and Director of Mizan,
tion of African origin on the African continent. His a large publishing company that significantly shapes
organisation has delivered over $250 million in aid the development of Islamic discourse in Indonesia.
to 45 countries around the world. The organisation Bagir has founded and lectured in many education-
has also designed and developed the world’s first and al institutions, and his philanthropic contributions
largest containerised mobile hospital, which has been include work on community development. He has
deployed in Bosnia. It also runs 24 development pro- written extensively on sufism.
jects in South Africa and Malawi. He was awarded
South Africa’s Order of the Baobab for distinguished MALAYSIA
service in April 2010. In 2016, he received the Global
Citizen Award from Henley and Partners in London. Al-Bukhary, Syed Mokhtar
Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary is one of the top ten
richest Malaysians. He owns a variety of companies
including the Malaysian Mining Corporation, a be-
hemoth that has been awarded multiple, multi-bil-
lion-dollar projects. He was recently awarded a 5G
contract from the government, showing his political
connections. He has established many humanitari-
157
an projects including rebuilding the lives of Afghan
refugees, helping Pakistan’s tsunami victims, and es-
Europe
tablishing an AIDS hospital in Uganda. He also sup-
ports many educational foundations. UNITED KINGDOM

PAKISTAN Al-Banna, Dr Hany

Al-Banna founded Islamic Relief, the largest West-
Rizvi, Professor Dr Adib ern-based international Muslim relief and develop-
Dr Rizvi is one of Pakistan’s leading humanitarians, ment NGO. Established in 1984, the organisation
having established the largest free health organisa- provides assistance in over 30 countries worldwide.
tion in Pakistan. He works as a doctor and an ad- HM the late Queen Elizabeth honoured Al-Ban-
ministrator at SIUT in Karachi, which was founded na’s work, giving him an OBE for his services to the
in 1971 as an eight-bed unit but is now the largest community. In 2015, Islamic Relief signed a memo-
health organisation in Pakistan. SIUT provides free randum of understanding with the African Union,
and comprehensive services in urology, nephrology, formalising a partnership to tackle poverty in the
transplantation and liver-related diseases. He is the continent.
recipient of many awards for his life’s work.
Ismail, Sufyan
SINGAPORE Sufyan Ismail is an award-winning Entrepreneur and
Philanthropist whose enterprises have been featured
Faizal, Mohamed in The Sunday Times Top 100 listings. Having retired
Mr Mohamed Faizal is a passionate champion of edu- from business in 2014, aged 38, he founded Muslim
cational initiatives who has conceived of scholarship Engagement and Development (MEND) to tackle
programmes specifically targeted at lower-income Islamophobia. MEND engages in media monitor-
students. He has received the President’s Volunteer- ing, advocacy in Parliament, works with police forc-
ism and Philanthropy Award, being the second Mus- es, local councils and, most importantly, empowers
lim in its history to receive it. Many in Singapore’s grass-roots Muslim communities. Today, MEND
Muslim community consider him the foremost jurist employs dozens of staff members across offices na-
on the MUIS Appeal Board, the city-state’s highest tionally dedicated to protecting Islam and Muslims
body of Islamic law. He is the only Muslim Senior in the UK and internationally. Over 40,000 Muslims
Counsel in Singapore. have sat through MEND’s Islamophobia presenta-
tions and around 3,500 people have been trained on
its media/politics masterclasses. The World Econom-
ic Forum and the EU’s The Parliament magazine have
commended MEND’s work.

Will you not then remember?

Those Who Set The Ranks, 155
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

158
 SOCIAL ISSUES

Middle East and North Africa for peace. Dr Abu Elaish’s book, I Shall Not Hate:
A Gaza Doctor’s Journey—the story of his loss of his
three daughters, Bessan, Mayar, and Aya, and their
EGYPT cousin Noor to Israeli shelling in 2009 and his subse-
quent transformation—has achieved critical acclaim.
Karam, Dr Azza Published in 2010 and translated into 17 languages,
Dr Azza Karam is the Secretary General of the World the book has become an international best seller. It
Conference of Religions for Peace. She previously is a testament to his commitment to forgiveness as
served as the senior advisor on social and cultural de- the solution to conflict, and the catalyst towards
velopment at the United Nations Population Fund, peace. He has received a number of national and in-
and was a senior policy research advisor at the United ternational awards for his work, including The Public
Nations Development Programme, where she coor- Peace Prize in 2014.
dinated the Arab Human Development Reports. She
also holds the endowed Professor position of Reli- Abu Sarah, Aziz
gion and Sustainable Development at Amsterdam’s Aziz Abu Sarah is a Palestinian activist who is glob-
Vrije Universiteit. ally recognised for his work on peace and conflict
resolution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is a
IRAN former Executive Director of the Centre for World
Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at
Ebadi, Shirin George Mason University. He was named as Nation-
Shirin Ebadi is a lawyer who, in 2003, became the al Geographic Explorer in 2011, and a TED fellow
first Iranian to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She is the in 2014. He was the First Intercultural Innovation
founder of Children’s Rights Support Association Award winner, an award issued in partnership by the
and has defended and supported the rights of chil- UNAOC and BMW. Aziz has published articles at
dren and women. Ebadi lectures about the human The New York Times, Washington Post, Alarabiya, Na-
rights situation in Iran and espouses a liberal view tional Geographic and others. His new book, Crossing
of Islam appreciated by many Muslim feminists. Boundaries, a Traveler’s Guide to World Peace, was
Since the presidential elections of 2009, she has been published in 2020.
forced to live in exile (in London) while her husband
is barred from travelling out of Iran. Al-Faqih, Judge Kholoud
Faqih made history when she became the first female
MOROCCO Shari’a judge in the Middle East (in Ramallah, Pales-
tine). She has travelled internationally to speak about
Al-Soufi, Nawal her struggles in succeeding in a male-dominated field
Nawal Al-Soufi won the UAE “Arab Hope Maker” and has become an inspiration to many women out-
Prize in 2017 and was awarded 1 million AED for side the Middle East as well. She ranked number 10
her dedication to the cause of helping refugees. She in the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women in 2012 by
arranged rescue missions for Syrian refugees fleeing CEO Middle East and Arabian Business magazines.
across the Mediterranean Sea. An award-winning documentary, The Judge, was
made about her life in 2018.
PALESTINE
Al-Hroub, Hanan
Abu Elaish, Dr Izzeldin A schoolteacher from occupied Palestine who won
Izzeldin Abu Elaish is a Palestinian physician and The Global Teacher Prize in 2016, Hanan Al-Hroub
internationally recognised peace and human rights started teaching traumatised Palestinian children
activist devoted to advancing health and education- who had faced violence, or whose parents had been
al opportunities for women and girls in the Middle shot in front of them. Hanan Al-Hroub instilled
East. He is also known for using health as a vehicle confidence, self-esteem, and the ability to live a nor-
159
mal childhood in her students. She published a book Obaid, Thoraya Ahmed
entitled Play and Learn that includes educational Thoraya Obaid is one of the few Saudi women on
games that help children overcome the challenges the Shura Council. She was formerly the Executive
they face. Director of the United Nations Population Fund,
the world’s largest multilateral fund for population
Tamimi, Ahed assistance. She was the first Saudi national to head
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 117 a UN agency and was also Chair of the High-level
Committee on Management of the United Nations
QATAR System Chief Executives Board for Coordination,
the principal inter-agency organisation for coordi-
HH Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser Al-Thani nating management matters within the UN. She un-
Sheikha Aisha al-Thani is the Founder of the Doha derlined religion and culture as important aspects for
Academy and Board Member of Reach Out to Asia, the agency’s development work.
Qatar. She is also a member of the Qatar Supreme
Education Council, the highest education authori- UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
ty in Qatar. She is a modernist development thinker
who promotes a more pronounced and well-judged Al-Ameri, Khalid (new)
engagement with people of faith. Sheikha Aisha’s Khalid Al Ameri is a content creator with millions of
perspective resonates with the more concerted ef- followers on his social media platforms and hundreds
forts by humanitarian organisations to look at the of millions of views on his youtube channel. His
networks of people of faith as a solution to practical videos showcase humanitarian efforts as well global
development problems. multiculturalism with the aim of promoting better
understanding and harmony. Many of his videos have
Al-Thani, Dr Abdulla bin Ali also looked at aspects of family life and love.
Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani is the President of the
Hamad Bin Khalifa University in the State of Qatar Barakat, Maha
and is Chairman of the World Innovation Summit Maha Barakat was appointed Director-General of
for Education (WISE). Dr Abdullah, a member of the recently established Frontline Heroes Office
Qatar’s ruling family and a former university profes- (The Fakhr Al Watan Office) which aims to support
sor, is the man at the centre of many of Qatar’s educa- all frontline workers in the UAE. She also serves as
tional initiatives and is leading the way to transform the Board Chair of the RBM Partnership to End Ma-
Qatar’s education system. laria, having previously been the Director General of
the Health Authority Abu Dhabi from 2013-2018.
SAUDI ARABIA Prior to that she worked at the Imperial College
London Diabetes Centre which she founded in Abu
Badawi, Samar Dhabi. She was awarded an OBE in 2010 and given
Samar Badawi is a Saudi Arabian human rights activ- the Imperial College Medal in 2013. An outstanding
ist. She has been arrested several times, imprisoned academic with a PhD from Cambridge University,
and been subject to a travel ban. She has campaigned she serves on various boards and committees related
for women driving, women voting and other women to research and development issues in the medical
and human rights issues. She has received interna- field.
tional recognition for her activism. Her recent arrest
in 2018, alongside fellow activist Nassima Al-Sadah, Mattar, Dr Maryam
prompted a defence from Canada and then a re- Dr Maryam Mattar is Director General of the Com-
sponse from Saudi Arabia leading to a major diplo- munity Development Authority (CDA), a newly
matic falling out between the two countries. She was launched Dubai government authority that takes
released from prison in June 2021. responsibility for setting up and developing frame-
works for social development. She is also the founder
Al-Hathloul, Loujain and Executive Director of two non-profit civil asso-
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 117 ciations: UAE Down’s Syndrome Association and
UAE Genetic Diseases Association. She has also
initiated several national community outreach pro-
160
grammes such as UAE Free of Thalassemia by 2012 d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso on the development of the
and established a number of wellness centres. She re- Muslim community and the fair treatment of Mus-
ceived the Arab Women's Pioneer Award for Health lims. He has been active at major international con-
Innovation 2019. ferences that deal with the problem of Islamophobia.

YEMEN GAMBIA, THE

Karman, Tawakkol Bensouda, Fatou

Karman was one of three women jointly awarded the Bensouda is former Chief Prosecutor of the Interna-
Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. She is a Yemeni journal- tional Criminal Court, being the first African wom-
ist and activist who has regularly led protests against an to hold such a position. She has been the Interna-
the government. Over the past several years, she has tional Criminal Court's chief prosecutor since June
campaigned for the release of political prisoners and 2012, after having served as a Deputy Prosecutor in
advocated freedom of expression and other human charge of the Prosecutions Division of the ICC since
rights. These activities have caused her to be jailed 2004. She is the former Attorney General and Minis-
several times. She has repeatedly called for an end to ter of Justice of The Gambia. In September 2020, the
US drone strikes in Yemen. More recently, she has Trump administration named Bensouda a “specially
spoken out against both the Houthi coup and the designated national”, forbidding all US persons and
“Saudi-UAE occupation” of Yemen. companies from doing business with her. The Biden
administration revoked this in 2021.

Sub-Saharan Africa GHANA

Ibrahim, Sheikh Mustapha

BURKINA FASO Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim is a religious scholar who
has written over 20 books. He is among the few Is-
Aboubakary, Maiga lamic scholars in Ghana who have had the benefits
Aboubakary is the Secretary General of the Burkina of both classical Islamic training (the madrasah study
Faso Islamic Organization for Population and Devel- circle) and the modern secular model. He founded
opment. His organisation promotes family planning the Islamic Council for Development and Humani-
in mosques around the country. The tremendous tarian Services (ICODEHS) in 1996 to help reduce
growth rate in Burkina Faso has put great strain on the high level of poverty in society and empower the
the economy there and threatens to sharpen the al- less privileged. In collaboration with several partner
ready serious problem of poverty. NGOs in the Arab and Muslim world, ICODEHS’
humanitarian footprints have spread throughout
BURUNDI Ghana and into 12 other countries in West Africa.

Nkunduwiga, Haruna MALAWI

Nkunduwiga is the Secretary General of the Muslim
Community of Burundi. He has been working re- Chabulika, Sheikh Dinala
cently to battle the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Burun- Chabulika is the Islamic Information Bureau’s na-
di with other faith leaders by raising awareness and tional coordinator. He is known as an Islamic rights
asking people to “stay clean”. HIV/AIDS is a serious activist and has taken it upon himself to present the
problem in Burundi, affecting close to 20 percent of need to address social issues as religious duties. Chab-
the urban population and nearly 10 percent of the ulika works on health and exploitation issues as well
rural population. as building bridges with non-Muslims in Malawi. He
also fought against the forced teaching of religious
COTE D'IVOIRE texts to schoolchildren.

Abdoulaziz, Sheikh Sarba

Abdoulaziz is the leader of the Association Soulatine
pour les Actions de Bienfaisance. He works in Côte
161
UN World Interfaith Harmony Week
www. worldinterfaithharmonyweek. com
In September 2010, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan proposed a World Interfaith Harmony Week at the
Plenary session of the 65th United Nations General Assembly in New York. This was a call to establish a week every
year where people of all faiths, and those of no faith, would promote the message of ‘Love of God, and Love of the
neighbour’, or ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour’. The Draft Resolution for the World Interfaith Harmo-
ny Week was later written and presented by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Chief Advisor to King Abdullah
II for Religious and Cultural Affairs and Personal Envoy of King Abdullah II, before the United Nations General
Assembly where it was unanimously adopted on 20 October 2010.
UN Resolution A/65/PV. 34; the World Interfaith Harmony Week, as it is called, recognises the first week of
February of every year as a time when people of all faiths, and those of no faith, work together to promote and cel-
ebrate religious and cultural understanding and cooperation, to address each other in favourable terms drawn from
their own traditions and to accept and respect ‘the other’ based on the foundations of ‘Love of God, and Love of the
Neighbour’, or ‘Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbour’. Remarkably the World Interfaith Harmony Week
excludes no one and includes and unites everyone.

The HM King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize

The Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan established the World In-
terfaith Harmony Week Prize in 2013 to recognise the three best events or texts or-
ganised during the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week (first week of February)
which best promote the goals of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. Prizes are
awarded to each event or text that is judged to have been most successful in
promoting interfaith harmony and impacting religious understanding. Since
2014, this prize has been known as the King Abdullah II World Interfaith
Harmony Week Prize. The prizes are:
First $5,000 and a gold medal
Second $3,000 and a silver medal
Third $1,000 and a bronze medal
In 2021, over 1,020 events held in over 50 countries were registered on the
site. They were arranged by groups as diverse as government agencies, social
groups, schools, private individuals and of course the numerous interfaith organi-
sations that exist worldwide.

162
 NIGER became the first woman to run for President of So-
malia. Despite pulling out at the last minute, she has
Mindaoudou, Dodo Aichatou nevertheless raised awareness on the monumental
Mindaoudou is a former Nigerian Minister of For- roles Somali women continue to play in peacebuild-
eign Affairs, Cooperation, and African Integrity. She ing and state-building since independence. Born in
has served the government since the mid-1990s and Kenya to illiterate parents, she didn’t learn to read
is also the former Secretary-General for the Network and write until she was 14. At 17, she moved to
for Rural Law. Ms Mindaoudou has written exten- Finland and completed two master’s degrees before
sively about economic development and women’s winning a fellowship to study public administration
issues. She is one of the most senior-level women pol- at Harvard.
iticians in West Africa having been the UN Special
Representative for Côte d’Ivoire, Head of the United Elmi, Asha Haji
Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) from Asha Haji Elmi is a peace activist and a former mem-
2013-2017 and in 2020, she was appointed co-chair ber of the Federal Parliament of Somalia. In 2008,
by the World Health Organization (WHO) of an in- she won the Right Livelihood Award (known as the
dependent commission to investigate claims of abuse alternative Nobel Prize). She is an activist for wom-
by aid workers. en’s rights and formed the Six Clan 125 movement
when women were excluded from the peace process
NIGERIA in Somalia that involved the five traditional clans.
Elmi is also the founder of Save Somali Women and
Ashafa, Imam Muhammad Children (SSWC) and campaigns internationally
Ashafa is the Co-director of the Muslim-Christian against female genital mutilation in Somalia and in
Interfaith Mediation Centre in the city of Kaduna other areas of Africa.
(Northern Nigeria), a leading task force that resolves
conflicts across the country. He works with Christian
Pastor James Wuye to promote peace between reli- Asia
gions. Previously, both leaders encouraged hatred of
others, but they changed their ways after being injured
and affected by inter-religious violence. Pastor Wuye AFGHANISTAN
and Imam Ashafa have gained a worldwide audience
and intense interest in their story by speaking about Joya, Malalai
their successful work in resolving conflicts. In April Malalai is a well-known activist, writer, and a former
2013, they were awarded the first prize in the World politician from Afghanistan. She was a Parliamentar-
Interfaith Harmony Week by the Royal Aal al-Bayt ian in the National Assembly of Afghanistan, later to
Institute for Islamic Thought in Amman, Jordan. be dismissed for publicly condemning the Afghan
Parliament. She was the first ever to speak against the
SENEGAL democratically elected Karzai administration and its
western supporters, specifically the United States.
Kane, Zeinaba She is renowned for her attempts to teach women
Zeinaba Kane is the President of Women of the Ras- and girls to read and write in the refugee camp where
semblement Islamique du Sénégal (Alwahda), the she resided during the Soviet-Afghan war. She fled
largest Islamic organisation in Senegal, having over Afghanistan after the Taliban take over and is now
40 Islamic associations operating within it. Kane taking refuge in Spain.
works on the improvement of living conditions for
rural women in Senegal. She has written many arti- Samar, Dr Sima
cles and is frequently interviewed by the media. Sima Samar is a medical doctor who lived as a refugee
for over a decade. She established the Shuhada Clinic
SOMALIA to provide health care for fellow Afghan women refu-
gees in Pakistan. Upon her return to Afghanistan she
Dayib, Faduma served as Minister of Women's Affairs of Afghanistan
Dayib is a development expert and a social change (2001 to 2003). She has established an institute of
activist. In 2016, defying many death threats, she higher education and carries on human rights work
163
 both nationally and internationally. She was State dialogue and understanding between Uyghurs and
Minister for Human Rights and International Re- Chinese. Frequently harassed and arrested, in 2014
lations in Afghanistan before the ministry was dis- he was sentenced to life imprisonment on charg-
solved in 2020. es of separatism. Much of the evidence against him
included his teaching materials and interviews with
BANGLADESH foreign journalists. For his work in the face of adver-
sity he was awarded the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith
Hossain, Dr Hameeda Freedom to Write Award (2014), the Martin Ennals
Dr Hossain has published many books and articles Award (2016), the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize
relating to human rights and women’s issues in Bang- (2019), and the Sakharov Prize (2019). Current re-
ladesh and around the world. She is a founding mem- ports estimate over a million Uyghurs have been
ber of Ain o Salish Kendra, a legal aid and human detained in internment camps undergoing “re-edu-
rights organisation. She received the Bangladesh De- cation” and forced abortions and sterilisation as the
velopment Initiative's (BDI) Lifetime Achievement intensity of the Chinese crackdown on Muslim prac-
Award in 2021. tice in the eastern region continues.

Sultana, Razia INDIA

Razia Sultana is a Bangladeshi lawyer and human
rights activist who has worked tirelessly for the Ro- Bano, Bilkis
hingya people. She interviewed hundreds of Rohing- Bilkis Bano, known popularly as Dadi (grandmoth-
ya women and published their accounts of sexual er), is an 82-year-old woman who inspired protests in
violence by the Burmese security forces. She is a coor- India against the controversial Citizenship Amend-
dinator of the Free Rohingya Coalition (FRC) and a ment Act and the National Register of Citizens
director of the Arakan Rohingya National Organiza- (NRC), both of which discriminate against Muslims.
tion (ARNO). She won the International Women of Her Gandhian style of protest attracted thousands of
Courage Award 2019. mainly Muslim women in the Delhi locality Shaheen
Bagh and continued unabated for 100 days until a
Yunus, Mohammad COVID-19 lockdown was enforced. The Indian
Mohammad Yunus is the founder of the Grameen government’s arrests and assaults on the protests are
Bank. He developed the concept of microcredit another front in the battle for India’s soul (Gandhi vs
for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in RSS – Hindu Nationalism) and democracy.
2006. His efforts focus on creating economic and
social development, helping the impoverished escape Khan, Dr Saniyasnain
poverty by providing loans on terms suitable to them, Dr Khan has been a prolific writer of children’s
and teaching them sound financial principles. Yunus’ books. He established Goodword Books in 1999
work has been recognized by many international or- and has published over 100 titles. His books focus on
ganisations, including the King Hussein Foundation, Islamic themes and have been translated into many
Jordan, and UNESCO. In 2012, he was named the languages. He is the trustee of CPS International,
Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, Scot- which aims to promote a culture of peace through
land. In 2016, United Nations Secretary General Ban mind-based spirituality. He is a regular contributor
Ki-moon appointed him to the High-Level Commis- of articles in various newspapers and magazines as
sion on Health Employment and Economic Growth. well as hosting a weekly TV show.
Recently, he has represented the People's Vaccine Al-
liance and initiated the “Make COVID-19 Vaccine Ramzan, Dr Mubeena
A Global Common Good” campaign. Dr Mubeena Ramzan educates and empowers wom-
en in Kashmir. She runs the Jamia Islamia Mahdul
CHINA Muslimat, based in Sopore and in Srinagar and also
heads a socio-religious organisation, Ansar un Nisa.
Tohti, Ilham The former institute graduates ulimaa’ (religious
Ilham Tohti is the most renowned Uyghur public scholars) whilst the latter provides a helping hand to
intellectual in the People’s Republic of China. For the needy, would-be brides, widows and orphans and
over two decades he has worked tirelessly to foster also establishes vocational training centres.
164
 INDONESIA of the Qur’an in the local language and provides ser-
vices to the victims of domestic violence.
Siradj, Professor KH Said Aqil
Siradj served as the Nahdlatul Ulama Chairman PAKISTAN
from 2010 to the end of 2021. He had previously
served on Indonesia’s National Commission for Hu- Mazari, Muniba
man Rights and was a strong advocate for minority Muniba Mazari is an artist, motivational speaker,
rights. He has an extensive academic background in humanitarian, TV host, model and Pakistan's First
the Islamic sciences and regards education as a tool Goodwill Ambassador to UN Women Pakistan. She
for development. He founded the Said Aqil Centre derives her strength from the tragic car accident that
in Egypt, a study centre that focuses on developing took place when she was 21 which left her wheel-
Islamic discourse, particularly in the Arab World. He chair-bound. Since then, she has been a pioneering
is involved in various organisations addressing social voice heard in different countries around the world,
and religious issues. being a motivational speaker through TEDx, En-
trepreneurs' Organization (EO), Young Presidents’
MALAYSIA Organization (YPO), VCon Malaysia, VCon Dubai,
and several others. In June 2019, Muniba was ap-
Anwar, Zainah pointed by former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, to be
Zainah Anwar co-founded two ground-breaking a part of Pakistan’s first-ever National Youth Council.
women’s groups to promote the rights of women She has over 5 million followers on different social
living in Muslim contexts. She is the co-founder media platforms.
and Director of Musawah: A Global Movement
for Equality and Justice in the Muslim Family. Pri- Yousafzai, Malala
or to this, she founded and was Executive Direc- Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 118
tor of Sisters in Islam, an organisation committed
to gender issues and increasing respect for women. PHILIPPINES
She is also a journalist who has contributed to the
New Straits Times and The Star—the country’s two Rasul, Santanina Tillah
main newspapers—and has written a book about The first Muslim woman elected to the Senate of the
Islam in Malaysia. She addressed the World Eco- Philippines, former Senator Santanina Tillah Rasul
nomic Forum in Davos and delivered a keynote ad- is also the founder and Chair of the Magbassa Kita
dress at Harvard University titled “Islam, Human (“Let us Read”) Foundation Inc, which focuses on
Rights, and Activism”. Newsweek and The Daily literacy and education. She is noted for her work on
Beast named Anwar one of the 150 women “Who women’s empowerment, effective civil service, im-
Shake the World”. proved literacy for the Muslims of Mindanao, and
equitable treatment of Muslims of the Philippines.
NEPAL She authored much landmark legislation, including
the Women in Development and Nation-Building
Siddiqui, Mohammadi Act that empowered women. She also allocated de-
Mohammadi Siddiqui is a pioneering female Muslim velopment funds for women’s initiatives and opened
politician, social worker, and human rights activist. the Philippine Military Academy to women. A peace
She established the Fatima Foundation in 2003 to champion, she was a member of the government
ensure Muslim women’s rights on two related fronts: panel during the peace talks with the Moro National
the personal daily struggle of women against dis- Liberation Front that led to a peace agreement that
crimination; and the social and legal practices that was signed in 1996. In 2019 she was conferred the
influence women’s independence and access to basic Tandang Sora Award.
rights. The foundation organises Muslim women’s
groups and works with religious scholars and wom- Rasul-Bernardo, Amina
en leaders to educate women and raise awareness of Amina Rasul-Bernardo, an advocate for peace and
their rights in order to advocate for the practice of ac- democracy, is President and co-founder of the Phil-
tual Islamic law and ensure social justice for women. ippine Centre for Islam and Democracy (PCID) and
The foundation also publishes books and translations a columnist with Business World. Appointed Director
165
 of the Mindanao Development Authority, she was a School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation
member of the cabinet of former President Fidel V in Bangkok. In the 1990s, Sabur served as coordina-
Ramos, former Commissioner for Women, former Di- tor of the Asian Cultural Forum on Development
rector of the Development Bank of the Philippines, (ACFOD). He has edited a number of publications
and Director of the Philippine National Oil Corpora- on peace and dialogue in Southeast Asia, including:
tion. She led the organisation of the National Ulama “Understanding Human Rights: Perspectives from
Conference of the Philippines and the Noorus Salam South Asia”, “Interfaith Conference on the Culture
(Light of Peace), a national network of female schol- of Peace”, “Globalization and Asian Perspectives for
ars and Muslim women civil society leaders. She also an Alternative Development”, and “Towards Peace in
led the development of an Islamic Model for Peace Multi-Ethnic Asia”.
Education for Mindanao. The UN Act for Peace Pro-
gramme named her the Mindanao Peace Champion
in 2010. In 2013, she won second place in the UN Europe
World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize.

SRI LANKA BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Ismail, Jezima Mahmutćehajić, Prof Dr Rusmir

An educator for over three decades, Jezima Ismail Rusmir Mahmutćehajić is a Bosnian academic, au-
is the Chairperson of People’s Action for Free and thor, and former statesman. Considered one of Bos-
Fair Elections (PAFFREL), President Emeritus and nia’s leading intellectuals and public figures, he is the
Founder of the Sri Lanka Muslim Women’s Confer- foremost advocate of the idea of a diverse Bosnia.
ence (SLMWC), Founder and Chairperson of the A scholar of the Muslim intellectual tradition and
Academy of Adult Education for Women (AAEW), a contributor to contemporary Muslim thought
Member of the Board of Management for the Center and the liberal interpretation of Islam, Professor
for Human Rights at the University of Colombo, Mahmutćehajić has served his country as Deputy
Coordinator of the Muslim Women’s Research and Prime Minister and as Energy Minister through the
Action Forum, Vice-President of the Girl Guides As- process of independence and much of the war (1991-
sociation, and a member of the Board of Directors of 95). For the past 15 years, he has been President of
Helpage in Sri Lanka. In 1989, the Government of International Forum Bosnia, which is dedicated to
Sri Lanka conferred on her the title of Deshabandhu, the development of critical intelligence and a plural
the third highest national honour. society in Bosnia. He is the author of more than 20
books in Bosnian, some 12 of which have been pub-
Marsoof, Justice Saleem lished in multiple languages, and author of several
Justice Dr Saleem Marsoof is a former President of hundred academic articles and essays.
the Court of Appeal, a Judge of the Supreme Court
and Acting Chief Justice. Throughout his career Jus- Muftić, Elmedina (new)
tice Marsoof has played major roles in the fields of Elmedina Muftić is a journalist, author and social and
higher education and law reform as well as major political activist, having published over 500 articles
contributions in the field of Company Takeovers and on the impact of the genocide in Bosnia and the role
Mergers, Arbitration Law and Muslim Matrimonial of women in Bosniak society. Elmedina's life mission
Law. He is the founding President of the University is to ensure that the victims of the Bosnian genocide
of Colombo Muslim Majlis, Vice-President of the are never forgotten. Her passion is to raise Bosniaks’
YMMA Central and Chairman of the Zahira Col- awareness of who they are, to awaken their dignity
lege Colombo Board of Governors. and cultural pride, and to fight for their historical
and traditional heritage.
THAILAND
UNITED KINGDOM
Sabur, M Abdus
Sabur is the Secretary General and co-founder of Henzell-Thomas, Dr Jeremy
the Asian Resource Foundation and the Asian Mus- Dr Henzell-Thomas has been a major force as a writ-
lim Action Network. He is also Co-director of the er, editor, lecturer and advisor in the campaign to
166
reform education in the Muslim world and the way sion, Chowdhury studied Islamic theology in Madi-
Islam tends to be treated in Western educational nah, specialising in Islamic finance, personal law, and
circles. He founded the Book Foundation, served as Islamic medical ethics. He also runs a successful mul-
first Chair of FAIR (UK Forum against Islamopho- tinational IT company, and is a corporate trainer and
bia and Racism) and now serves as Associate Editor business coach to many successful people worldwide.
of Critical Muslim. He remains a Research Associate
at the Centre of Islamic Studies at Cambridge, serves
as an Executive Committee member of the Associa- North America
tion of Muslim Social Scientists UK and is a Fellow
at the Royal Society of Arts. His most recent pub-
lication is Rethinking Reform in Higher Education: CANADA
From Islamization to Integration (co-authored with
Ziauddin Sardar). Dayrit, Flordeliza
Flordeliza Dayrit is the co-founder and COO of
Qureshi, Khawar MuslimKids TV, the category leader in children’s
Khawar Qureshi QC is one of the world’s leading streaming services for Muslim audiences. The Mus-
advocates on international arbitration, administra- limKids TV platform has over 5,000 video titles,
tive and constitutional law, public international law interactive games, and eBooks available in over 60
and commercial litigation. He was the youngest ad- countries. Flordeliza began her career in 2004 as
vocate ever to have appeared before the International Co-producer of the documentary series “A New Life
Court of Justice in 1993 for Bosnia’s genocide case in a New Land: The Muslim Experience in Canada”
against Yugoslavia. From 1999 to 2006, he remained (Vision TV, SCN, CLT). In 2006, Flordeliza worked
one of only 20 barristers which the UK Government as an Art Director for several TV projects in Cairo,
had appointed for representing it in civil matters. He Egypt. She then started writing and directing TV
routinely appears at the International Court of Jus- series in 2007 with the “Hurray for Baba Ali” series,
tice, most recently as the counsel for Pakistan in the which has been viewed over 17 million times on
Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the Indian spy convicted YouTube.
on charges of terrorism, espionage and sabotage. He
has been a Deputy High Court Judge and Bencher of Kutty, Faisal
Middle Temple since 2014, as well as having taught A leading North American Muslim lawyer, Fais-
Commercial Law, International Law and Interna- al Kutty is outspoken on issues of human rights,
tional Arbitration at Cambridge University, King’s Islamic thought and anti-terror legislation. He is
College, University of London. principal lawyer at Kutty & Associates, a respected
Toronto law firm with an international client base.
He co-founded the Canadian Muslim Civil Liberties
Oceania Association and served as its first legal counsel and
previously served as the vice-chair and legal counsel
to the Canadian Council on American Islamic Rela-
AUSTRALIA tions (now renamed the National Council of Cana-
dian Muslims). He is a widely invited public speaker
Chowdhury, Sheikh Tawfique and has written numerous op-eds, academic articles,
Chowdhury is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of papers, reviews and essays on topics ranging from na-
Mercy Mission, one of the world’s fastest-growing tional security to religion and law.
Muslim social enterprises. Its premier programme
is the AlKauthar Institute (alkauthar. org), which of- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
fers courses in Islamic disciplines to the general pub-
lic through a medium that is accessible to working Awad, Nihad
professionals. When AlKauthar initially launched in Nihad Awad is the co-founder and Executive Direc-
2005, its offerings were limited to Australia. AlKau- tor of the Council on American Islamic Relations
thar Institute has since spread its reach across the (CAIR). CAIR is the most prominent Muslim lobby
Western world, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, In- group in the US and is frequently sought out by the
donesia, and Malaysia. A medical doctor by profes- media and politicians for the Islamic perspective on
167
 events. Awad is one of the signatories of “A Common interfaith bridge-building, Imam Magid was among
Word Between Us and You” and participates regu- the 10 Washingtonians of the Year in 2010 presented
larly in the US Department of State’s International with Washingtonian Magazine’s award for outstand-
Visitor Leadership Program. Awad coordinated the ing leadership. He has served as an advisor to many in
formal release of the “Open Letter to Al-Baghdadi”, Washington, including President Obama.
signed by over 120 leading Muslim scholars and aca-
demics, which rejected the extremist teachings pro- Mogahed, Dalia
moted by DA'ISH. Dalia Mogahed is the Director of Research at the In-
stitute for Social Policy and Understanding. She was
Beydoun, Khaled previously a Senior Analyst and Executive Director
Khaled A Beydoun is a scholar on Islamophobia, civil at the Gallup Centre for Muslim Studies, as well as
liberties and constitutional law. He lectures frequent- the Director of the Muslim West Facts Project. For-
ly and regularly writes for leading media outlets. His mer President Obama appointed her to serve on the
2008 book, American Islamophobia: The Roots and Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighbor-
Rise of Fear has been published to wide acclaim, and hood Partnerships, making her the first hijab-wear-
will be followed in 2023 with his new book, The New ing Muslim woman to hold a White House advisory
Crusades: Islamophobia and the Global War on Mus- position. Mogahed has also held high positions in the
lims. He serves as Associate Professor of Law at the US-Muslim Engagement Project and is co-author of
Wayne State University School of Law, and currently the book Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Mus-
serves on the US Commission for Civil Rights. In a lims Really Think.
Twitter campaign, Beydoun asked his followers to
“Boycott the 2022 Olympics in Beijing China — Sarsour, Linda
where a Uyghur Muslim genocide is currently taking Linda Sarsour is an American-Palestinian human
place,” and he has raised awareness and millions of rights and social justice activist, and a campaigner
dollars for humanitarian causes. Beydoun holds de- against increasing Islamophobia in the United States.
gree from the University of Michigan, UCLA and Sarsour is the Executive Director of the Arab Amer-
Harvard. ican Association of New York and Senior Strategist
for the Campaign to Take on Hate. She is also the
Khan, Salman Co-founder of the Muslim Democratic Club of New
Salman Khan is a pioneer of online learning, having York, the first of its kind in New York City. Her
founded the Khan Academy in 2008. The online numerous distinctions include: the White House’s
educational website features more than 5,500 mi- Champion of Change, the New York City Council’s
ni-lectures, free of charge, to anyone in the world. Shirley Chisholm Women of Distinction Award, and
The videos are hosted on YouTube and teach a variety CAIR’s inaugural American Muslim of the Year. Lin-
of subjects, such as: mathematics, history, health- da has also written for—and been featured in—local,
care, medicine, finance, physics, chemistry, biology, national, and international media on issues related to
astronomy, economics, cosmology, organic chemis- Arab-Muslim American communities, immigration,
try, American civics, art history, macroeconomics, criminal justice issues, and Middle East affairs. In
microeconomics, and computer science. Khan pub- March 2020, Simon & Schuster published Sarsour’s
lished his international best seller, The One World autobiography, We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders.
School House, in October 2012. As of July 2022, the
Khan Academy channel on YouTube has 7.33 million
subscribers, and its videos have been viewed more
than 1.97 billion times.

Magid, Imam Mohammed

An outstanding figure in interfaith activities, Imam
Magid is the Executive Director and Imam of the
ADAMS Centre in Virginia, and former President
of ISNA. He is an advocate for youth and women,
and serves on the FBI’s Muslim, Sikh, and Arab Advi-
sory Committee. In recognition of his efforts toward
168
 BUSINESS

Middle East and North Africa JORDAN

Abu-Ghazaleh, Talal
BAHRAIN Abu-Ghazaleh is the Chairman and founder of the
organisation by his name. He is credited with in-
Al-Zayani, Afnan troducing the concept of intellectual property to
Afnan Al-Zayani is the CEO of Al-Zayani Commer- the Arab World. Abu-Ghazaleh has been selected
cial Services (AZCS), a multimillion-dollar corpo- as Deputy Chairman of the UN Global Compact,
ration. She is responsible for the passing of personal as well as being appointed by the UN as Chair of
status laws in Bahrain that ensure the protection of UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development. He
Muslim women’s rights in divorce and custody pro- is the only person who is not from one of the G8
ceedings, something she oversaw during her leader- countries to be listed in the IP Hall of Fame in Chi-
ship of the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS). cago, US.
Subsequently, Al-Zayani led the Middle East and
North Africa Businesswomen’s Network. In 2010, KUWAIT
she received the Leadership in Public Life Award
from Vital Voices, a women’s empowerment organ- Al-Bahar, Shaikha
isation. In 2016, she was honoured by the IWEC Shaikha Al-Bahar is the Deputy CEO of the National
Foundation at the annual conference in Belgium. Bank of Kuwait, valued at over $100 billion in total
assets. She is in charge of loans, investment banking,
EGYPT marketing, and treasury. Al-Bahar is also Chairper-
son of Al-Watany Bank of Egypt, Vice-Chair at NBK
Helal, Lobna Capital (a subsidiary of the National Bank of Ku-
Lobna Helal was appointed by a Presidential decree wait), and sits on the board of the International Bank
as Deputy Governor of Egypt’s Central Bank in 2016 of Qatar. She studied at Harvard Business School,
after having served as the first woman to serve on Stanford, Duke, and the University of California.
its board, as Second Deputy Governor from 2011-
2013. Helal also holds key positions such as the Al-Ghunaim, Maha
Deputy Chair of the Egyptian Banking Institute and Al-Ghunaim is a pivotal figure in Arab and Kuwaiti
recently joined Telecom Egypt’s board. banking and finance. In 1998, she founded Global
Investment House, one of the most renowned com-
IRAN panies in the Arab World. She is well-known for tak-
ing the company international and onto the London
Ansari, Anousheh Stock Exchange in 2008, making it the first Kuwaiti
Anousheh Ansari is Chairman, CEO, and Co-found- company to be listed there. The firm is also listed on
er of Prodea Systems, a private US-based company the Kuwait, Dubai, and Bahrain stock exchanges.
offering technological solutions for businesses. In
2006, she became the first privately funded woman, MOROCCO
and first Iranian, to explore space. In 2015, the Na-
tional Space Society awarded Ansari the Space Pio- Bouhia, Hynd
neer Award for her service to the space community. Dr Hynd is a strategic entrepreneur and founded the
She received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Believe Act Lead Method to empower women to
Utah Valley University. In 2017, Ansari co-repre- become great leaders by creating wealth and making
sented Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi at the 89th an impact. She has accumulated more than 20 years
Academy Awards, accepting the Oscar on his behalf of professional experience in high-level leadership
for his film The Salesman. Farhadi did not attend positions. She was nominated by Forbes among the
himself due to his opposition to President Trump's 100 most influential women, in the Arab Women in
immigration ban. Business list, and honoured as a member of the Johns
169
 Hopkins Society of Scholars (2018). With a Har- being released in January 2018. In April 2020, Al-
vard PhD in engineering, she started her career at the waleed Philanthropies allocated $30m to the battle
World Bank in Washington before joining Moroc- against COVID-19.
co’s Prime Minister and Casablanca Stock Exchange
as the Managing Director. Dr. Hynd is the author of Olayan, Lubna
two motivational and inspiration books about wom- Lubna Olayan is internationally recognised as Sau-
en empowerment. di Arabia’s top businesswoman. She was Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer of the Olayan Financing Company,
SAUDI ARABIA and a board member for organisations such as Saudi
Hollandi Bank, Rolls Royce, and Citigroup, among
Al-Amoudi, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali others. She was reappointed in January 2020 to serve
Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi has a a 3-year term at Saudi British Bank, and assumed the
portfolio of businesses in oil, mining, agriculture, ho- position after the merger between SABB and Alaw-
tels, hospitals, finance, operations, and maintenance wal Bank.
in various countries including Saudi Arabia and
Ethiopia. His charitable and philanthropic works Al-Suhaimi, Sarah
are substantial, especially in Ethiopia. In November Al-Suhaimi is the first woman to chair the Saudi Ara-
2017, Al-Amoudi, alongside several Saudi princes bian stock exchange (Tadawul), which is the largest
and other billionaires, was detained in an anti-cor- in the Middle East. Additionally, she holds the posi-
ruption crackdown. He was eventually released in tion of CEO and Member of the Board of Directors
January 2019. of NCB Capital, where, in 2014, she was tasked with
reviving the flagging investment bank and raising
Bin Laden, Bakr morale in the workforce. Within the next 2 years, she
Bakr bin Laden, half-brother of the deceased Al-Qa- had reversed NCB Capital prospects and returned it
eda leader Osama bin Laden, is the Chairman of the to growth. Previously, she held the position of CIO
Saudi Binladin Group. Revenue of his company is at Jadwa Investment.
estimated at $6 billion. His company is responsible
for construction projects in the Al-Haram Al-Mak- SUDAN
ki in Mecca, such as the expansion and the jamaraat
projects. The group has been involved with several Ibrahim, Dr Mohamed “Mo”
major projects in the country, including the King Mohamed Ibrahim—more commonly known as Mo
Abdullah Economic City, the King Abdul Aziz In- Ibrahim—is a Sudanese-born entrepreneur currently
ternational Airport, and the King Saud University. based in the UK. A successful telecommunications
In November 2017, he was detained, along with businessman, he founded one of Africa’s largest cel-
several Saudi princes and billionaires, on an an- lular phone companies, Celtel. He came into promi-
ti-corruption drive. He spent three months at the nence for establishing the Ibrahim Prize for Achieve-
Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh before being released ment in African Leadership in 2017, an award that
in January 2018. provides the recipient a $5 million initial payment,
plus $200,000 annually for life. The prize was con-
HRH Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al-Saud ceived as a way to promote good governance and
Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is a member of the Sau- curb corruption by African leaders seeking financial
di royal family who built his fortune through en- security when they leave office. The prize is believed
trepreneurship and investment in real estate and to be the world’s largest, surpassing the $1.3 million
the stock market. His philanthropic contributions Nobel Peace Prize.
are wide-ranging and include a contribution of $20
million to found the Centre for Christian-Muslim UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Understanding at Georgetown University, which
remains one of the key institutions globally working Alabbar, Mohamed Ben Ali
on Christian-Muslim relations. In November 2017, Mohamed Ben Ali Alabbar is a member of the Ex-
he was one of several Saudi princes and billionaires ecutive Board of the Government of Dubai and the
detained on an anti-corruption drive. He spent three Director of the Department of Economic Develop-
months at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh before ment. Under his leadership Dubai has been one of
170
the fastest-growing economies in the world. He has
been successful in increasing the financial regulations
Sub-Saharan Africa
requiring transparency, making Dubai a more attrac-
tive place to invest and do business in. He is one of NIGERIA
the main assistants of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al-Maktoum, and is the Managing Direc- Dangote, Alhaji Aliko
tor of Emaar, one of the world’s largest real estate Dangote is the Chairman and CEO of the Dangote
companies. Group, the largest industrial group in Nigeria. Aliko
is the richest man in Africa in 2022, with an estimat-
Al-Gurg, Raja ed net worth of $19.8 billion. In January 2009, Dan-
Raja Al-Gurg is Managing Director of the Easa Saleh gote was honoured for being the leading provider of
Al-Gurg Group LLC (ESAG). Al-Gurg is the first employment in the Nigerian construction industry.
Emirati woman on the board of HSBC Bank Mid- In 2011, Dangote was also awarded Nigeria’s second
dle East Limited and is also on the advisory board highest honour, Grand Commander of the Order
of Coutts Bank, the wealth management division of of the Niger (GCON) by the President of Nigeria.
the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. She also plays an As a philanthropist, he has donated to the National
active role in several philanthropic, social, and wom- Mosque, the Presidential Library, and a host of char-
en’s societies, including serving as Deputy Chair of ities. In March 2020, Dangote donated 200 million
the Dubai Healthcare City Authority and President Naira towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 in
of the Dubai Business Women Council. Her auto- Nigeria.
biography: Raja Al-Gurg —An Autobiography was
published at the end of 2019.
Asia
Al-Jaber, Fatima
Al-Jaber is an Emirati businesswoman and Chief Op-
erating Officer of the Al-Jaber Group. She supervises BRUNEI
more than 50,000 employees and manages around
$4.9 billion in assets. She is also a regular speaker HM Sultan Hajj Hassanal Bolkiah
at economic conferences. Al-Jaber was the first ever Mu’izzaddin Waddahulah
Emirati woman to be elected to the Board of Direc- HM Hajj Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah
tors at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce in De- has been the Sultan of Brunei since 1967. Following
cember 2009. She has received many awards and has the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016,
been featured in Forbes and Arabian Business. the Sultan is the wealthiest monarch in the world.
His official residence has over 1,800 rooms and he
Al-Rostamani, Hana maintains a car collection in the thousands. He owns
Al-Rostamani is the Group CEO of the First Abu many properties (via the Brunei Investment Author-
Dhabi Bank (FAB) and was responsible for turning ity) in the UK including the famous Dorchester Ho-
the bank's focus towards a digital-first approach. tel. He is estimated to be worth $20 billion.
Previously, she held the position of Independent Di-
rector in Emirates Integrated Telecommunication INDONESIA
Company (Du) and Vice-chairperson of the Emir-
ates Institute for Banking and Financial Services. She Indrawati, Sri Mulyani
has over 20 years’ experience in the financial world Sri Mulyani Indrawati is one of a few Indonesian
and was ranked 3rd in Forbes Middle East’s Power policymakers with an international profile. During
Business Women 2021 list. her time as Finance Minister, Southeast Asia’s largest
economy became one of the 20 leading economies in
the world and one of the fastest-growing economies
in the region, partly thanks to a combination of sound
economic policies and a stable political environment.
She was appointed Managing Director of the World
Bank in 2010, where she served until 2016.

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 Thohir, Erick (new ) ish Muslims, having awarded over 500 scholarships
Erick Thohir is an Indonesian businessman and poli- to date. The Aziz Foundation also works in partner-
tician who has served as Indonesia's Minister of State ship with organisations in sectors where Muslims are
Owned Enterprises and as a member of the Interna- traditionally underrepresented, like journalism, and
tional Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2019. He work to reduce Islamophobia.
founded the Mahaka Group, a conglomeration that
focuses on sports and entertainment in the print, ra- Randeree, Shabir
dio, and television media. He also owns solely and in Randeree is a hugely successful entrepreneur and phi-
partnership several football and basketball teams in lanthropist and was recognised for his efforts with a
Indonesia and abroad. He is the president of SEABA CBE. He is the Chairman of DCD Group, Depu-
(Southeast Asian Basketball Association). ty Chairman of Al Baraka Bank South Africa and
Founder Director at IBB Bank plc. He is the Chair
of Mosaic (founded by King Charles) and involved
Europe in a number of other educational institutes. He has
served on government task forces and in 2016 was
inaugurated as the new Chancellor of the Universi-
TÜRKIYE ty of East London. In 2020 he was elected the new
Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Woolf Institute.
Sabancı, Güler
Sabancı is a renowned, award-winning Turkish busi- Shafik, Nemat
nesswoman and the Chairperson of the family-con- An active economist who has held significant posi-
trolled Sabancı Holding, a $25-billion industrial and tions in international organisations, Shafik became
financial corporation, the second largest in Türkiye. Director of the London School of Economics in Sep-
Ban Ki-moon appointed Sabancı as a member of the tember 2017. She was the youngest ever Vice-Presi-
Board of United Nations Global Compact, the UN’s dent of the World Bank, at the age of 36, served as the
highest-level advisory body involving business, civil Bank of England’s Deputy Governor of Markets and
society, labour, and employers’ organisations. She Banking, Deputy Managing Director of the Interna-
was recently honoured with the David Rockefeller tional Monetary Fund, and Permanent Secretary of
Bridging Leadership Award for her philanthropic the United Kingdom Department for International
contributions. Development. She has written extensively on the
fields of globalisation, emerging markets and private
Ulukaya, Hamdi investment, international development, the Middle
Hamdi Ulukaya is the founder and CEO of the mul- East and Africa, and the environment. She was grant-
ti-billion-dollar yogurt business, Chobani. He im- ed the title Dame Commander of the British Empire
migrated to the USA in 1994, purchased a yoghurt in the June 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. In
factory in 2005 and developed his own recipe based 2020, she was permanently selected as a Member of
on his Kurdish ancestry and the eastern Turkish farm the British House of Lords.
he grew up on. He has developed a humane working
culture for his 2,000-plus employees. He focused on
employing from the local community as well as refu- North America
gees and has given his employees a 10 percent stake in
the company. He has won numerous awards.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
El-Erian, Mohamed
Aziz, Asif El-Erian’s career started at the International Mone-
Asif Aziz is the founder and Chief Executive of Cri- tary Fund, where he worked for 15 years and served
terion Capital, which manages a London property as Deputy Director. He also served as Managing
portfolio. He has made significant charitable contri- Director at Citigroup in London and PIMCO, a
butions across a range of sectors in the UK, and is global investment management firm and one of the
currently Chair of the Aziz Foundation, which runs world’s largest bond investors, where he was CEO
a huge postgraduate scholarships program for Brit- and CIO. He is currently Chief Economic Adviser at
172
Allianz, the world’s largest insurance company, and is also the owner of the American national football
President of Queens’ College, Cambridge. In 2012, league team, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Eng-
President Obama appointed him Chair of the Global lish football team, Fulham. More recently he has
Development Council. El-Erian contributes to major launched All Elite Wrestling, a professional wres-
economic publications such as the Financial Times, tling entertainment company and is a major financial
Bloomberg, Business Insider, CNN, and Foreign Pol- backer of Black News Channel, a 24-hour cable news
icy. Foreign Policy named him on the list of the “top channel.
100 Global Thinkers” for 4 years in a row. He has au-
thored two New York Times bestselling books, sits on
several boards, and received various professional and
philanthropic awards.

Khan, Shahid
Khan moved to the USA from Pakistan in 1967,
aged 16, graduated in Industrial Engineering and
since then has gone on to become a billionaire busi-
nessman. His main company is Flex-N-Gate, which
manufactures components for companies in the au-
tomobile industry. It currently has a revenue of over
$6 billion and a workforce of 13,000 employees. He

Altafsir. com
www. altafsir. com Over
Altafsir. com is a completely free, non-profit website providing access to
the largest and greatest online collection of Qur’anic Commentary (tafsir
or tafseer), translation, recitation and essential resources in the world. 149 million
visitors to altafsir.
‍com
It was begun in 2001 by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, Jordan, being the brainchild of HRH
Prince Ghazi, the Chief Advisor for Religious and Cultural Affairs to H. M King Abdullah II. Today the website
is fully operational in Arabic and English and provides the original Arabic texts of 150 or more books of Qur’anic
Commentary, Interpretation and Explanation (tafsir or tafseer), recitation (tajwid) tutorials and Hadith collections,
and other fields, pertaining to the study of Qur’anic exegesis. Translations of the meanings of the Qur’an are currently
available in 24 different languages, and in several cases more than one translation is available. The site also includes
audio Qur’an recitations; resources on Qur’an syntax; resources on the Contexts of Revelation (asbâb al-nuzûl);
resources on the meanings of words found in the Qur’an, and other works on the Qur’anic sciences. It contains over
a million pages of Qur’anic Commentary and translation. Some of the texts presented here exist only as manuscripts
and have never previously been published in book form despite their historical importance and influence. Altafsir.
com is thus a complete website for the study of the Qur’anic Sciences.
In addition to presenting the standard Classical and Modern Commentaries on the Holy Qur’an (tafsir or tafseer)
texts of all eight schools of jurisprudence, the site also contains works of various mystical, philosophical, linguistic
and theological currents. Moreover, the first time in one place, comparative studies between the Shafi‘i, Hanafi,
Maliki, Hanbali, Ja‘fari, Zaydi, Ibadi and Thahiri schools can be carried out complete with multi-screen displays and
search programs.
In 2012 altafsir. com added the highly praised Love in the Holy Qur’an as a free downloadable pdf, and received 8
million visits bringing the total number of visits to over 27 million visitors.
In 2013, the Prince Ghazi Trust for Qur’anic Thought put up a sister website with a special emphasis for mobile
devices. You can now read tafsir wherever you go by visiting www. GreatTafsirs. com and downloading the app for
Android or iOS.

173
 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Middle East and North Africa many more honours, such as the Mustafa Prize, the
Pioneers of Miniaturization Prize from the Royal So-
ciety of Chemistry (RSC) and the Clemson Award
EGYPT of the Society for Biomaterials.

El-Baz, Farouk Shokrollahi, Professor M Amin

Farouk El-Baz is a geologist who worked with NASA Dr Shokrollahi is a renowned Iranian mathematician
on the selection of landing sites on the moon and the working in the field of information communication.
training of Apollo astronauts in visual observations He is the inventor of tornado codes and one of the
and photography. He is well-known for applying principal developers of raptor codes and chordal
satellite images to groundwater exploration in arid codes, which are specifically designed for communi-
lands. The Geological Society of America established cation on electrical wires between chips. Shokrolla-
two awards in his honour: the Farouk El-Baz Award hi holds over 150 patents in the area of information
for Desert Research (1999) and the Farouk El-Baz transmission and was the Chief Scientist of Digital
Student Research Award (2007). He has received nu- Fountain, which Qualcomm Inc acquired in 2009.
merous honours and awards, including Egypt’s Order Most recently, he is the CEO and Founder of Kan-
of Merit (First Class). El-Baz ranked number 51 in dou, a research firm in Switzerland specialising in
the Power 100 of Arabian Business. In 2019, NASA improving speed and efficiency in communication
named an asteroid after Farouk El-Baz in recognition between microchips. Shokrollahi has won multiple
of his outstanding scientific contributions. awards for his work, including the IEEE IT Best Pa-
per Award (2002), the ISSCC Jan van Vessem Award
El-Naggar, Zaghloul (2014), and the Mustafa Prize (2017).
El-Naggar is an Egyptian geologist and scholar who
writes and speaks on science and the Qur’an. He is JORDAN
a fellow of the Islamic Academy of Sciences and is
well-respected by the global scientific community Dajani, Professor Rana
for his work in geology. He has published close to Rana Dajani is a Professor of molecular biology and a
200 academic articles and scientific studies. He also powerful advocate for science education for women.
works for the Arab Development Institute. She has also founded the initiative, “We Love Read-
ing”, which develops changemakers through reading
IRAN aloud. This earned her the Jacobs Social Entrepre-
neurship Award 2018. In 2017 she was selected by
Khademhosseini, Professor Ali Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study as a fellow of
Dr Khademhosseini is the CEO and Director of the the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University. Her
Terasaki Institute in Los Angeles, one of the lead- awards include: the UN Science, Technology and
ers in researching the use of nanotechnology for Innovation Award 2019, the UNHCR Nansen refu-
minimally invasive medical procedures. Formerly, gee award 2020, and the Schwab Social Entrepreneur
Khademhosseini was the Levi Knight Professor of Award 2021.
Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, and Radi-
ology at UCLA and Professor at Harvard Medical SAUDI ARABIA
School. He is the author of more than 650 peer-re-
viewed journal articles, editorials and review papers Al-Namankany, Dr Abeer
and holds more than 70 patents. He is the recipient Dr Al-Namankany made history when she developed
of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists a new standard for measuring patient anxiety and
and Engineers (PECASE) and for the past 5 years treating it with drug-free psychotherapy, thereby pro-
Khademhosseini has been selected by Thomson Reu- tecting patients from the risks of general anaesthesia
ters as one of the World’s Most Influential Minds as and the side-effects of sedatives. She is the winner of
a Highly Cited Researcher. He has been awarded six distinguished clinical and research awards from
174
the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of issues from child nutrition, poverty, to disaster man-
Glasgow, the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, agement. Her interest is centred on the burden of
the Emirates Medical Association, and others. In ad- disease in developing countries. She is currently in
dition to her brilliant medical career, Dr Al-Naman- residence at the University of Indonesia.
kany is also a social activist and a defender of women’s
and children’s rights. Mumpuni, Tri
Tri Mumpuni spent 15 years improving rural com-
Sindi, Dr Hayat munities in Indonesia through electrification ini-
Dr Hayat Sindi is a pioneer in the field of medical tiatives based on developments with micro-hydro-
science with a number of significant ground-breaking electric power plants. Her influential work, which
scientific contributions. She is Advisor to the Presi- offers economic incentives for implementation of the
dent of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Development Bank micro-hydro system, has been applied in 65 villages
Group on Science, Technology and Innovation. She across Indonesia and a village in the Philippines. She
was the first female member of the Consultative As- was presented with the Award for Community Pow-
sembly of Saudi Arabia, the first Saudi to complete er at the Ashden Awards in 2012. Mumpuni is the
her studies at Cambridge University in the field of Executive Director of IBEKA, a non-profit organisa-
biotechnology, and the first Arab to complete a doc- tion whose mission is to promote community devel-
toral degree in the field. She was ranked by Arabian opment via the provision of local energy, mainly hy-
Business as the 20th most influential Arab in the droelectricity, and also clean water. She pioneered a
world and the 9th most influential Arab woman in community private partnership model to build small
2012. Sindi has been appointed by UNESCO as a power plants equally owned by the community and
Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of her efforts private sector, and is responsible for introducing an
in promoting science education in the Middle East. energy garden to remote villagers.
Her other distinctions include membership at the
Clinton Global Initiative 2014 and receiving the MALAYSIA
Leadership in Civil Society Prize.
Shukor, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar
Dr Shukor, an orthopedic surgeon by profession, was
Asia the first Malaysian in space. He was selected as one
of two astronauts to be trained at Star City in Russia
and was subsequently selected to be the astronaut to
INDIA further Malaysia’s Angkasawan programme, which
sent him to the International Space Station in 2007.
Hasan, Dr Hashima (new) Images of him praying and celebrating Eid increased
Dr. Hashima Hasan is a key scientist behind the his popularity in the Muslim world. His launch also
James Webb Space Telescope project, which is send- prompted the Malaysian National Fatwa Council
ing the earliest images of the universe we currently to issue specific rulings regarding observance of re-
have. Educated at Aligarh, Mumbai and Oxford, ligious obligations (praying and fasting) while in
she is widely published and has received numerous space. He is the author of best-selling books includ-
awards. She joined NASA in 1994 and has worked ing My Way of Parenting and 49th Rule. Dr Shukor
on various programmes cementing her reputation as is currently at the National University of Malaysia
one of the top scientists in the organisation. UKM as a Research Fellow focusing on global issues
like climate change, world hunger and humanitarian
INDONESIA aid.

Afifa, Dr Nadhira Nuraini (new) PAKISTAN

Dr Nadhira Afifa is an Indonesian medical doctor
and public health consultant graduated from Har- Atta-Ur Rahman, Professor
vard University. She focuses on health and nutrition Atta-Ur Rahman is the Coordinator-General of the
education to the general public through her YouTube OIC’s COMSTECH, the Standing Committee on
and Instagram accounts as well as contributing to na- Scientific and Technological Cooperation for the
tional news media. She works on multidimensional promotion and cooperation of science and tech-
175
nology activities among the OIC member states. In THAILAND
1999, he became the first Muslim scientist to win the
UNESCO Science Prize. In 2013, in recognition of Dahlan, Professor Dr Winai
his work in the field of science, the largest Malaysian Professor Dr Winai Dahlan is the Founding Director
university, Universiti Teknologi Mara, named its Re- of the Halal Science Center Chulalongkorn Univer-
search Institute of Natural Products after Professor sity (HSC) in Thailand, named the best innovation
Atta-ur-Rahman. In 2014 he was awarded the Inter- in the halal industry and the world’s first halal science
national Cooperation Award, the highest award of institution by Malaysia’s Halal Journal. HSC pro-
the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2016, he was motes halal industry and commerce through digital
elected as Emeritus Academician of the Chinese platforms, namely SPHERE, HALPLUS, and scien-
Academy of Sciences, thereby becoming the first sci- tific regional cooperation with halal laboratories in
entist from the Islamic world to be granted this hon- Indonesia, Malaysia and worldwide. Dr Winai Dahl-
our. The same year, Professor Rahman was appointed an has produced many intellectual properties and
Co-Chairman of a United Nations Committee on written more than 50 books and several thousand
Science, Technology and Innovation covering the articles on science and nutrition.
member countries of UNESCAP.
TÜRKIYE
Saif, Umar
An award-winning scientist, entrepreneur, innova- Gelenbe, Erol
tor, and a tech tycoon, Dr Saif studied at Cambridge Erol Gelenbe has studied and taught in Türkiye, Eu-
University and was a core member of the $50 million rope and the USA including holding named Chairs
Project Oxygen at MIT. He created the first start-up at NJIT, Duke, the University of Central Florida in
incubators in Pakistan: the Saif Center of Innova- the USA, and Imperial College London. A pioneer
tion. He is also the founding Vice-Chancellor of the in the field of modelling and performance evaluation
Information Technology University in Punjab and is of computer networks, the inventor of the random
one of the main forces behind the IT ecosystem in neural network, the G-networks, and the Cogni-
Pakistan. The MIT Technology Review named Saif tive Packet Network, he is currently Professor in the
in its list of the “World’s Top Young Innovators for Institute of Theoretical and Applied Informatics of
the year 2011”, and he was named “Young Global the Polish Academy of Sciences, Honorary Professor
Leader” by the World Economic Forum in 2010. In University of Electronic Science and Technology of
recognition of his services to the country, in 2014 China, Research Professor Yasar University, Izmir,
the Government of Pakistan conferred on him the Türkiye, and is affiliated with the I3S CNRS Labo-
Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence), one of the high- ratory of the University of Cote d’Azur (Nice). Ge-
est civilian awards in Pakistan. In 2017, he received lenbe has received multiple fellowships and honours
the British Council Alumni Award for Professional for his work.
Achievement. In 2019 he received an investment di-
rectly from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to
develop innovative Artificial Intelligence models for Europe
data collection.

Siddiqi, Irfan FRANCE

Irfan Siddiqi is an award-winning pioneering scien-
tist who is best-known for the development of the Guiderdoni, Dr Bruno Abd al Haqq
Josephson bifurcation amplifier. He was born in Ka- Dr Guiderdoni is an astrophysicist and French con-
rachi and moved to the USA where he studied at Co- vert to Islam. A specialist in galaxy formation and
lumbia, Harvard and Yale universities. He is Director evolution, he has published more than 140 papers
of the Advanced Quantum Testbed and Professor and organised several conferences on these subjects.
of Physics at the Quantum Nanoscience Laboratory Guiderdoni serves as Director of the Observatory
(established by him) and the Department of Physics of Lyon. Besides his extensive writings on science,
at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2021, he he has also published around 60 papers on Islamic
received the Joseph F. Keithley Award. theology and mysticism and is now Director of the
Islamic Institute for Advanced Studies.
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 GERMANY
North America
Şahin, Dr Uğur
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 118 CANADA

TÜRKIYE Ghilan, Mohamed

Mohamed Ghilan is a Canadian Muslim who has
Sancar, Aziz managed to combine a high degree of learning of
Sancar was co-awarded (along with Tomas Lindahl modern science and traditional Islam. Born in Ri-
and Paul Modrich) the Nobel Prize in Chemistry yadh, to parents from Sudanese and Yemeni back-
in 2015 for his work on DNA repair. His contribu- grounds, he attended high school and university
tions over the years have shed light on the processes after immigrating to Canada. In 2007 Mohamed
of aging, causes of cancer and how cells work. Sancar began his full-time studies in the Islamic Tradition
studied at Istanbul University before moving to the after having made connections with several Muslim
USA where he is currently Professor at the Univer- scholars. In May 2015, Mohamed earned a PhD in
sity of North Carolina. He is also a co-founder of a neuroscience at the University of Victoria, where he
foundation which promotes Turkish culture and sup- studied synaptic plasticity in Huntington’s disease,
ports Turkish students in the USA (the Aziz & Gwen as well as the effects and molecular mechanisms of
Sancar Foundation). He is the 2019 recipient of the stress on the brain in Fragile X syndrome. He hopes
Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research his research can eventually be used to develop new
Award. therapies which can be used to assist individuals with
movement disorders or intellectual disabilities.
İmamoğlu, Ataç
İmamoğlu is an award-winning physicist whose alma UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
maters include the Middle East Technical Universi-
ty in Istanbul and Stanford. He was Professor at the Elgamal, Taher
University of California and then the University of Taher Elgamal, widely known as the “father of SSL
Stuttgart before becoming the head of the research (Secure Sockets Layer)”, is a world-renowned Egyp-
group on Quantum Photonics, at ETHZ (Swiss Fed- tian-American cryptographer. In addition to being
eral Institute of Technology), Switzerland. His aca- the driving force behind SSL, the technology used
demic interests are quantum optics, semiconductor to secure web browsing online, his work is also used
physics, and nonlinear optics. as the basis for Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA)
adopted by the National Institute of Standards and
UNITED KINGDOM Technology as the Digital Signature Standard (DSS).
He is a recipient of the RSA Conference 2009 Life-
Al-Hassani, Dr Salim time Achievement Award and received the 2019
Dr Salim Al-Hassani is a former Professor of me- Marconi Prize with Paul Kocher.
chanical engineering at the University of Manchester
Institute of Science and Technology, and the cele- Khan, Mehmood
brated author of 1001 Inventions: Muslim Heritage Dr Mehmood Khan recently joined Life Bioscienc-
in Our World, a best-selling account of scientific and es as their Chief Executive Officer and member
technological developments in Islamic history. Dr of board of directors. He was the former PepsiCo
Al-Hassani also serves as the Chairman and Found- Vice-Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer. He pre-
er of the Foundation for Science, Technology and viously consulted for the Mayo Clinic on diabetes
Civilisation. The Foundation partners with the Ab- and other diseases and was President of Takeda Phar-
dul Latif Jameel Foundation, a British charity which maceuticals. He is one of the world’s leading thinkers
showcased the 1001 Inventions Global Touring Ex- in food, nutrition, and innovation. Dr Khan sits on
hibition across the UK, United States, and Türkiye numerous boards.
in 2010.
Siddique, Teepu
Professor Siddique is a neurologist and scientist
known for his ground-breaking discoveries concern-
177
ing genetic and molecular abnormalities. He was University and was Professor of Chemical Engineer-
head of the team that discovered the cause behind ing at MIT before becoming the Executive Director
the mysterious and deadly disorder known as amyo- of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnol-
trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He studied at Dow ogy (IBN), Singapore. Her interdisciplinary research
Medical College in Karachi, where he earned his is focused on nanostructured materials and systems
medical degree in 1973 before moving to the USA. for catalytic and biomedical applications. She has
He was a Professor of neurology and cell and molec- authored over 350 articles and has over 170 patents
ular biology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg issued or pending. In 2017, she was awarded the Ab-
School of Medicine before becoming Director of the deali Taybali Lifetime Achievement Award and also
university’s division of neuromuscular medicine. was named a Fellow of the United States National
Academy of Inventors (NAI). In 2018 she was award-
Ying, Jackie ed the TÜBA Academy Prize and in 2021, she was
Professor Jackie Y Ying heads the NanoBio Lab at elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
the Agency for Science, Technology and Research
in Singapore. She received her PhD from Princeton

O people, worship your Lord Who created you and those

that were before you, so that you may be fearful.
The Cow, 21
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

178
 ARTS & CULTURE

Middle East and North Africa Zoom in Focus emerged with the purpose of show-
ing the world the Arab-American story. Much of his
efforts in this regard have been publicised in promi-
ALGERIA nent news outlets such as The New York Times, BBC,
ABC, and Fox News.
Mosteghanemi, Ahlam
Ahlam Mosteghanemi is a best-selling author who Waked, Amr (new)
has won numerous prizes, including the Nagu- Amr Waked is an Egyptian actor who has become a
ib Mahfouz Prize for Memory in the Flesh, a novel crossover star in Hollywood. Politically active with
about Algeria’s struggle against foreign domination over 7 million Twitter followers, Waked was in-
and the problems that plagued the emerging nation volved in the street protests that eventually toppled
after its independence. Written in Arabic, the book Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and was also ac-
has sold over a million copies. She earned her PhD tive in the 2013 protests that led to the overthrow
at Sorbonne in France and now lives in Beirut. She of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. In 2019 an
is the first contemporary Arab author to sell millions Egyptian military court sentenced him, in absentia,
of copies of her work and dominate book charts for to 8 years in prison for “publishing fake news and in-
years in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia, and the sulting state institutions”. Since late 2021 Waked has
UAE. In 2016, she was named UNESCO Artist for been producing and presenting an award-winning
Peace. She has over 14 million social media followers. documentary series on Al-Jazeera called “Decoded” (
Dahaleez in Arabic) which has racked up millions of
EGYPT views on YouTube. He currently lives in Spain.

Al-Aswany, Alaa El-Wakil, Abdel-Wahed

Alaa Al-Aswany is the recipient of many distin- Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil is an international architect
guished international literary honours and awards. and a contemporary icon of Islamic architecture. A
His novels are acclaimed in the field of contempo- student of the famous Hassan Fathy, El-Wakil has de-
rary literature, selling millions of copies in three signed over 50 buildings around the world, including
dozen languages and adapted into film and theatre one for King Charles. He is the two-time recipient of
performances. Al-Aswany reached international lit- the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and received
erary acclaim with his ground-breaking 2002 novel first prize for the design of contemporary mosque ar-
The Yacoubian Building. Through the prism of a fash- chitecture in Riyadh.
ionable downtown Cairo building, he exposes the
corrupt dealmaking and exploitative relationships IRAN
of power in Mubarak’s Egypt. His latest novel The
Republic, As If, published in 2018, is set during the Alidoosti, Taraneh
events of Egypt’s 2011 revolution. Al-Aswany is the Taraneh Alidoosti was named as one of the best ac-
author of 17 books—novels, short story collections, tresses of the decade by Film Monthly Magazine and
and compendiums of his articles. He has taught and was the youngest person ever to win the Crystal Si-
lectured at universities and leading cultural institu- morgh for Best Actress. She starred in The Salesman
tions around the world. A leading democracy advo- which won the Oscar for best Foreign Language Film
cate, his op-eds have appeared in influential publica- in 2017. She boasts over 7 million followers on dif-
tions and he also pens a weekly column for Deutsche ferent social media networks. She recently received
Welle’s Arabic news site. a suspended sentence for criticising the Iranian
government.
Badreya, Sayed
Badreya is an Egyptian-born actor who played signif- Farhadi, Asghar
icant roles in a number of Hollywood films such as Asghar Farhadi is an award-winning Iranian film di-
Iron Man and The Dictator. His production company rector and screenwriter who explores the depths and
179
 complications of everyday relationships and themes in Theatre and Culture, an organisation providing
of jealousy and trust in an evocative way and often underprivileged individuals with a forum for self-ex-
includes strong female leads. He has won two Acad- pression through drama.
emy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film for his
films A Separation (2012) (becoming the first Iranian MOROCCO
to win an Oscar) and The Salesman (2016), as well
as receiving a Golden Globe Award and numerous Lalami, Laila
other awards. He famously did not attend the 2017 Laila Lalami is an award-winning novelist and es-
Academy Awards citing President Trump’s travel ban sayist. Her many books include The Moor’s Account,
as the reason. He sent two famous Iranian Ameri- which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction
cans to receive the Oscar on his behalf. In 2021, he and The Other Americans, a finalist for the Nation-
received the Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prix for his al Book Award in Fiction. Her opinion pieces and
film A Hero. political commentary appear regularly in the Los
Angeles Times, The Nation, and The New York Times.
Majidi, Majid She has received a British Council Fellowship, a Ful-
Majid Majidi is an Iranian film director whose films bright Fellowship, and a Guggenheim Fellowship,
have won many international awards. His Children and has been honoured by the World Economic Fo-
of Heaven was nominated for Best Foreign Film at rum as a Young Global Leader. She is currently Pro-
the Academy Awards. In August 2015, he released fessor of creative writing at the University of Califor-
the first part of an intended trilogy on the life of the nia at Riverside.
Prophet, with Muhammad: The Messenger of God be-
ing the most expensive film in Iranian movie history PALESTINE
($40 million). His film Sun Children was shortlisted
for the 2021 Oscars best foreign film. Al-Barghouti, Tamim
Tamim Al-Barghouti is a Palestinian poet and col-
Nazeri, Shahram umnist who has a weekly programme on AJ+ enti-
Shahram Nazeri is a world-famous icon of classical tled “Ma’ Tamim”. Al-Barghouti has been nicknamed
Persian, folkloric Kurdish, and Sufi music. Hailed the “Poet of Jerusalem” and has been compared to
as “Iran’s Pavarotti” by the Christian Science Mon- the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Tamim’s
itor, Nazeri has released over 40 recordings to date rousing poetry is eagerly anticipated on social me-
and performed in major venues worldwide. In 2014, dia. Al-Barghouti has a PhD in political science from
Nazeri received France’s National Order of Merit. Boston University and he has taught at the Ameri-
can University in Cairo, the Free University of Ber-
JORDAN lin and Georgetown University. His 2007 critically
acclaimed poem “Fil-Qudsi” (“In Jerusalem”), which
Al-Baghdadi, Abbas Shakir Al he presented on the Emirati television show “Amir
Abbas Al-Baghdadi is one of the world’s foremost ex- al-Shu’ara” (“Prince of Poets”), has been watched
perts in Islamic calligraphy. Born in 1951 in Baghdad, by millions. His first book, In Jerusalem and Other
he has had a distinguished career as a calligrapher and Poems was translated into English and published by
teacher of calligraphy. He adheres strictly to the rules Simon & Schuster.
of classical calligraphy and is averse to modern callig-
raphy, especially when its practitioners do not master QATAR
the art in its traditional form. He is well-known for
the balance, clarity, and majesty of his works. HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al-Thani
Sheikha Al-Mayassa is the Chairperson of Reach Out
LEBANON To Asia, an NGO under the Qatar Foundation that
contributes to the development of societies in Asia,
Assaf, Roger including the Middle East. Its specific area of em-
Roger Assaf is a prominent Lebanese director, actor, phasis is improving the quality of both primary and
and playwright. With his actress wife Hanane Hajj- secondary education in addition to achieving some
Ali, he co-founded the Al-Hakawati Theatre Com- of the goals of UNESCO’s Education For All (EFA)
pany and the Shams Cultural Cooperative for Youth and the United Nations Millennium Development
180
Goals (MDGs). She is the Chair of the Board of the NIGER
Qatar Museums Authority and has spearheaded Qa-
tar’s recent massive investment in art. She was named Souleymane, Mahamadou
as the most powerful person in the art world by Art Mahamadou Souleymane, known as Mdou Moc-
and Auction magazine. tar, is a Tuareg songwriter, musician and actor from
Agadez, Niger who became famous through a music
SAUDI ARABIA trading network of cell phones and memory cards in
West Africa. He is one of the first musicians to per-
Al-Esa, Majed form modern electronic adaptations of Tuareg gui-
Al-Esa has produced several music videos which have tar music. He reached a global audience when Sahel
gone viral online. The video “Hwages” highlights is- Sounds released his music on the Music from Saha-
sues faced by women in Saudi Arabia and has already ran Cellphones: Volume 1 compilation. His fifth stu-
more than 65 million views on YouTube, bringing the dio album “Ilana” (“The Creator”), released in 2019
total number of views of all his videos to over 214 to international acclaim, has been called “the most
million. Al-Esa is connecting to the younger genera- fiery psych-rock of the 21st century” and one of “the
tion of Saudis and his videos are causing concern in 25 best psychedelic rock albums of the 2010s”. He
more conservative circles. also has the starring role in the 2015 film Akounak
Tedalat Taha Tazoughai, which translates as “Rain
SUDAN the Colour of Blue with a Little Red in It”. It is the
world's first feature film in a Tuareg language.
Aboulela, Leila (new)
Aboulela was born in Egypt, but grew up in Sudan, SENEGAL
until she moved to Scotland to begin her literary ca-
reer. Her life was filled with multi-cultural influence, N’Dour, Youssou
which she often portrays in her writing, featuring mi- Youssou N’Dour became Senegal’s Minister of Tour-
grant Muslims facing struggles in the West. Her work ism and Culture in April 2012. He is a world-fa-
has been highlighted in the Washington Post, Harp- mous composer, singer, percussionist, and UNICEF
er’s Magazine, The Guardian and BBC Radio, who Goodwill Ambassador. In 2005, N’Dour received a
adapted a number of her plays, most recently the his- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Mu-
torical drama, “The Lion of Chechnya”. She has been sic Album for his album “Egypt”. In 2011, N’Dour
awarded a number of prizes for her literary works, was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in music
including the Caine Prize for African Writing, the from Yale University. In 2013, N’Dour won a share
Scottish Book Awards, and the Saltire Fiction Book of Sweden’s $150,000 Polar Music Prize for promot-
of the Year Award. ing understanding between faiths as well as for his
music.

Sub-Saharan Africa SOMALIA

Abdulmajid, Iman (new)

MALI Iman Abdulmajid was born Zara Mohamed Abdul-
majid in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1955. She is a super-
Keita, Salif model, entrepreneur, and activist. She became a muse
Known as the “golden voice of Africa”, Salif Keita is to many prominent designers, including Halston, Gi-
an Afro-pop singer-songwriter from Mali. His West anni Versace, Calvin Klein, Issey Miyake and Donna
African music is combined with influences from Eu- Karan. Iman started her own cosmetics firm in 1994,
rope and the Americas. In 1977 Keita received a Na- focusing on difficult-to-find shades for women and
tional Order Award from Guianese President Sekou built the company into a $25-million-a-year busi-
Toure. His music is very popular in the Francophone ness. She has also appeared in several TV series and
world, and more broadly in Europe. After a 40-plus- films. In 2010, she received a Fashion Icon lifetime
year career and having produced over 25 albums, achievement award from the Council of Fashion
Keita released his final album “Un Autre Blanc” in Designers of America (CFDA). Iman is also actively
October 2018. involved in a number of charitable endeavours in-
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 cluding the Enough Project to end the global trade in UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Inspired by a
conflict minerals and played a key part in the public trip he made to Afghanistan with the UNHCR, he
campaign against blood diamonds. She was married later established The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a
to David Bowie from 1992 until his death in 2016. non-profit, which provides humanitarian assistance
to the people of Afghanistan. He lives in Northern
SOUTH AFRICA California with his wife and two children.

Bhikha, Zain Sayeed, Aryana

Zain Bhikha is a South African singer-songwriter A singer, songwriter and TV personality, Sayeed
and a pioneer performer of English nasheed songs. emigrated from Afghanistan with her family at the
He is a much-loved household name amongst Mus- age of 8. Her family eventually settled in Switzer-
lims worldwide. He is also known for his collabora- land, where at the age of 12 she was admitted to a
tive efforts with other prominent Muslim entertain- music school where she would often perform with a
ers, including Yusuf Islam and Dawud Wharnsby-Ali. choir. She released her first music single in 2008 and
Bhikha writes and directs plays as well as holding soon went on to become a household name in Af-
creative expression workshops conducted specifically ghanistan. She has won numerous music awards and
within schools. He has released over 10 albums in his in 2017, she was named “Voice of Afghanistan” by
career spanning 25 years. the Afghanistan National Television and Radio Net-
work. She continued her musical success with a tele-
TANZANIA vision career, where she judged at talent shows, such
as “Afghan Star” and “The Voice of Afghanistan”. She
Gurnah, Abdulrazak fled the country when US troops withdrew and the
Abdulrazak Gurnah was awarded the 2021 Nobel Taliban took control.
Prize for Literature. He writes on culture and post-
colonialism and is the author of 10 novels, some of AZERBAIJAN
which have been shortlisted for the Booker prize, the
Whitbread Prize and the Los Angeles Times Book Qasimov, Alim
Award. Born in Zanzibar, Gurnah emigrated to Brit- Alim Qasimov is an Azerbaijani musician and one
ain as a student in 1968, at the age of 20, and went of the most recognised singers of Islamic folk music
on to become Professor of English and Postcolonial in the world. In 1999, he was awarded the prestig-
Literatures at the University of Kent. ious International IMC-UNESCO Music Prize.
Qasimov has recorded 9 albums and performed in
many concerts around the world. According to The
Asia New York Times, Alim Qasimov is simply one of the
greatest singers alive. Back in 2010, Alim Qasimov
was nominated for the United States National Public
AFGHANISTAN Radio’s “50 great voices” series.

Hosseini, Khaled CHINA

Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, in
1965. Following the USSR invasion of Afghanistan Noor Deen, Haji (Mi Guang Jiang)
in 1979, his family was granted political asylum in Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang is a renowned mas-
the United States. Hosseini earned a medical degree ter of Arabic calligraphy. He was born in Yucheng in
in 1993. In March 2001, while practicing medicine, the Shandong Province of China in 1963. In 1997,
Hosseini began writing his first novel, The Kite Run- Haji Noor Deen was awarded the Certificate of Ar-
ner, which launched his literary career, and today, abic Calligrapher in Egypt, the first Chinese person
Hosseini is one of the most recognised and bestsell- to be honoured with this prestigious award. His work
ing authors in the world. His books, The Kite Runner, has been displayed—often as the first Chinese-Ara-
A Thousand Splendid Suns, and And the Mountains bic artist—in galleries and museums around the
Echoed, have been published in over 70 countries and world, including the British Museum, the Asian Art
sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. In 2006 Museum of San Francisco, the National Museum of
Khaled was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for Scotland, and Harvard University. His work focuses
182
on writing Arabic using a combination of tradition- INDONESIA
al Chinese calligraphic brushes with quick organ-
ic strokes to fuse both the Chinese and Arabic arts Nadia, Asma
uniquely. After 10 years of preparation and persistent Asma Nadia is a prolific Indonesian author, song-
practice, he completed the transcription of the entire writer, creative consultant for tv programmes and
Qur'an in the traditional Chinese Mus'haf style in international public speaker. She has written over 70
2021. Meanwhile, he published the Guiding Crite- books, including short stories, novels, and nonfiction
rion for Calligraphy in the Chinese Mus'haf in 2022. on topics such as self-improvement, the family, and
motivational books. Thirteen of her books have been
INDIA made into movies, and 7 books became TV series.
She is also a producer of Islamic movies, a columnist
Azmi, Shabana for Republika daily newspaper and a hijab traveller
Azmi has been described as one of India’s finest ac- who’s been to 72 countries and 545 cities. Nadia also
tresses of film, television, and theatre. She has been established the I Can Write Community which aims
involved in over 120 movies, both in Hindi and for- to help young writers and has opened 290 libraries
eign languages, many to international acclaim. Dur- around Indonesia for unprivileged children and
ing her extraordinary career, Azmi won the National youth.
Film Award for Best Actress 5 times and garnered
several international honours. She has also received Rosa, Helvy Tiana
4 Filmfare Awards. In addition to her successful ca- Helvy Tiana Rosa has written more than 70 books
reer, Azmi is a social activist and supports issues such in various genres and is well known as one of the
as women’s rights, child survival, and fighting AIDS pioneers of the Islamic literary genre in Indonesia.
and injustice through the use of mainstream media. Some of her works have been translated into other
She was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for In- languages, and a few titles of hers have been made
dia by the United Nations Population Fund in 1998. into movies. With a writing career spanning over 30
She is also a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house years, Helvy has won 50 national and international
of the Indian parliament. She was conferred with an awards in literacy and women empowerment. Helvy
honourary doctorate by TERI University in 2014. founded the writing community Forum Lingkar
Pena (FLP) in 1997 which since then has spread to
Khan, Aamir over 200 cities in Indonesia and abroad and inspired
Aamir Khan is one of the leading stars of Bollywood. many members to become professional and popular
His phenomenal success has won him awards in In- writers, especially in the Islamic literary genre.
dia and acclaim abroad. His film Lagaan was nomi-
nated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars Sulis
while his venture Dhoom 3 was the highest-grossing Born in 1990 in Java, Indonesia, Sulis grew to fame
Bollywood film of all time. He is also a UNICEF as a protege of the famous nasheed singer, Haddad
brand ambassador, promoting child nutrition. He Alwi. At 9 years old, she released her first album with
performed the Hajj in 2012. her teacher, Alwi, called Cinta Rasul Vol. 1. Millions
of copies were distributed across Indonesia and she
Rahman, Allah Rakha quickly gained popularity nationwide. This was later
Rahman is a prolific composer, record producer, followed by 6 more albums in the Cinta Rasul se-
and musician for the Indian film industry. In 2011, ries. As part of the new wave of nasheed singers, she's
Time described him as the world’s most prominent known for incorporating guitars and drums in her
and prolific film composer. He is the first Indian to tracks as backing instruments to her vocals.
receive a Golden Globe Award and two Academy
Awards for the soundtrack of Slumdog Millionaire, KAZAKHSTAN
a movie for which he also received two Grammy
Awards. He was named CNN IBN Indian of the Year Kudaibergen, Dimash (new)
for 2009. In 2004, Rahman was appointed the Glob- Dimash (Dinmukhammed Kanatuly Kudaibergen)
al Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a World is a singer, songwriter and mult-instrumentalist with
Health Organization project. A street was named in a wide vocal range, spanning from bass to soprano.
his honour in Markham, Ontario, Canada. He became an overnight sensation in China follow-
183
 ing an appearance at a popular singing show and has Parveen, Abida
gained popularity since then, winning every major Abida Parveen is an internationally acclaimed vo-
singing award in China, Russia and his home country calist, often referred to as “the Queen of Sufi mystic
of Kazakhstan. He’s known for his charitable efforts singing”. She is the only woman to reach this level
in his own country and his hometown of Aktobe re- of influence in devotional music. She specialises in
cently announced a museum dedicated in his honor. traditional ghazals, and often performs before stadi-
um-sized audiences across South Asia and globally.
MALAYSIA In 2017, she was designated a Peace Ambassador by
SAARC. In 2020, Parveen received the PISA Life-
Hamidun, Hafiz time Achievement Award and in 2021 was awarded
Hafiz Hamidun is currently the most influential nash- the highest civilian award, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, by the
eed singer in the Far East. He is a multi-platinum award President of Pakistan.
winner with approximately 4 million followers on
social media. His albums have sold more than 5 mil- Qadri, Muhammad Owais Raza
lion copies and have more than 300 million streams. With millions of followers, Qadri is considered a leg-
Besides being a nasheed singer, Hamidun is also an end in the field of naat recitation. He is known for
award-winning music producer and music arranger. his passionate performances as well as his beautiful
voice. A devout Muslim, he is particularly vocal on
Nurhaliza, Dato’ Siti the subject of his love for the Prophet Muhammad.
Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza binti Tarudin is a Malaysian He has over 4 million followers on social media and
singer who has won numerous musical awards. She his Youtube videos have over 235 million views.
has also been honoured for her contributions to
charitable venues and was one of the recipients of the
Icon of Malaysia Award. She has over 14 million fol- Europe
lowers on different social media outlets.

PAKISTAN IRELAND

Ismail, Al-Hajj Siddiq O’Connor, Sinéad

Al-Hajj Siddiq Ismail is a world-renowned naat and Sinéad O’Connor is an international pop star who
hamd reciter, philanthropist, and spiritual leader. has achieved platinum and Grammy success since
He has been reciting for the past 50 years in over 10 the late 1980s. Her signature shaved head and pow-
languages. Ismail has performed in the presence of erful voice make her instantaneously recognisable.
presidents, prime ministers, governors, chief minis- Outside of singing, her views and actions have also
ters, and foreign dignitaries. He was presented with attracted much attention. She holds strong political,
Pakistan’s national award, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, and the social and religious views and was ordained as a Ro-
prestigious Pride of Performance Award, which he man Catholic priest in 1999 with a church not affil-
donated to the victims of Swat and Malakand. iated to the Roman Catholic Church (an institution
she has heavily criticised). In October 2018, aged 51,
Obaid-Chinoy, Sharmeen she converted to Islam and took the name Shahada
Obaid-Chinoy is an internationally acclaimed journal- Sadaqat. Almost a year later, she returned to the stage
ist, filmmaker and activist. Initially known for her film- after a 5-year hiatus and performed her most famous
work highlighting women's rights, she has gone on to hit Nothing Compares 2 U—dressed in a red abaya
win two Oscars, six Emmy awards for her films (three and matching hijab—to rave reviews.
personally), and become the first artist to co-chair the
World Economic Forum. The Government of Pakistan NETHERLANDS
has honoured her with the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the second
highest civilian honour in the country, and Canada has El Mouhandiz, Rajae
awarded her a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Rajae El Mouhandiz is a Dutch/Moroccan/Algerian
Medal. In 2020, it was announced that Sharmeen will interdisciplinary artist, producer, curator, art con-
be co-directing the “Ms. Marvel” series for Disney+, sultant and policy advisor, with extensive experience
bringing a Muslim super-hero to the big screen. in the arts/culture sector in the Netherlands and
184
abroad. In 2005 she started her own label, Truth- tant nationally and internationally and he has voiced
seeker records, and in 2015 she transformed it into opinions on Kurds, Armenia and the current presi-
Kahina Productions. In 2019 she launched Ellae dency. He teaches at Columbia University, USA.
Foundation to counter the gender, culture and so-
cioeconomic gap in the arts/culture sector. She still Yalçin, Rabia
produces interdisciplinary art, directs Ellae Founda- Rabia Yalçin is a Turkish fashion designer. Her
tion, and is Senior Advisor to the founder/MD of creations represent a synthesis of local and interna-
Caravane Earth Foundation, an international foun- tional cultures and are inspired by the opulence of
dation which promotes social, cultural and ecologi- her homeland’s Ottoman past. With her line Rabia
cal transformation. Yalçin Haute Couture, Yalçin has a strong presence
on the European fashion scene.
SWEDEN
Çelebi, Master Hasan
Zain, Maher Master Hasan Çelebi is an eminent Turkish callig-
Multi-platinum award-winning Swedish singer, rapher who is hailed for his classical Ottoman cal-
songwriter and music producer of Lebanese origin, ligraphy style. His exhibitions have been featured
Maher Zain is a household name across global Mus- globally, and he is celebrated for his restoration of
lim audiences. Maher’s debut album “Thank You calligraphic panels in mosques around the world,
Allah” reached the number one spot on Amazon’s from the Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah to the
World Music charts. He is the most popular Muslim Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
artist on social media with 37 million fans and the
most viewed Muslim artist on YouTube with over 6 UNITED KINGDOM
billion views. Maher has performed in over 100 char-
ity concerts across 35 countries and is a high-profile Ahmed, Riz
supporter of UNHCR. The multi-talented Riz Ahmed continues to advo-
cate for a variety of issues ranging from fundraising
TÜRKIYE for Syrian and Rohingya refugees to highlighting
the lack of positive representation of Muslims in the
Duzyatan, Engin Altan media at the British House of Commons. Riz be-
Engin Altan Duzyatan is a Turkish actor who plays came a household name through his acting work in
the starring role in the hit Turkish drama, Dirilis films such as Star Wars, Rogue One, Nightcrawler and
Ertugrul (“Resurrection Ertugrul”) which is about 2018’s Venom along with his Emmy-winning turn in
the legendary father of Osman the First, the founder HBO’s The Night Of. His performance in The Sound
of the Ottoman Empire. The series centres around of Metal was met with critical acclaim and earned
the migrations of the Kayi Tribe and their struggles him his first Academy Award nomination for best
against betrayal from within as well as battles against actor which he followed up with his feature writing
the Templars, the Mongols, Crusaders and the Byz- debut, Mogul Mowgli, which touched on a number of
antine Empire. It also gives a prominent role to the the themes of his 2020 album, “The Long Goodbye”.
famous mystic Ibn al-Arabi. The series has captivated All these achievements, alongside his continuous and
audiences not just in Türkiye, but also huge numbers outspoken activism, led to Riz being listed in Time
of Muslims globally. Engin is also well-known for his magazine as one of the 100 most influential people
charitable works in Africa where he has set up access in the world in 2017.
to clean drinking water for over 100,000 people.
Islam, Yusuf
Pamuk, Orhan Formerly known as Cat Stevens, Yusuf Islam is a
Pamuk is one of Türkiye’s most prominent writers globally influential British musician and singer-song-
and was the first ever Turkish Nobel laureate. His writer. In 1977, he converted to Islam and left the
10 novels to date have been translated into over 60 music industry for educational and philanthropic
languages and sold more than 13 million copies. His causes. His international fame and high regard have
novels explore many aspects of Türkiye’s rich culture probably made him the single most influential figure
past and present as well as philosophical questions. in the field of arts and culture in the Muslim world.
As an academic and intellectual, his voice is impor- Islam is a vocal opponent of terrorism and extremism,
185
 and in 2004 was recognised with the Man of Peace ling agency and the first to appear on the front cover
award by the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Commit- of Allure, Vogue, Sports Illustrated and Essence maga-
tee. He made a gradual return to music over the past zines wearing a hijab and burkini. Aden quit the in-
5 years with his latest albums “An Other Cup” and dustry in November 2020, citing that the profession
“Roadsinge:”. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll was not compatible with her beliefs, but she seems
Hall of Fame in 2014. Islam received 3 distinctions to have returned a year later. All this is a far cry from
in 2015: the Global Islamic Economy Award, the her birth in a Kenyan refugee camp to Somali parents
Steiger Award, and BBC’s Lifetime Achievement 24 years ago.
Award. In 2019, Islam was inducted into the Song-
writers Hall of Fame. Chappelle, David Khari Webber (new)
Dave Chappelle is an American stand-up come-
Sanders, Peter dian and actor best known for his satirical comedy
Peter Sanders began his career photographing the sketch series Chappelle's Show (2003–2006). He
music icons of the 1960s. He was amongst the first has appeared in several films and TV series and has
Europeans to photograph the Hajj in 1971 and has a $20-million-per-release comedy-special deal with
continued to travel internationally, creating exhibi- Netflix. Chappelle converted to Islam in 1991.
tions, presentations and undertaking photographic Chappelle has received many awards and nomina-
workshops. He has just finished his latest collabora- tions for his work in stand-up and television in-
tion Exemplars for Our Time, building on his previ- cluding three consecutive Grammy Awards for Best
ous book Meetings with Mountains, Encounters with Comedy Album. He has also received 5 Primetime
the Saints and Sages of the Islamic World. He is cur- Emmy Awards and 1 Screen Actors Guild Award. In
rently working on a book about Muslims in China. 2019, Chappelle was awarded the prestigious Mark
Sanders continues to act as a translator of Islam to Twain Prize for American Humor.
those interested in acquiring a greater understanding
and to encourage broader and deeper interactions be- Friedlander, Shems
tween people of different races and faiths. Shems Friedlander—writer, artist, filmmaker, pho-
tographer and educator—has published his 10th
Yusuf, Sami book, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s Forgotten Message.
Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 118 The book contains interactive digital content via QR
codes. Among his other books are Winter Harvest,
Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes and When You Hear
North America Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra. Friedlander has recently
been appointed Emeritus Professor at the American
University in Cairo where he taught graphic design
CANADA and painting for 20 years. He has won over 30 awards
for graphic design. Friedlander has also written two
Wharnsby, Dawud monodramas and his documentary films have been
A Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, performer, edu- shown at film festivals in the US and abroad.
cator, and television personality, Dawud Wharnsby is
best known for his pioneering efforts in the musical/ Henry, Aisha Gray
poetic genre of English-language nasheed and spoken Aisha Gray Henry is the Founder and Director of the
word. His songs have influenced a whole generation charitable foundation and publishing company Fons
of English- speaking Muslims by promoting the spirit Vitae, which is currently engaged in bringing out
and love of Islam. Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din in English for
parents and teachers as well as adapting it to accom-
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA modate children’s workbooks and school curricula. It
will also publish an instructional DVD. “The Book
Aden, Halima of Knowledge” and “The Principles of the Creed” ed-
Halima Aden is a trailblazer in the world of fashion ucational sets are available and in use internationally
and beauty. She was the first ever contestant to wear a with “Purity and Prayer” nearing completion. Trans-
hijab and burkini in a USA pageant. She was the first lations into Urdu, Arabic, and Malay are underway.
hijab-wearing model to be signed by a major model- Fons Vitae also has a children’s interactive website
186
www. GhazaliChildren. org, and has established a Zakariya, Mohamed
pilot school project and prison programme.The Fons A machinist by training, American-born Mohamed
Vitae Ghazali Project has been launched to great ac- Zakariya is a classically educated Islamic calligrapher
claim in Morocco, Canada, Indonesia, England, and who earned diplomas in three calligraphic scripts
the USA. from the Research Center for Islamic History, Art,
and Culture in Istanbul. His work has been collected
Wilson, Willow and displayed worldwide, including most recently at
Wilson is a writer and artist, notable for her works the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. Zakariya
such as Alif the Unseen, which won the World Fanta- designed Eid holiday stamps for the US Postal Ser-
sy Award in 2013. She is also known for her comic se- vice in 2009, 2011 and 2013. He has been featured in
ries, “Ms. Marvel”, featuring a Muslim teenager who several movies, including the 2002 PBS documentary
becomes a superhero. “Ms. Marvel” won the Hugo Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet.
award for best Graphic Novel in 2015. Wilson has
received multiple awards and nominations through-
out her career and is currently contributing to Neil South America
Gaiman’s “Sandman” comic book series.

Youssef, Ramy GUYANA

Ramy, a comedian, actor and writer, is best known
for his eponymously titled show which explores Shah, Ryhaan
an Egyptian-Muslim family navigating the various Ryhaan Shah is considered to be among the best con-
challenges of reconciling their religious and cultural temporary writers in Guyana and the Caribbean, best
identity within 21st-century America. Ramy Youssef known for her 2005 novel A Silent Life. Shah is also
created, co-wrote, executive produced and played the an active public figure as the President of the Guy-
titular role of the show which won him the Golden anese Indian Heritage Association. She came under
Globe Award for best actor in a TV series (musical or criticism for race baiting in Guyana’s 2015 election.
comedy) ahead of Hollywood heavyweights like Paul
Rudd and Michael Douglas. A second series of Ramy
debuted in 2019, and in its second season added mul-
tiple Oscar winner Mahershala Ali to the cast.

For truly with hardship comes ease.

Solace, 5
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

187
 QUR’AN RECITER S

Middle East and North Africa Al-Ghamdi, Sheikh Saad ibn Said
Al-Ghamdi has served as Imam to Muslim communi-
ties across the globe, and is currently the Imam of Ka-
EGYPT noo Mosque in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Al-Ghamdi
studied usool al-deen (fundamentals of Islam) and
Sobhi, Islam isnad (hadith transmission), and is recognised as an
Sobhi is an Egyptian medical student who started influential Saudi theologian. In 2009 he was appoint-
reciting Qur'an and uploading his videos on You- ed by Royal Decree as a co-Imam for the taraweeh
Tube, now reaching more than 300 million views. prayers in the Al-Haram Al-Madani in Madinah.
His beautiful voice has attracted millions of follow-
ers, and the young reciter boasts more than 7 million Al-Mueaqly, Sheikh Maher bin Hamad
followers on different social media outlets. Al-Mueaqly is an Imam at the Grand Mosque in
Makkah. He left his career as a mathematics teacher
IRAQ to become a scholar in Makkah and is now a popular
preacher and teacher of Qur’anic studies. He has over
Al-Kurdi, Raad Muhammad (new) 100 million views on his YouTube channel.
Raad Muhammad Al-Kurdi is from Kirkuk, Iraq.
Raad began memorising the Qur’an at a young age Al-Shatri, Sheikh Abu Bakr
and won many recitation competitions as a child. Al-Shatri is a leading reciter of the Qur’an. Although
He obtained a traditional license in recitation from he studied accounting, he became increasingly influ-
Sheikh Ibrahim bin Fadel Al-Mashhadani. At the age ential for his recitation of the Qur’an at international
of 15 he became the imam of Imam al-Shafi’i Mosque Islamic events, particularly across the Middle East
in Kirkuk. Since gathering a following of nearly 3 and in Saudi Arabia. He is now based in London.
million subscribers on YouTube, he has become a
visiting Imam at Al-Kharafi mosques in Sulaibikhat, Al-Shuraim, Sheikh Saud Ibn
Kuwait and often leads prayers during Ramadan at Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad
the Ahmad Al-Habbai Mosque in Dubai, UAE. Al-Shuraim is a leading reciter of the Qur’an known
for his unique recitation style across the world. He
KUWAIT formally studied usool al-deen (fundamentals of Is-
lam) in Saudi Arabia before becoming a teacher, and
Al-Afasy, Sheikh Mishary bin Rashid subsequently became Imam of the Grand Mosque
Al-Afasy is an Imam at Masjid Al-Kabir in Kuwait, in Makkah. He recently created a Twitter account
and is also a singer of Arabic-language nasheed. He which had close to 3 million followers before it was
has gained international acclaim through his inno- deleted.
vative use of technology to promote Islam through
two satellite channels, a website (www. alafasy. me), Al-Sudais, Sheikh Abdul
and videos on YouTube. He has more than 44 million Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 118
followers on social media.

SAUDI ARABIA Asia

Al-Ajmi, Sheikh Ahmad Ali
Al-Ajmi is a Qur’an reciter from Khobar Province INDONESIA
in Saudi Arabia. Prior to gaining prominence for his
recitation style as an Imam at mosques in Khobar and Hasballah, Muzammil (new)
Jeddah, he studied Qur’anic interpretation in Saudi Muzammil Hasballah is from the Paya Tijue Village
Arabia and Pakistan. in Indonesia. He holds a degree in architecture from
Bandung Institute of Technology. He began studying
188
recitation at the age of 4 and later enrolled in Madra- Ulfah, Hajjah Maria
sah Ulumul Quran. During his secondary education, Hajjah Maria Ulfah is an internationally acclaimed
he won several recitation competitions. Because of reciter of the Holy Qur’an, and is the first woman to
his melodious recitation, he was given the position win an international Qur’an recitation competition.
of Imam at the mosque where he attended university. She has popularised the Egyptian style of recitation,
He began uploading videos of himself leading prayers and currently serves as Director of the Women’s De-
in the mosque and has gained millions of followers partment at Institut Ilmu Al-Qur'an in Jakarta. She
on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. also lectures at the Islamic University of Indonesia.

And when the Qur’ān is recited, listen to it and pay heed so that you might find mercy.
And remember your Lord within yourself, humbly, and fearfully, and more quietly than
speaking out loud at morning and evening. And do not be among the heedless.
Surely those who are with your Lord are not too proud to worship
Him; they glorify Him, and to Him they prostrate. ۩
The Heights, 204-206
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

189
 MEDIA

Middle East and North Africa JORDAN

Al-Fares, Ola
ALGERIA Al-Fares is a Jordanian lawyer, TV presenter and jour-
nalist currently working for Al-Jazeera. She has over
Benganna, Khadija 13 million followers on various social media outlets
Benganna is an award-winning journalist who be- and has won several awards including: Young Arab
gan her journey at Algerian TV and radio station. Media Professionals Award (2009), Best Jordanian
She went on to become part of the founding team Media Award (2009), Creative Youth Shield (2010),
at Al-Jazeera, where she remains as Senior News An- Jordanian Model for Successful Youth (2011) and
chor and Journalist. Benganna has covered major his- Arab Woman Of The Year (2015). She is considered
torical and political events, interviewed heads of state to be one of the most influential media figures in the
and key personalities in government. In addition to Arab world.
being a renowned journalist, Benganna has worked
with the United Nations’ High Commission for Ref- KUWAIT
ugees and boasts over 14 million followers on differ-
ent social media outlets. Al-Mutawa, Dr Naif
Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa is the creator of the popular Is-
EGYPT lamic-themed comic and animation series “The 99”
which aired on global television in several languages
Howeidy, Dr Fahmy and won several global accolades including the 2014
Howeidy is one of the leading columnists in the Arab Islamic Economy Award for Media. He has been
World. He writes for the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram, twice honoured by WEF who named him a Social
where he is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief; his articles, Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009 and a Young Global
however, are syndicated to seven other Arabic pub- Leader for 2011.Dr. Naif is also Professor of clinical
lications. Howeidy is influential both through his psychology at Kuwait University’s Faculty of Medi-
popularity and the fact that he has highlighted issues cine and the Founder of Kuwait’s first neuropsychol-
concerning Muslim communities outside the Arab ogy centre. A practicing clinician, he is licensed and
World in ground-breaking work on Chinese, Bos- operates in New York, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain
nian, and Senegalese Muslims, among others. Mus- and the UAE. Dr Naif ’s work as an entrepreneur in
lims appreciate and respond well to Howeidy’s use of both the media and health verticals led to his launch
Islam as a frame of reference in his articles. of Tenweem, the first Islam themed Arabic language
hypnotherapy app which has since been rolled into
Mansour, Ahmed an expanded Mental Health Tech offering under the
Ahmed Mansour is a Journalist and TV Present- name Tuhoon.
er for Al Jazeera. He is best known for his coverage
of wars, most prominently in Iraq and Afghanistan Suwaidan, Sheikh Dr Tareq
from where he published more than 1000 reports. Tareq Suwaidan is the CEO and owner of Gulf Inno-
He is also the presenter of a widely watched TV vation Group in Kuwait, and was the General Man-
programme “Bela Hodod” (“Without Borders”) ager of Al-Resalah Satellite TV. An entrepreneur and
and “Shahed Ala Al-Asr” (“A Witness to History”). TV personality, his shows rank among the highest
He was arrested in Berlin by German police at the in the Middle East. Suwaidan is also prominent as a
request of the Egyptian Government, but was later motivational speaker and author of books on Islam.
released. Mansour has published 25 books. Suwaidan has over 20 million social media followers
and uses the seerah as a source for leadership and stra-
tegic skills.

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 PALESTINE QATAR

Khanfar, Wadah Al-Ruwaini, Nashwa

Khanfar was at the helm of Al-Jazeera for 8 years as Al-Ruwaini worked for Qatar TV and MBC before
Managing Director and Director General. During establishing her own production company, Pyrame-
that time, the network transformed from a single dia Ltd. Pyramedia is one of the largest and most
channel into a media network. During this period, successful production companies in the region,
the Arab world witnessed historic transformation, in- producing some of the highest-rated TV shows,
cluding the Arab Spring. Khanfar, who resigned from including the “Million’s Poet” and Prince of Poets
the network in September 2011, has been named as TV competitions on Abu Dhabi TV, as well as her
one of Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers of self-titled “Nashwa” talk show on Dubai TV. Forbes
2011 as well as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative listed her among The Top 100 Most Powerful Arab
People in Business of the Year. Khanfar has a diverse Businesswomen 2020 while the Hollywood Reporter
academic background with postgraduate studies in selected her as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women
philosophy, African studies, and international poli- in Global TV.
tics. He is currently the President of Al Sharq Forum.
SAUDI ARABIA
El-Kurd, Mohammed and Muna
During the most recent crisis in Palestine, the evic- Al-Ibrahim, Waleed bin Ibrahim
tions at Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, Mohammed Waleed Al-Ibrahim is the Chairman of Middle East
and Muna El-Kurd were two of the few activists to Broadcasting Center (MBC). He founded MBC in
post daily on social media and keep the world updat- London in 1991 as the first independent Arabic sat-
ed. Their message resonated globally and contributed ellite TV station. In 2003, he launched Al Arabiya, a
to widespread rallies opposing the relentless contin- 24-hour news channel. MBC now includes 11 chan-
ued displacement of the Palestinian people and the nels catering to all viewers in Arabic, English, and
Judiasation of Jerusalem. It marked a shift in the me- Persian. In November 2017, he was detained, along
dia discourse, which managed to connect the current with several Saudi princes and billionaires, on an
aggression as a continuation of the plight of the Pal- anti-corruption drive. He spent three months at the
estinians over the past 70 years. In 2021, Mohammed Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh before being released
and Muna El-Kurd were named to Time magazine’s in January 2018. The Government of Saudi Arabia
annual list of the 100 most influential people in the arranged to acquire 60 percent of MBC, leaving the
world. remaining 40 percent of the company in Al-Ibrahim’s
hands.
Omer, Mohammed
An award-winning journalist, Mohammed Omer has Omran, Lojain
been credited with reporting on the crisis in Gaza Omran is one of the most famous Arab television
for major media outlets including the Washington presenters across the MENA region. She started in
Report on Middle East Affairs, Al-Jazeera, the New shows such as “Ya Hala” and “The Situation with
Statesman, Pacifica Radio, Electronic Intifada, and Lojain”. Most recently, she hosts the popular show
The Nation. He was raised in the Rafah refugee camp “Good Morning, Arabs!” which is based in Bahrain.
and, despite calamities faced by his family—his fa- She has also worked as a UNHCR Ambassador to
ther was imprisoned, his teenage brother was killed, refugee camps across the Middle East. She has over
and his mother was injured in a demolition—he 12 million social media followers.
dedicated himself to journalism and reporting on the
crisis. He is the recipient of the 2008 Martha Gell- UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
horn Prize for Journalism. He is the author of Shell
Shocked: On the Ground Under Israel’s Gaza Assault, Al-Awadhi, Najla
a book that received testimonials from a wide range HE Najla Al-Awadhi is a former Member of Parlia-
of well-known authors, including Noam Chomsky. ment (the Federal National Council) of the United
Arab Emirates and a distinguished media pioneer
in the Middle East. She is one of the first women in
the history of the UAE to become an MP, and also
191
 holds the distinction of being the youngest parlia- Han culture. This policy extends to those Uyghurs
mentarian in the UAE. During her 4-year term in who are also not in camps by having Han Chinese
parliament, she served on the Education, Youth, Me- officials forcibly live in Uyghur houses and report on
dia and Culture Committee. Najla Al-Awadhi is also “unChinese” behaviour. In 2020, Hoja received the
the first Arab woman to hold a chief executive post Courage in Journalism Award by the International
in a state-run media organisation. With a particular Women's Media Foundation.
focus on television, she served as the Chief Execu-
tive Officer of Television Channels at Dubai Media INDONESIA
Incorporated.
Mohamad, Goenawan
Al-Kaabi, Noura Goenawan Mohamad is a writer, editor, activist and
Noura bint Mohammed Al-Kaabi was appointed the award-winning journalist. He is the Founder and Ed-
Minister of Culture and Youth in 2020, having pre- itor of Tempo magazine, Indonesia’s most widely cir-
viously been the Minister of Culture and Knowledge culated weekly. His criticisms of the regime resulted
Development for the United Arab Emirates since in the magazine being forcibly closed twice by Pres-
October 2017. She was also the Minister of State ident Suharto's New Order administration. He has
for Federal National Council Affairs from February 1.39 million followers on Twitter.
2016 to October 2017. Educated in the UAE and
London, she has a broad range of experience and has PAKISTAN
been recognised for her efforts. As of March 2018 she
has been a board member of the UAE National Me- Hamid, Zaid
dia Council, Image Nation, the Abu Dhabi Sports One of the most influential television and social
Council and the United Arab Emirates University. media personalities in Pakistan, Zaid Hamid is a
security consultant and strategic defence analyst by
profession. He is also a popular political commen-
Asia tator, former host of a highly popular TV series on
geo-politics and Islamic history, and is the founder of
Brass Tacks, a Pakistani think tank on global politics.
AFGHANISTAN He maintains a huge audience within Pakistani soci-
ety, with millions of followers on social media, espe-
Mohseni, Saad cially among the youth and Armed Forces. In 2015,
Mohseni is a successful businessman, as well as the he was arrested by Saudi authorities while on Umrah
founder and head of the Moby Group, Afghanistan’s because of his opposition to the proposed Pakistani
largest media company. The Moby Group has inter- participation in the Saudi Arabian-led intervention
ests in television, radio, print, production, online in Yemen. He was released shortly afterwards after
news services, directories, IT&T, and retail. In 2011, intervention by the Pakistani army.
Time magazine named him one of the world’s most
influential people. Iqbal, Salman
Salman Iqbal owns ARY Digital Network, the largest
CHINA media network in Pakistan. The network’s reach cov-
ers Pakistan, the Middle East, Europe, North Amer-
Hoja, Gulchehra ica, and many other regions of the world. He is rec-
Gulchehra Hoja was a prominent figure in various ognised as an independent media voice in Pakistan
Chinese media, including producing and hosting the and one of the most powerful and influential media
first TV programme in Uyghur for children. With personalities in the Muslim World.
the Chinese crackdown on anything Uyghur, her im-
age was banned on Chinese media and she was forced Shakil-ur-Rahman, Mir
to flee the country. She has continued to speak out Shakil-ur-Rahman is the owner of the Independent
for the rights of the Uyghurs despite huge personal Media Corporation, Pakistan’s largest media con-
loss: 25 members of her family are currently held in glomerate. The Geo TV network and Jang Group
“re-education” camps which aim to remove all traces are both under this umbrella organization. Shak-
of Uyghur identity and replace it with the majority il-ur-Rahman is also President of the All Pakistan
192
Newspapers Society and the Chief Executive and 2015. She is a judge for the Amnesty International
Editor-in-Chief of the Jang Group, which publish- Media Awards and is an ambassador for the charity
es a number of newspapers and magazines in Urdu Mosaic which supports young people from deprived
and English. Shakil-ur-Rahman was arrested on 12 communities. She has recently written a book enti-
March 2020 on the allegation of land fraud and was tled The Skills: From First Job to Dream Job—What
granted bail after eight months. Every Woman Needs to Know, which has been de-
scribed as “the ultimate handbook for women”.

Europe
North America
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Ali, Zeeshan (new)
Zeeshan Ali runs the hugely popular “Smile2Jannah” Mohyeldin, Ayman
youtube channel as well as other social media plat- Ayman Mohyeldin is an MSNBC anchor, analyst,
forms. He addresses contemporary topics in a light- and morning show host. He has interviewed world
hearted way, often showing up geo-political double leaders, politicians, and diplomats, including Presi-
standards and expressing a layperson’s frustrations dent Erdoğan after the failed coup attempt in Türki-
with mainstream reporting. His videos combine ye. He reported on da'ish in Iraq, Syria, Europe, and
animation and special effects. Ali made his name Türkiye. He participated in the network’s coverage of
alongside others (Muhammad Hijab and Ali Dawah) the 2016 US Presidential Elections. Mohyeldin was
through debates at Hyde Park Speaker's corner. His previously an international correspondent. He cov-
calm demeanour, insights and wit have appealed to ered the Euromaidan Revolution in Ukraine, the rev-
many in the global English speaking Muslim commu- olutions of the Arab Spring, and the attacks on the
nity, but especially the youth. US Consulate in Benghazi, where he was one of the
first journalists to report the situation. His coverage
Hasan, Mehdi of the 2014 Israeli War was widely cited and praised.
Mehdi Hasan is a leading Muslim political journal- Prior to joining NBC News, Mohyeldin was a corre-
ist whose analysis and comments on contemporary spondent for Al Jazeera English. From 2008-2010, he
issues find resonance with many Muslims, especially was the only foreign broadcast journalist based in the
the younger generation. He has worked as Political Gaza Strip, and during the 2008-2009 War on Gaza,
Editor for Huffpost UK and is a columnist and sen- he was the only American journalist reporting live
ior contributor at The Intercept. He has hosted Al from Gaza.
Jazeera English's “Head to Head” and other weekly
interview and discussion programmes. He now hosts Oz, Dr Mehmet
his own show, “The Mehdi Hasan Show”, on NBC’s Dr Oz first came to prominence in 2004 with appear-
streaming channel, the Peacock, which continues to ances as a health expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show
promote an understanding of events in a wider con- before spinning off and hosting his own hugely pop-
text and to feature Hasan’s characteristic insightful ular television. The show focused primarily on med-
reporting and probing interviews that hold people in ical issues and healthy living and he often drew upon
power to account. his Turkish heritage when giving advice. It aired its
final episode in January 2022. Since then, Dr Oz, a
Husain, Mishal cardiothoracic surgeon and a Columbia University
Husain has worked as a producer and presenter for Professor, has moved into politics becoming the Re-
the BBC for more than 20 years. As well as being a publican nominee for the 2022 United States Senate
newsreader for BBC TV and BBC Radio, Husain election in Pennsylvania. He has co-authored, with
has hosted high-profile shows which have seen her Michael F. Roizen, 6 New York Times best sellers, and
interview figures such as Boris Johnson, San Suu has a regular column in Esquire magazine amongst
Kyi, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She has others. He has almost 12 million followers on differ-
won a variety of awards including the Broadcaster of ent social media outlets.
the Year Award at the London Press Club Awards in
193
 Zakaria, Fareed
Fareed Zakaria is one of the United States’ foremost
public intellectuals. He hosts CNN’s “Fareed Zakar-
ia GPS” and is a Washington Post columnist. Prior to
this, he was Editor-at-Large for Time magazine and
Editor of Newsweek International and Foreign Affairs.
His book, The Post-American World: Release 2.0, is an
expanded version of his international best-seller. In
2013 he became one of the producers for the HBO
series “Vice”, serving as a consultant.

The lightning well-nigh snatches away their sight; whensoever it gives them light, they
walk in it; and when the darkness is over them, they stop; had God willed, He would
have taken away their hearing and their sight; Truly, God has power over all things.
The Cow, 20
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

194
 CELEBRITIES & SPORTS

Middle East and North Africa Sub-Saharan Africa

EGYPT SENEGAL

Aboutrika, Mohamed Mane, Sadio

Aboutrika is regarded as one of the best African foot- Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 119
ball players of all time having lifted 28 major titles,
including three Africa Cup of Nations titles over
his 16-year career. He has also been named UNDP Asia
Goodwill Ambassador and is widely followed, hav-
ing almost 17 million fans on different social media
outlets. He has criticised African fans for excessively CHINA
following European football clubs and for Europe-
an football not acknowledging African leagues and Lei, Wu
merely using the talent of their players. Wu Lei was the youngest football player to appear
in the Chinese league at the age of 14 and went on
PALESTINE to become the all-time top goal scorer for Shanghai
SIPG with 169 goals. In 2019 he transferred to Es-
Assaf, Mohammed panyol in La Liga and his debut attracted 40 million
Mohammed Assaf won first place in the popular viewers in China. He is ethnically Hui, which has a
TV program “Arab Idol 2013” after his final perfor- population of around 10 million. They are composed
mance of “Ali al-Kefiyyeh” (“Raise Your Keffiyyeh”), of mainly Muslim Chinese who emigrated from Per-
a nationalistic Palestinian song and de facto anthem sia and Türkiye during the time of Mongol rule in
which has now garnered over 90 million views. China.
Raised in Khan Yunus refugee camp in the Gaza
strip, he has become the face and voice of Palestinian MALAYSIA
youth and the voice of its peoples suffering. Assaf be-
came UNRWA’s Goodwill Ambassador, was named Yusof, Vivy
Ambassador of Culture and Arts by the Palestinian Vivy Yusof is an entrepreneur, a fashion icon and a so-
National Authority, and was given a position with cial media influencer with millions of followers. She
diplomatic standing by the Palestinian President co-founded the international e-commerce fashion
Mahmoud Abbas. He has over 22 million fans on company Fashion Valet and the dCK group, which
social media. focuses on hijabs. She has won multiple prestigious
awards, including in the fields of entrepreneurship
TUNISIA and social media. Her popular show “Love Vivy”
which follows her life as a mother, and businesswom-
Jabeur, Ons an is in its third season.
Jabeur was born and raised in Tunisia, and started
her trailblazing tennis career by winning the junior
Grand Slam title in 2011, the first for a North Afri- Europe
can woman. 2022 proved to be somewhat of a break-
through year in that she reached the final of both
Wimbledon and the US Open, but lost both. This DENMARK
propelled her to be ranked number 2 in the world.
She has won 3 singles title on the WTA tour. Nadim, Nadia
Nadim fled Afghanistan and settled in Denmark
where she started playing professional football in
195
 2005. Since then she has represented major clubs in ITALY
USA, UK and French leagues, winning league titles.
She has also played for the Danish national team Lame, Khaby (new)
since 2009, reaching 100 caps in 2022, quickly be- Khaby Lame is a Senegalese-born Italian who is cur-
coming one of their most important players. In paral- rently the most followed Tik Toker in the world with
lel to her sports career, she has continued her medical over 142 million followers. His TikTok videos are
studies and graduated as a surgeon from Aarhus Uni- mainly silent and mock overly complicated life hack
versity in January 2022. She also speaks 11 languages videos. Although living in Italy since he was 1, he was
and was awarded the title, UNESCO Champion for only granted nationality in 2022 (aged 22). He stud-
Girls and Women's Education, in 2019. Nadia is also ied in a Qur’an memorisation school in Senegal for a
the only female football player that is an Ambassador year when he was 14 years old.
for the FIFA Men's World Cup 2022 in Doha.
RUSSIA
FRANCE
Nurmagomedov, Khabib
Benzema, Karim (new) Please read bio in Honourable Mentions page 119
Karim Benzema is a French footballer of Algerian
origin who plays as a striker for Real Madrid. Benze- UNITED KINGDOM
ma started senior football in 2005 in Lyon with his
hometown club Olympique Lyonnais. in 2009, he Farah, Mohamed
moved to Real Madrid and has been a prolific striker The most successful British athlete ever, Farah won
ever since. He has scored over 400 career goals scor- the gold in the 5000m and 10,000m at the 2012 and
ing over 320 goals for Real Madrid, second only to 2016 Olympic Games as well as 6 other global golds.
Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema has also been awarded Born in Somalia but raised in the UK from the age of
French Player of the Year 4 times by France Football. 7, Farah has captured the hearts of the British public
with his hard work, success, smile and warm person-
Pogba, Paul ality. He is a popular role model to follow for peo-
Pogba was the most expensive footballer in the world ple from all over the world, especially in the Muslim
when he moved to Man Utd from Juventus for £89 world. He was awarded a CBE in 2013 and knighted
million in 2016. A talented midfielder, he was part of in 2017, the year he announced his retirement from
France’s 2018 winning World Cup side and scored in track running. His winning celebration, the 'mobot'
the final. Pogba was born to Guinean parents and is is mimicked internationally.
one of a large number of European Muslim football
players who rank among the best in the world. He Hussain, Nadiya
has more than 90 million followers on social media. Since winning the BBC’s “The Great British Bake
He has frequently documented his visits to Makkah Off ” in 2015, Nadiya Hussain has gone from being
on social media. the most famous British baker to being a columnist,
author and television presenter. She has produced a
Zidane, Zinedine popular documentary giving insight into Bangladesh,
Zinedine Zidane is a French footballing legend of her country of origin, as well as a TV cooking series.
Algerian descent. Born in a poor neighbourhood of She has become a household name and an instant-
Marseilles, he went on to become one of the great- ly recognisable face in the UK, Bangladesh and for
est footballers ever, winning all major prizes on the Muslims worldwide. She was bestowed the honour of
personal, club, and country levels and winning player being asked to produce a cake for the 90th-birthday
of the year 3 times. In 2018, Zidane, managing Real celebrations of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Madrid, became the first manager in the history of
football to win three consecutive UEFA Champions
League titles. A few days after the victory, he resigned
as Real Madrid coach. After Real Madrid's poor per-
formance, the following season, Zidane returned and
won the La Liga for the second time in his manageri-
al career before leaving again.
196
 also a best-selling author of 17 books and is an 8-time
Oceania Columnist of the Year for his essays in The Hollywood
Reporter. He has acted in numerous television series
NEW ZEALAND and movies including Airplane, Game of Death and
most recently FXs number one rated comedy, DAVE.
Williams, Sonny He has also taken on activism in his later years, speak-
Sonny Williams is an international rugby player and ing out against Islamophobia and other forms of so-
former heavyweight boxing champion from New cial injustice. In 2021, The NBA created the Kareem
Zealand. Williams converted to Islam in 2008 and is Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award. He
the first Muslim to play for the legendary All Blacks. publishes weekly at Kareem.substack.com.
In 2013, he was judged the World’s Best Rugby
League Player at the annual RLIF Awards. He mem- Tyson, Mike (Malik Abdul Aziz)
orably gave away his World Cup winner’s gold medal Tyson won his first title in 1986 at 20 years old
to a young supporter just after the 2015 final. making him the youngest heavyweight champion in
history. His dominance in the ring faded as his wild
personal life grew out of control leading him to serve
North America 3 years in prison where he converted to Islam. After
his release, he went on to regain his WBC and WBA
titles, becoming one of the few men to do so. He
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA retired in 2006 and was inducted in both the Inter-
national Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing
Kareem, Abdul-Jabbar Hall of Fame. After his retirement, Tyson went on to
Abdul-Jabbar played basketball for 20 seasons for the publish books and act in television and movies. In
Milwaukee Bucks and the LA Lakers before being 2012, he launched a foundation for troubled youth.
honoured as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA Though he has had episodes of controversial behav-
History. In 2012, he was selected by the Secretary of iour after retirement, his sincerity in trying to uphold
State to be a US Global Cultural Ambassador and in the values of his religion and improve himself moral-
2016 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Free- ly and spiritually inspire millions.
dom, the highest US civilian honour. Abdul-Jabbar is

The day when they will come forth from the graves hastening, as if racing to a target • with
their eyes humbled, overcast by abasement. Such is the day which they are promised. •
The Ascending Stairwayss, 43-44
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

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 TOP E XTREMISTS

Middle East and North Africa

JORDAN

Al-Maqdisi, Abu Muhammad

Abu Muhammad Al-Maqdisi (born Isam Muhammad Tahir Al-Barqawi) is a Jordani-
an-Palestinian Salafi leader who became a mentor for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the founder
of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, while they were in prison together. Al-Maqdisi’s writings are still a
source of inspiration for many Salafi-Jihadis despite his criticism of the extreme violence
of Al-Zarqawi and other jihadis. He is especially known for his book in which he declared
takfir on the Saudi regime. Al-Maqdisi was recently found guilty on terrorism charges and
sentenced to 5 years in prison by a Jordanian court.

SYRIA

Al-Julani, Abu Muhammad

Al-Julani is the current Emir and founder of the Syrian militant group now known as Hay’at
Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). This group was formed in 2017 with the merging of several other
militant groups. It is the main force fighting the Syrian regime and until recently was allied
to Al-Qaeda. It formally renounced links with Al-Qaeda in July 2016 in an attempt to show
that the group is focused on regime change in Syria alone and does not have wider regional
goals.

198
 Sub-Saharan Africa

SOMALIA

Umar, Ahmad
Ahmad Umar, also known as Abu Ubaidah, has been the Emir of Al-Shabaab since 2014,
after US airstrikes killed the previous Emir (Ahmed Abdi Godane). When Umar became
advisor to Godane in 2013, he purged Al-Shabaab of its foreign fighters, and oversaw all the
domestic policies of the group. Umar adheres to takfiri ideology and strives to fulfill Go-
dane’s vision for Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab still carries out terrorist attacks in Mogadishu, So-
malia, despite the presence of thousands of Somali government and African Union troops.
They have targeted hotels and resorts as well as Ugandan and Kenyan troops.

Asia

INDONESIA

Bashir, Abu Bakar

Abu Bakar Bashir is an Indonesian Muslim cleric and leader of the Indonesian Mujahedeen
Council (MMI). He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment at his third trial in June 2011
on charges of planning and encouraging terrorist operations. In August 2014, he publicly
pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, leader of da'ish, and his declaration of a cali-
phate. In 2021, Bashir was released from prison and put onto a deradicalisation programme.

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Say: ‘O disbelievers!
I do not worship what you worship,
and you do not worship what I worship,
nor will I worship what you have worshipped,
nor will you worship what I worship.
You have your religion and I have my religion.
The Disbelievers, 1-6
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

199
 NEW ADDITIONS TO THE 450 LISTS
SCHOLARLY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• Professor Joel Hayward, New Zealand • Dr Hashima Hasan, India

page 131 page 175
• Dr Nadhira Nuraini Afifa, Indonesia
POLITICAL page 175

• President Kais Saied, Tunisia ARTS AND CULTURE

page 136
• President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger • Amr Waked, Egypt
page 136 page 179
• President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan • Iman Abdulmajid, Somalia
page 138 page 181
• Imran Khan, Pakistan • Dimash Kudaibergen, Kazakhstan
page 138 page 183
• Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan • David Khari Webber Chappelle, United States
page 138 page 186
• Vjosa Osmani, Kosova
page 139 QUR'AN RECITERS
• President Shavkat Mirziyiyev, Uzbekistan
page 139 • Sheikh Muhammad Raad al-Kurdi, Iraq
• Naseem (Naz) Shah , United Kingdom page 188
page 140 • Muzammil Hasballah, Indonesia
page 188
SOCIAL ISSUES
CELEBRITIES & SPORTS
• Khaled Al-Ameri, United Arab Emirates
page 160 • Karim Benzema, France
• Professor KH Said Aqil Siradj, Indonesia page 196
page 165 • Khaby Lame, Italy
• Muftić Elmedina, Bosnia page 196
page 166

And He has raised the heaven and set up the balance, • declaring that you should not contravene with
regard to the balance. • And observe the weights with justice and do not corrupt the balance. •
The Beneficent, 7-9
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

200
THE OBITUARIES

201
 My Lord, indeed You have given me of sovereignty and You have taught me the interpretation
of events. Originator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Protector in this world and
the Hereafter. Take me to You in submission and join me to the righteous
Joseph 12 : 101
Calligraphy by Hasan Kan’an © FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

Ahmed, Dr Ibrahim Datti Maarif, Syafii

Scholarly Scholarly
Country: Nigeria Country: Indonesia
Born: 1936 Born: 31 May 1935
Died: 30 December 2021 Died: 27 May 2022
Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmed was the Maarif was one of Indonesia’s
President-General of the Supreme most famous scholars whose
Council for Sharia in Nigeria political comments regularly at-
(SCSN). A medical doctor by profession, he was also tracted significant attention. This former president
the pro chancellor and chairman of the governing (1998-2005) of the Muhammadiyah organization
council of Obafemi Awolowo University. He was a was actively involved in interfaith and peace move-
disciple of the late Aminu Kano and became known ments both domestically and internationally, largely
as a sincere Islamic scholar striving for peace and jus- through his Maarif Institute for Culture and Human-
tice on many fronts. ity. In 2008 he was awarded the prestigious Magsay-
say Award for guiding Muslims to embrace tolerance
Desai, Mufti Ebrahim and pluralism. He was also recognized for his role in
Scholarly promoting interfaith dialogue and religious harmony
Country: South Africa at the Habibie Awards. Maarif was also a Prof of his-
Born: 16 January 1963 tory at the National University of Yogyakarta and a
Died: 15 July 2021 productive author and columnist.
A prominent and world-re-
nowned scholar, Mufti Desai had Effendi, Sheikh Mahmud
been issuing fatwas in various Scholarly
fields for more than 25 years. He ran the Darul Iftaa Country: Türkiye
Mahmudiyyah in Sherwood, Durban – South Africa Born: 1929
where he trained students to become muftis. He also Died: 23 June 2022
issued fatwas through the askimam. org website. He Sheikh Mahmud Ustaosmanoglu,
was an Islamic finance expert who served as sharia ad- also known as Sheikh Mahmud
visor to various Islamic financial institutions. Effendi, was one of the most pop-
ular Islamic teachers in Türkiye. He emphasised the
Sunnah and was well-known for having revived many
of the Sunnah practices. Sheikh Effendi became a
hafiz (one who has memorised the Qur’an) at the
tender age of 6. He then started studying Arabic and
Persian at first, and then went on to study the Islam-
ic Sciences. Sheikh Effendi was appointed imam of
the Ismail Agha mosque in Istanbul in 1954, where
he remained until he retired in 1996. Preaching: He
202
began delivering spiritual and ethical guidance from Crane, Dr Robert
1960 following the death of his Shaikh Ali Haydar Administration of Religious Affairs
Effendi. He devoted three weeks per-year to teach Country: United States of America
people across Türkiye and made several missionary Born: 29 March 1929
and educational tours in several countries, including Died: 12 December 2021
Uzbekistan, India, Germany and the United States. Dr Crane was the chairman of the
He has a Qur’an tafsir (commentary) named Ruhu’l Center for Understanding Islam
Furkan in Turkish. He had millions of followers and and Muslims, which has produced
established various religious, social and charity or- the influential textbook, Islam and Muslims: Essence
ganisations such as the Marifet Association, the Fed- and Practice. Between 2012-2015 Dr Crane was a
eration of Marifet Associations and Ahle Sunnah wal professor in the Qatar Foundation’s Faculty of Islam-
Jamaah Confederation. ic Studies and Director of its Center for the Study
of Islamic Thought and Muslim Societies. Earlier in
Al-Nahyan, Sheikh Khalifa his career, under President Nixon, he was appointed
bin Zayed Deputy Director for Planning in the National Se-
Political curity Council, and under President Reagan he was
Country: United Arab Emirates the US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates,
Born: 7 September 1948 charged with initiating two-track diplomacy with
Died: 14 May 2022 leaders, including Tunisia’s Sheikh Rachid al Ghan-
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed nouchi, in branches of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Al-Nahyan was the president of
one of the fastest-growing nations in the world. Un- Edhi, Bilquis
der his leadership, the UAE saw significant economic Philanthropy, Charity &
growth, and the renaming of the Burj Dubai to Burj Development
Khalifa is considered a symbol of Al-Nahyan’s finan- Country: Pakistan
cial power. He made substantial donations to many Born: 14 August 1947
Died: 15 April 2022
health institutions around the world, and financed
a major housing programme in the Gaza Strip. He The wife of the late Abdul Sattar
also inaugurated Warner Bros. Plaza at Warner Bros. Edhi, Bilquis Edhi was a profession-
World Abu Dhabi, the first indoor Warner Bros al nurse and philanthropist in her own right. She ran
themed amusement park as part of his continued several non-profit organisations for orphans, widows,
drive to make the UAE a prime tourist destination. and elderly people. Serving the nation for more than 50
years, she was known by the honorific title “Mother of
Alemov, Usman the Nation”. In 2015, she received the Mother Teresa
Administration of Religious Affairs Memorial International Award for Social Justice.
Country: Uzbekistan
Born: 1 January 1950 Al-Zawahiri, Ayman
Died: 15 August 2021 Top Extremists
Alemov had been the Grand Mufti Country: Egypt
of Uzbekistan since 2006. He was Born: 19 June 1951
respected for his moderate stance Died: 31 July 2022
and proven record in coping with extremists in the Ayman Al-Zawahiri had been the
Samarkand region where he was formerly a mufti. leader of Al-Qaeda since the killing
Alemov was instrumental in making Tashkent the of Osama bin Laden. Born into a
ISESCO Capital of Islamic Culture for 2007. prosperous medical family in Egypt, he completed his
medical studies and set up a clinic. In the 1980s he
was already part of the Islamic Jihad group in Egypt
and was arrested and tortured in prison. He went on
to become the leader of Egypt’s Islamic Jihad, which
he merged into Al-Qaeda in 1998. He emerged as bin
Laden’s personal advisor and physician. He is often
credited with being the “real brains” of Al-Qaeda.
203
 Al-Qaradawi, Sheikh Dr fiqh al-taysir, or giving Muslims easier, pragmatic
Yusuf solutions to practicing their religion in everyday life.
Scholarly Unlike many Arab scholars, Al-Qaradawi’s reach
Country: Egypt spanned far beyond the Arab world and the Western
Born: 9 September 1926 Arab diaspora. His PhD thesis on zakat (1973)—lat-
Died: 26 September 2022 er published as a book and deemed to be the most
HE Sheikh Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi comprehensive work on the topic—established him
(9 September 1926 – 26 Septem- as a globally recognized scholar. It was praised by
ber 2022) was a man of faith, of courage, of letters, Abul Ala Maududi, who, along with Abul Hasan
of oration, of the people, and of political and social Nadwi, were sources of influence to Al-Qaradawi.
activism. Declared the third most prominent public He visited and cooperated with Salafi, Sufi, and De-
intellectual by Foreign Policy in 2008, Al-Qarada- obandi groups in the Indian Subcontinent, and his
wi was both intelligent and bold. Such intellectuals scholarship earned the praise of Mufti Taqi Usmani.
are polarizing by nature, and Al-Qaradawi was no In 1979, Al-Qaradawi led Maududi’s funeral prayer.
exception. Al-Qaradawi established the international Union
Like the late Queen Elizabeth II, Al-Qaradawi was of Muslim Scholars, a pan-Islamic (including Shia)
born in 1926, two years after the dissolution of the organization with headquarters in Doha and Dublin.
Caliphate and two years before the formation of the Beyond traditional Muslim lands, Al-Qaradawi was
Muslim Brotherhood. Al-Qaradawi’s life spanned responsible for the establishment of the European
the tail end of colonialism, the partition of India, Council for Fatwa and Research. He also influenced
the formation of the State of Israel, repeated Arab the Fiqh Council of North America both directly
military defeat, the Soviet-Afghan War, the fall of and through his students.
the Soviet Union, the 9/11 attacks and the Ameri- Al-Qaradawi authored 120 books, many in a sim-
can-cum-Global War on Terrorism, the Arab Spring, ple, accessible style. He extended his global reach
the rise and following pariah-status of the Muslim through www.islamonline.net and Al Jazeera (par-
Brotherhood, and Arab-Israeli normalization. The ticularly through the program Al-Shari’a wal Hayat),
child is father of the man: the global events before for which he was the de facto religious guide, a rank
and during Al-Qaradawi’s life instilled in him a sense that he also held with the Muslim Brotherhood.
of pan-Islamic urgency. While Al-Qaradawi’s theology polarized sectar-
Born in Suft Al-Turab in rural Egypt, Al-Qarad- ians, his role as an advocate of the Muslim Broth-
awi’s father died when he was just two years old. He erhood was the source of the greatest rift in public
was raised by his uncle and, at the age of fourteen, opinion regarding him, both among Muslims and
went on to study at Al-Azhar’s branch in Tanta. His non-Muslims. Al-Qaradawi maintained that Mus-
formative years were spent studying the Sharia; he lims were not at loggerheads with the West but had
graduated from Al-Azhar in 1953 and was sent to the right to defend themselves against injustices. As
Qatar in 1962, where he established the Department per his vision of wasatiyya (moderation), he defend-
of Islamic Studies and the Faculty of Islamic Law and ed Islamic jihad while condemning terrorism. He ini-
Islamic Studies at the Teacher Training College in tially issued a fatwa that permitted suicide bombings
Doha. Having gained favour with the then-emir of by Palestinians against Israelis but later redacted it
Qatar, Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali Al Thani, Al-Qaradawi when circumstances had changed. He was one of the
became a Qatari citizen. This was the first step to his first Islamic scholars to condemn the 9/11 attacks.
role as a global scholar. His support for the Arab Spring and Western-backed
Al-Qaradawi’s career in the Arabian Gulf exposed regimes would ultimately lead to political antago-
him to hardline Salafis, a group with which he en- nism from Egypt (where he was sentenced to death
gaged respectfully. Being no stranger to controversy, in absentia in 2015), Saudi Arabia, and the United
he combined the thought of Ibn Taymiyyah with the Arab Emirates. Morsi’s fall from popularity and the
traditional madhabist approach taught at Al-Azhar. resulting coup brought down the Muslim Broth-
By this point, he had already established himself as a erhood with it, and Al-Qaradawi’s popularity also
pan-Sunni theologian. Upon returning to his native, waned.
Shafi’i-dominated village after studying at Al-Azhar, Al-Qaradawi is survived by his third wife, four
Al-Qaradawi would sometimes teach the local com- daughters, three sons, and twelve grandchildren. May
munity Hanafi dispensations. For his was a way of Allah envelop him in His mercy.
204
 GUEST
CONTRIBUTIONS

205
 207 Protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque (also known as Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa or Al-Haram Al-Sharif )
Dr. Wasfi Kailani

216 Economics of Growth: An Ecological Conundrum

Fazlun Khalid

218 The Clash of Artificial and Natural Intelligences: Will It Impoverish Wisdom?
Dr Osman Bakar

223 Understanding Difference and Diversity

Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said

232 The Necessity of Peace Education

Qamar-ul Huda, PhD

235 Martial Arts, Masculinity and Muhammad g

Nisar Shaikh

206
Protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque (also known as Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa or
Al-Haram Al-Sharif )
by Dr. Wasfi Kailani

STAKEHOLDERS AND to defend the entirety of Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Har-

RESPONSIBILITIES am Al-Qudsi Al-Sharif which brooks no partnership
or sharing or division. We have successfully pushed
The direct stakeholders in managing Al-Aqsa Mosque to get this definition adopted repeatedly before the
(Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa) are the Hashemite Custodian of United Nations and UNESCO. We retain all the
the Muslim and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, political and legal options to confront any violations
His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein, and and to protect the Holy Sites
His Excellency the President of Palestine, Mahmoud
Abbas. The stakeholders also include the Jordani- THE SITE OF AL-AQSA MOSQUE
an Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Endowments, (AL-MASJID AL-AQSA)
the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of Al-Aq-
sa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the Gener- The Caliph Omar chose to build on the site of Al-Aq-
al Directorate of the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa sa Mosque for the following reasons:
Mosque Affairs, together with its board, the Council • Because it is stated categorically and explic-
of the Islamic Jerusalem Awqaf, in addition to other itly in the Qur’an and Sunnah that Al-Aqsa
competent Islamic Palestinian authorities and enti- Mosque is a mosque (masjid).
ties. These include the Islamic-Christian Committee • Glory be to Him Who carried His servant by
in Support of Jerusalem and its Sanctuaries; the Su- night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest
preme Muslim Council; the Grand Mufti of Jerusa- Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa); the environs
lem and Palestine, the Supreme Judge of Palestine, of which “We have blessed, that We might
in addition to hundreds of entities and Muslim and show him some of Our signs. Indeed He is the
Christian scholars in Palestine and Jordan. Hearing, the Seeing” (Al-Isra’, 17:1).
All these direct stakeholders maintain the firm • Because Al-Aqsa Mosque was the Muslims’
position that Al-Aqsa Mosque is the entirety of the first qiblah (direction of prayer).
Al-Haram Al-Qudsi Al-Sharif which is a holy place • Because Al-Aqsa Mosque is the place where
of worship solely for Muslims and brooks no division the Prophet Muhammad ’s miraculous Night
or partnership or sharing whether tangibly or intan- Journey (al-Isra’ wal Mi’raj) occurred and
gibly. This position has been stated repeatedly by the where he led all God’s Prophets and Messen-
Custodian of the Muslim and Christian Holy Sites in gers g in prayer.
Jerusalem, H.M. King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein: • The site was not occupied by any other reli-
gious group when the Caliph Omar entered
We will persist in undertaking our religious and Jerusalem.
historical responsibilities towards the entire- It should further be noted that when it comes to
ty of Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Qudsi the issue of control over holy sites, Islam always re-
Al-Sharif which suffers repeated incursion at- spected continuity. This means that Muslims never
tempts by extremists. As Custodian of the Mus- took control of a holy site if another religious group,
lim and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, I will whether Christian or Jewish or indeed any other reli-
continue my efforts to protect these Holy Sites gion, had continuous presence or custodianship over
and to confront any attempt to violate them or that site. This is seen very clearly from the fact that
their sanctity and any attempts to divide Al-Aq- the Muslims never had any intention of turning the
sa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Qudsi Al-Sharif Church of the Nativity into a mosque despite the fact
temporally or spatially. that it was one of the three stations that the Prophet
Muhammad g alighted during his Night Journey
Our responsibility towards the Islamic Holy Sites (al-Isra’ wal Mi’raj).
in Jerusalem is foremost among our priorities on the Affirming this Muslim position towards holy plac-
international scene. We will use all our capabilities es, the Caliph Omar refused the invitation to pray
207
in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and instead THE DEFINITION OF AL-AQSA
chose to pray just outside the Church. And indeed, MOSQUE (AL-MASJID AL-AQSA)
the Mosque of Omar still stands on that spot till this
very day. When he was asked why he did not pray in- Al-Aqsa Mosque is the name of the holy Muslim
side the Church, the Caliph Omar said: “I fear that place and land inside the walled Old City of Jeru-
if I prayed in it, later Muslims would prevail over you salem of 144 dunums (each dunum = 1000m2) (in-
in its affair [the Church] and say: ‘Here prayed the cluding all its constructions and buildings) surround-
Commander of the Faithful.’” ed on all four sides by walls. From the western side it
Had the Jews had a presence in Al-Aqsa Mosque, is 491m long, from the east 462m, from the north
the Caliph Omar would not have built a mosque 310m, and from the south 281m. Al-Aqsa Mosque
there. If this indicates anything, it indicates that includes the Dome of the Rock; the Qibli Mosque;
Muslims—whose faith is incomplete until they be- Al-Jami’ Al-Aqsa; the Marwani Mosque; the Under-
lieve in all the Prophets and Messengers g—con- ground Aqsa; Al-Rahmah Gate; and all the Gates,
sider themselves to be the people with the best claim plazas and courtyards; prayer places; hallways; and
to honouring them. This is because they have always historic buildings and constructions within the Har-
respected the continuity of the worship of the Peo- am. It also includes all the mastabas; cisterns; aque-
ple of the Scripture (Ahl al-Kitab) in their houses of ducts; and aquifers and all that is above and below
worship. Muslims would never expel Christians, who the ground and all the pathways; entryways; and
have continuously, and without interruption, cared ramps outside that lead to its Gates, including the
for the sites of Jesus’ m birth, crucifixion and ascen- Gates themselves. It also includes the Buraq (West-
sion, for generations. ern) Wall and the pavements in front of the Walls.
It stands to reason that since Islam enjoins kind- Al-Aqsa Mosque includes tens of waqf properties,
ness to “the people of hermitages” in extenuating cir- real estate and buildings inside the walled Old City
cumstances such as war, then this injunction must de of Jerusalem that are waqf endowments tied to
jure apply in times of stability. Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Muslims would not have built a mosque in place
of a synagogue or church had either been standing on
the land of the Al-Aqsa Mosque at the time of the
Islamic conquest of the land of Palestine.
Al-Aqsa Mosque (aka Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa or Al-Haram Al-Sharif ) from the walls of Jerusalem, 1862
Photography by Francis Firt (US Library of Congress)

208
 Jerusalem before World War Two
Photography by American Colony (Jerusalem), (US Library of Congress)

THE STATUS QUO OF AL-AQSA 1852 CE

MOSQUE (AL-MASJID AL-AQSA) The recognized arrangement known as ‘The Status
Quo in the Holy Places’ was adopted in 1852 CE
Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusively Islamic Holy Site. when the Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Majid issued an
Muslims began reconstruction of the Masjid on the edict (firman) freezing all claims of possession of
land of Al-Aqsa Mosque in 138 CE. This means that Christian Holy Places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem
this Holy Site has been used as—and declared—an by religious communities, thereby forbidding any
exclusively Islamic Holy Site for almost 1400 years construction or alterations to occur to their existing
(except the 88 years when the Crusaders held it status.
1099-1187)
Thus, regarding the Status Quo; non-Muslim prayer 1856-1878 CE
is forbidden in Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the entry of This arrangement was internationally recognized at
non-Muslims to it is conditional upon the approval the 1856 CE Conference of Paris (at the end of the
of the Custodian of the Holy Sites and those who Crimean War) and in the 1878 CE Treaty of Berlin
represent him on the ground, i.e., the Jordanian Is- (between European Powers and the Ottomans). Ar-
lamic Awqaf Department in Jerusalem. ticle 62 of the Treaty of Berlin states that: “It is well
Exclusivity: not partnership or sharing, is the Sta- understood that no alterations can be made to the
tus Quo of places of worship in Jerusalem. The cur- status quo in the Holy Places.” Article 62 extended
rent status of the Holy Places in Jerusalem is rooted that arrangement to include all—not only Chris-
in the Status Quo which was established over con- tian—Holy Places.
secutive Islamic Ages when the governing principle
of tolerance and coexistence regarding organization 1920 CE
of worship was separating the places of worship. The Following the defeat of the Ottomans and the parti-
Jews were permitted to worship by the Wailing Wall tioning of their Empire after World War I, the British
(which is part of the Buraq Wall) of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Mandate Authorities in Palestine (1920-1947 CE)
and until 1967 CE, the perimeters of their place of upheld the Status Quo arrangement and included
worship were 22m long and 3m wide. Permission was Al-Buraq (Western) Wall at Al-Aqsa Mosque and
granted to the Jews to visit the area of the Wailing Rachel’s Tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem.
Wall, but it should be noted that under a League of
Nations Commission in 1931 CE, the Wall and the 1928 CE
plaza belong solely to Muslims. It is also important The first major violation of the Status Quo Arrange-
to note that Jordan did not object to these arrange- ment occurred in September 1928 CE, when a group
ments during the 1949 CE Armistice Agreement. of Jewish worshippers set up chairs at Al-Buraq
Following is a brief description of the historic and (Western) Wall to separate men and women per-
legal Status Quo since 1852 CE: forming Yom Kippur prayers, triggering one of the
209
first periods of significant unrest in Jerusalem. A 1967 CE
subsequent White Paper, submitted to the British Despite the aforementioned, during the 1967 War,
government in November 1928 CE, reiterated the Israel forcibly seized control of Al-Buraq (West-
rights of Muslims to Al-Buraq (Western) Wall. Al- ern) Wall, confiscated the key to Al-Aqsa Mosque’s
though unsuccessful in their search for documenta- Al-Magharbeh Gate and destroyed Al-Magharbeh
ry evidence of Jewish rights to Al-Buraq (Western) Quarter which was located in front of Al-Buraq
Wall, the Zionist movement continued to demand its (Western) Wall. In place of Al-Magharbeh Quarter,
expropriation for the Jews. a large prayer plaza for Jewish worshippers was cre-
ated which was gradually extended from an area of
1929-1930 CE 66m2 (22m x 3m) to an area of some 6300m2 (90m x
Disputes over prayer arrangements at Al-Buraq 70m) and these measures have recently been extend-
(Western) Wall escalated. In August 1929 CE, pro- ed much wider. The Israeli authorities and settlers
tests turned violent and resulted in dozens of both have also constructed a huge building of Beit Hali-
Jewish and Arab deaths, as well as hundreds of in- ba while their unilateral covert excavations erased
juries. The conclusions of the subsequent British many Byzantine and Islamic remains without proper
Inquiry Commission, presented in December 1930 documentation.
CE, included the following: Immediately after the 1967 War, Israel nominally
recognized the historical status and religious signif-
To the Moslems belong the sole ownership of, icance for Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, as well as
and the sole proprietary right to, the Western Jordan’s Custodianship of it. Despite this nominal
Wall, seeing that it forms an integral part of recognition, however, the Israeli authorities have
the Haram-esh-Sherif area, which is a Waqf controlled entry into Al-Aqsa Mosque through its
property. Gates ever since and can enter it at will and can allow
To the Moslems there also belongs the own- others to enter it as it pleases. They respected the au-
ership of the Pavement in front of the Wall and thority of Jerusalem Awqaf in permitting non-Mus-
of the adjacent so-called Moghrabi (Moroccan) lims entry into al-Aqsa until 2000. Moreover, all
Quarter opposite the Wall, inasmuch as the successive Israeli governments and their police and
last-mentioned property was made Waqf under military forces have attempted to undermine the in-
Moslem Sharia Law, it being dedicated to char- ternationally recognized Status Quo.
itable purposes.
King Faisal I of Iraq and King Abdullah I of Jordan 1981 CE
meet in Jerusalem 1933 International efforts were made to protect the status
Photography by American Colony (Jerusalem), (US Library of Congress)
and integrity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, including through
the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cul-
tural Organization (UNESCO). In 1981, the Old
City of Jerusalem and its Walls was inscribed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site upon the request
of the Government of Jordan. In 1982, UNESCO’s
World Heritage Committee decided to inscribe the
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls on the List of
World Heritage in Danger, thereby highlighting the
threats and risks to the cultural heritage of the Old
City of Jerusalem and its sites. Since then, the World
Heritage Committee, its Executive Board and the
UNESCO General Conference have taken tens of
decisions that call on Israel, as the Occupying Power,
to stop its continuous violations against the heritage
of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls. Israel,
however, continues its efforts to change Jerusalem’s
pre-1967 Status Quo.

210
 1994 CE sa Mosque’s “unique religious importance, to all
Until the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s of the Muslims.”
20th Century, the Jordanian Awqaf Administration’s As for the claims of Jewish extremists and the
management of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Waqf prop- many Israeli officials in Israel who attempt to de-
erties attached to it was relatively respected and sta- scribe the Status Quo in Jerusalem as changeable
ble. Article 9 of the Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty of 26th and fluid according to the Occupying Power in
October 1994 CE stipulates that: “Israel respects the the Holy City; this is an occupation theory that
present special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of subscribes to the law of the jungle and that sur-
Jordan in Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem” and that vival and rule belong to the party that is the more
“when negotiations on the permanent status will take powerful and not the party that has the legal and
place, Israel will give high priority to the Jordanian moral claim. This is in contravention of dozens
historic role in these shrines.” of international law decisions issued by the UN
Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and
2000 CE UNESCO which state that every single change
Over the past few decades extremist Jewish elements committed by Israel, the Occupying Power, is
have become increasingly more vocal, more powerful null and void and must be revoked. The Occu-
and more mainstream. Since the second Palestinian pying Power, Israel, maintained the Status Quo
Intifada—which erupted in September 2000 CE in Al-Aqsa Mosque until the year 2000 CE when
after the provocative visit of then Likud opposi- Ariel Sharon violently violated the Mosque with
tion leader Ariel Sharon to Al-Aqsa Mosque—and force of arms and under the protection of the Is-
against the wider backdrop of the failure of the Oslo raeli police and army. That violation and trespass
Accords—thousands of Israeli police and soldiers on the Holy Site became a course of action fol-
have been deployed in and around the Old City of lowed by extremist Jews who continue to violate
Jerusalem and its environs (including inside Al-Aqsa Al-Aqsa Mosque through force and violence till
Mosque). this very day.

2003-2004 CE VIOLATIONS OF THE STATUS

During the course of the Second Intifada, Israel con- QUO BY THE ISRAELI
structed a wall in and around East Jerusalem on the OCCUPATION AUTHORITIES
pretext that it was necessary for security purposes.
On December 8th, 2003, the General Assembly of the Incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque by non-Muslims
United Nations requested the International Court of ( Jews and others) without the Jordanian Awqaf Au-
Justice (ICJ) to give an Advisory Opinion on the thority’s approval of, or supervision of the entry per-
question of the legal consequences of the construc- mits or the behaviours of the ‘visitors’. The number of
tion of that wall by Israel as an Occupying Power. extremist intruders into al-Aqsa has been increased
On July 9th, 2004, the International Court of Justice more than ten times during the last twelve years.
delivered its Advisory Opinion that Israel’s construc- • Enabling hundreds of Jewish extremists to
tion of the wall is contrary to international law as it practice Jewish rituals, dance, raise flags, po-
impeded the Palestinian people’s right to self-deter- liticize the holy site, shouting insulting and
mination and further constituted a breach of Israel’s hatred phrases against Prophet Muhammad
obligations under international humanitarian law (PBUH) / Muslims / Palestinians inside
and human rights instruments. Israel continues to fail al-Aqsa.
to comply with the ICJ’s findings which it is obliged • Knesset members and political activists were
to respect. enabled to lead the above-mentioned incite-
ment activities.
2013 CE • Obstructing the Awqaf Authority’s reno-
In furtherance of the ongoing and ceaseless efforts vation and restoration projects in Al-Aqsa
to maintain the status and integrity of Al-Aqsa Mosque; interfering in the affairs of recon-
Mosque, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan struction in the Haram; and the interrogation
and His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Abbas of Pal- of experts, employees and officials responsible
estine signed an Agreement on the Holy Places in Je- for reconstruction and renovation.
rusalem, on March 31st, 2013, that recalled Al-Aq- • Obstructing the entry of Muslims to Al-Aq-
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 sa Mosque and attempting to prevent them since the year 2000 CE. The right of access
from praying in it; or repeatedly limiting the is lacking, particularly for Jerusalemites and
number of worshippers over the days of the Arab Israelis who carry blue identification
year. cards. Indeed, hundreds of men and women
• Covert and overt tunnelling around the pe- have been put on blacklists and denied entry
rimeters of Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly on to Al-Aqsa Mosque indefinitely.
the sides of the western and southern walls of ▶ Israeli Occupation Authorities harass Mus-
the Mosque. lim worshippers (most of whom are women
• Imposing by force building projects that Ju- and elderly men) accustomed to attending
daize the perimeters of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the morning religious instruction sessions held
areas of the Umayyad Palaces; the Magharbeh in the plazas of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli
Pathway; the Tel Al-Magharbeh; the Buraq Occupation Authorities confiscate their
Plaza; Ribat Al-Kurd; and by the southern IDs and deny them their rights (and their
and western walls of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Is- families rights) to medical care. They also
raeli Occupation Authorities do this without use the tactic of physical intimidation and
the Awqaf ’s permission or coordination with attacks, in addition to imprisonment. In-
them. deed, the situation has reached the point
• Converting a number of rooms and tunnels of not only disrupting Qur’anic recitation
surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque into Jewish sessions but of forbidding them from con-
places of worship despite their demonstrably tinuing because they inconvenience the Jew-
Islamic history; history that was uncovered by ish extremists during their incursions of the
Jewish scholars and archaeologists. Examples Al-Aqsa Mosque.
of this are the Shari’ah Court building, the ▶ Confiscating parts of Al-Aqsa Mosque be-
Tankaz Baths and Khan, and the Umayyad ginning with the Tankaziyyah School and
Palaces. the Omariyyah School since 1967 CE. Mus-
• Repeated violations against employees of the lims have been denied the right of access to
Jerusalem Awqaf by preventing them from them and performing rites there. More re-
undertaking their duties at the Mosque, such cently, Israeli Occupation Authorities have
as reconstruction; and renovation; serving tried to confiscate waqf properties in Bab
worshippers and keeping check of the behav- Al-Ghawanmeh and have confiscated the
iours of non-Muslims who enter it. The viola- Ribat Al-Kurd Plaza and turned it into what
tions have extended to the point of hundreds is termed Al-Buraq Al-Sagheer (Mini Wall).
of cases of physical assault and arrest and pre- It is one of the Gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Is-
venting employees from reaching their place raeli Occupation Authorities also attempted
of work and even preventing some employees to annex Bab Al-Rahmah through keeping
from beginning their employment. it closed between the years 2003-2019 CE.
• Continued daily obstruction of Muslims This very nibbling away itself is a spatial di-
from reaching and entering Al-Aqsa Mosque vision of the Mosque and a Judaization of
through the following measures: parts of it.
▶ Since Jerusalem fell under Israeli occupation
in 1967 CE, most Muslims from around the NON-MUSLIM VISITORS TO AL-AQSA
globe have been deprived of reaching Al-Aq- MOSQUE (AL-MASJID AL-AQSA)
sa Mosque. This deprivation continues for
Muslims who perform Hajj and Umrah who Before 1967 CE and until 2000 CE, the Jordanian
have—for centuries—finished their Hajj or Awqaf Administration in Jerusalem used to arrange
Umrah to the Meccan Haram and Medi- the entry of non-Muslims—including Jews—to
nan Haram by visiting the third Haram in Al-Aqsa Mosque. It used to do so smoothly and with-
Jerusalem: Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram out incident. However, in the year 2000 CE; visiting
Al-Qudsi Al-Sharif. Al-Aqsa Mosque was closed to non-Muslims by the
▶ Depriving most of the inhabitants of Pales- Occupation Police after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel
tine from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip Sharon’s incursion. In 2003 CE Israeli Occupation
from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly Authorities reintroduced non-Muslim visitation to
212
the Mosque and then controlled the procedures or- The Islamic Awqaf reject calling coerced and imposed
ganizing entry into it. They allowed non-Muslims to interference from the Occupation Authorities coor-
enter without purchasing a ticket of entry from the dination because it does not respect the Awqaf ’s ex-
Islamic Awqaf and without its involvement, approv- clusive and independent right to administer Al-Aqsa
al, or supervision. Mosque. Furthermore, the Awqaf Authorities refuse
The Awqaf reject Jewish incursions into Al-Aqsa to coordinate with the Israeli Occupation Authori-
Mosque even more vehemently now after calls for ties for the following reasons:
recognition of a Jewish right to perform religious • Coordination in matters related to Al-Aqsa
rituals and Talmudic prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque and Mosque is in contravention of the Status Quo
calls for establishing a temple on it. These voices have as it was pre 1967 CE and constitutes an il-
found support and momentum from Israeli society legal recognition of the Israeli occupation of
and the Israeli government through greater election East Jerusalem.
of the extremist Israeli right to the Knesset and the • The Jerusalem Awqaf Authority leaves diplo-
Israeli government. matic efforts to official Jordanian channels by
Indeed, covert and overt prayers have begun to be virtue of the relationship between Jordan and
practiced inside Al-Aqsa Mosque under the cover Israel as two states with institutionalized rela-
and protection of the Israeli police and border patrol. tions since the signing of the 1994 CE Peace
It reached its peak in September 2021 and Septem- Treaty. This is so the Jerusalem Awqaf Au-
ber / October 2022 CE when hundreds of cases of re- thorities can avoid turning into just another
ligious rituals were practiced in a short period of time Jerusalemite civil society organization under
never before seen at Al-Aqsa Mosque. For these rea- the thumb of the Occupation Authorities. It
sons Muslims term these ‘visits’ as violations, incur- should be borne in mind that the Jerusalem
sions, and desecrations of the sanctity of the Mosque Awqaf Authorities have repeatedly declared
and are rejected by Islamic and Christian entities in that Al-Aqsa Mosque submits to no one oth-
Jerusalem. er than God d and that the institution of the
The Jerusalem Awqaf Authorities Refuse to Co- Awqaf is part of the Hashemite Custodian-
ordinate with the Israeli Occupation Authorities Be- ship of the Muslim and Christian Holy Sites
cause it is Coercion in Jerusalem.
Israeli soldiers threaten Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque (aka Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa or Al-Haram Al-Sharif ), 2022

213
 • The State of Israel has undertaken legal, reli- his YouTube channel entitled: “The Magic of
gious, and official steps to undermine the Sta- Jerusalem” which showed the Dome of the
tus Quo in a manner that both implicitly and Rock magically disappearing and being re-
explicitly supports the building of a Jewish placed by a Jewish temple.
Temple in place of Al-Aqsa Mosque. • The subject of Jewish prayer in Al-Aqsa
Following are some examples of the steps adopted Mosque was raised six time in the Israeli
and executed by the Israeli Authorities in their at- Knesset in 2014 CE alone. Arab Knesset
tempts to make Al-Aqsa Mosque subject to the laws members foiled those debates. However,
of the Occupation: Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, for all
• In July 2012 CE Yehuda Weinstein, the Israeli intents and purposes, allowed Jews to per-
Attorney General, informed the Israeli An- form prayers and religious rituals in Al-Aqsa
tiquities Authority’s (IAA) legal advisors, the Mosque, particularly near Bab Al-Rahmah
Jerusalem Municipality, and the Israeli Police since early 2017 CE.
that the Al-Aqsa Mosque constitutes a part of • In November 2014 CE, the Israeli Foreign
the land of Israel and therefore the law of Isra- Minister gave out a paper to ambassadors to
el, and by extension the Antiquities Law, and Tel Aviv in which Al-Aqsa Mosque is incor-
the Planning and Construction Law, apply to rectly described as part of the so-called Tem-
the Mosque. ple Mount. According to this paper, the Tem-
• In March 2015 CE, the Israeli Supreme Court ple Mount contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque; the
recognized the right of Jews to pray in Al-Aq- “third-holiest site in Islam” and the Dome
sa Mosque. of the Rock; “the fourth-holiest site in Islam
• In June 2016 CE, David Lau, the Ashkenazi (and is not a mosque) and many other small
Chief Rabbi of Israel said he would like to structures.” The paper went on to claim that
see the Jewish Temple rebuilt on the Temple the “Aqsa Mosque with the bronze dome is on
Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque). the southern edge of the Temple Mount and
• On 14th August 2016 CE, Israeli Deputy De- covers a relatively small part of its area.”
fence Minister, Eli Ben-Dahan, spoke to Jew- • Over the last three decades Israel has directly
ish crowds gathered for the Temple Mount financed various “Temple Movements” which
March and said: “We aren’t embarrassed to aim to increase awareness regarding the im-
say it: we want to rebuild the Temple on the portance of the “Temple Mount” and rebuild-
Temple Mount.” ing it tangibly after completing rebuilding the
• When Danny Ayalon was Deputy Foreign Temple emotionally in place of the Al-Aqsa
Minister of Israel, he posted a short video on Mosque.

Netanyahu and Trump announce the “Deal of the Century”

214
 WHY JORDAN AND PALESTINE INSIST facto recognition of a Jewish right to worship in
ON NOT USING “TEMPLE MOUNT” Al-Aqsa Mosque. This ultimately means under-
NEXT TO “AL-AQSA MOSQUE” mining the Status Quo even more and putting
Al-Aqsa Mosque and the security of the region
Israel claims that Jordan and Palestine are leading a and the entire world in real danger because of the
worldwide campaign to deny the history of the Jewish religious conflict and chaos which would ensue.
people by refusing to use the term “Temple Mount” • Al-Masjid-Al-Aqsa / Al-Haram Al-Sharif is
next to the term “Al-Haram Al-Sharif / Al-Aqsa land under occupation. The United Nations
Mosque”, as has been done in UN and UNESCO de- General Assembly (UNGA) and United
cisions over the last ten years. Jews lived in Palestine and Nations Security Council (UNSC) have de-
the Islamic World in peace and harmony for centuries clared any, and all measures taken by Israel, as
without any denial of their history or rights to secure the Occupying Power, to change the Status
living and worship. The Zionist Project in the early 20th Quo of occupied Jerusalem as invalid.
Century committed consecutive nakbahs (catastrophes)
against the people, land, and Holy Sites of Palestine. CONCLUSION
It was then that the balance of power shifted and the
demands to recognize the religious and historic rights It is clear that the legitimacy of the claim that Al Mas-
of Jews were paired with the demand for depriving jid Al-Aqsa / Al-Haram Al-Sharif is an exclusively
Palestinians of their rights to land, a state, and Holy Muslim Holy Site is founded upon solid and irrefuta-
Sites that had been preserved for them for centuries. ble religious, political, and legal evidence. Muslims will
The most important reasons for the rejection of the continue to believe, as they always have, that Al-Aqsa
nomenclature of “The Temple Mount” are: Mosque is a part of their creed and that it is their first
• The Israeli demand to use the term “Temple qiblah (direction of prayer). Al-Aqsa Mosque holds
Mount” synonymously with “Al-Haram Al-Sharif a place in Muslim hearts equal to that of the Blessed
/ Al-Aqsa Mosque” is intended to be a step for- Ka’aba. Muslims are certain that Al-Aqsa Mosque is
ward in recognizing a Jewish right to the entirety in Jerusalem. Muslims are certain that it is their right
of Al-Haram Al-Sharif / Al-Aqsa Mosque or to to access Al-Aqsa Mosque and pray in it; and that it
divide it or judaize it as has been declared in is Palestine’s beating heart, and the centre of its cause
tens of Jewish religious, official, popular, and and the cause for which thousands of Companions
juridical statements. Jordan and Palestine are and Companions of the Companions were martyred,
certain that the Occupying Power will be able in addition to those who fought alongside Salahuddin
to use its power to Judaize the Holy Site and Al-Ayyoubi. It was for the sake of the liberation of
divide it if Muslims and the world agree to the Al-Aqsa Mosque that the battles of Mu’tah, Yarmouk,
principle of partnership or sharing whether in Ajnadayn, Hattin, and Ain Jalut were fought. In addi-
terms of nomenclature or in terms of concept. As tion to battles fought in the modern era, starting with
historian Nazmi Al-Jubeh, Professor of history the Great Arab Revolt in 1916 CE and the 1936 CE
at the University of Birzeit, asked: “Would an- Revolution and the battles fought for the liberation of
yone in the world accept that the term ‘Temple Jerusalem and Bab el-Wad. Palestinians and Muslims
of Jupiter’ be used next to the Church of the will continue to struggle in defence of Al-Aqsa Mosque
Holy Sepulchre because some archaeologists until it is honoured and dignified once again.
and historians say that the Church was built in Any change to the historic status, character or func-
place of the pagan Temple of Jupiter?” tion of Al-Aqsa Mosque will be met with public and
• Using the term “Temple Mount” for “Al-Har- popular rejection and opposition on the level of the
am Al-Sharif / Al-Aqsa Mosque” is contrary Islamic World; 1.9 billion souls. Any change to the
to the historic, religious, political, and legal character or function of Al-Aqsa Mosque according to
Status Quo of this Holy Site. the whims and desires of extremist Jews will lead to a
• Using the term “Temple Mount” in United religious war between Muslims and Jews that will most
Nations and UNESCO documents has legal certainly spread beyond the borders of Palestine and
implications on the ground. It would be a de will threaten the peace and security of the entire world.

Dr. Wasfi Kailani is the Director of the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the
Dome of the Rock
215
 Economics of Growth: An Ecological Conundrum
Fazlun Khalid

As the post-colonial world emerged in the middle by huge bulldozers driven by the banks and big busi-
of the last century, it left in its wake a host of dismem- ness whilst a host of people try to fill it up with little
bered traditional societies which for millennia had buckets. Egypt will host COP 27 in 2022.
faith as their anchor and which embraced the natural Alongside climate change our other major concern
world as the source of life. The transition to the New is about the decline of biological diversity. We are in
World Order was in a sense seamless as the colonial the middle of the sixth mass extinction on Planet
powers offloaded their territories creating secular na- Earth and it is easy to see now that the roots of this
tion states in their own image. The emerging states crisis lay in the destruction of the cultural diversity
were left with institutions defined by the departing that protected the sources of life. Our efforts to cre-
powers, the most important of which was the Cen- ate a better world to live in has been at the expense
tral Bank whose ability to create money out of thin of other sentient beings as we learn that they are irre-
air sustained the model with debt. Thus was created versibly woven into the web of life that we too are a
the umbilical cord that tethered each new state to the part of and upon which we depend. This is not to say
departing power and ultimately to the evolving glob- that past societies were always benevolent towards
al system. nature, and the fact does remain that when they inev-
The mid-20th century world was unrecognisable itably collapsed the sands covered their traces and the
from the world Iberian sailors opened up in the clos- forests grew over them: they were biodegradable. But
ing years of the 15th century. This period witnessed not so the civilisation we live in today. It is conceiv-
the unfolding of one of the major episodic events in able that archaeologists of the future may not only
human history, resulting in the emergence of a new have to contend with ubiquitous plastic and poison-
paradigm in which faith communities no longer ous chemicals but may need to wear radiation suits in
held sway. It had taken a mere 500 years, a minuscule order to explore the debris we have left behind.
amount of time measured against the evolution of the As we struggle to make sense of the numerous
human story, to destroy what faith communities and enormities we have foisted on Mother Earth, it is
traditional societies had nurtured for millennia. This becoming evident that they are in fact direct con-
left them all adrift and, as one thinker pronounced, sequences of processes emerging from the evolution
caused a psychological shift in allegiance in this pe- of modernity. As we chase after progress and devel-
riod from the divine to the human. This process ob- opment, not only are we destroying Earth’s systems
jectified nature to the extent that sources of life were but are in the process harming ourselves by ingesting
turned into resources for plunder. toxic chemicals into our bodily systems that did not
We now face the “triple threat” identified by the exist at the time of our grandparents. This adds up
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as to a new reality: that we now live in a global village
climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution. viewing existence as a linear continuum of economic
Climate change is seen as the big issue as it can be progress going right against the grain of the natural
felt and experienced by people all over the world. world.
Predictably, there have been serious divisions in the Geologists have proposed that we now live in the
COP (Conference of Parties) process which is the Anthropocene: the age of the human reflecting the
annual negotiating platform for the global commu- fact that we have now come to be a force of nature.
nity on climate change. COP 26 was held in Glas- It is suggested by some scientists that this epoch be-
gow, Scotland in 2021. The term “game changer” on gan in the mid-20th century with the emergence of
the one hand was used by a politician to proclaim nuclear energy, disposable plastics and the human
success, and on the other by a scientist to pronounce population boom. Others point their fingers at the
failure. Whilst numerous NGOs and FBOs (Faith industrial revolution. In my view, however, it began
Based Organisations) were demonstrating palpable with the creation of the Bank of England in 1694. It
enthusiasm for change, the oil lobby and big business institutionalised the processes of creating money out
kept quietly working away at the delegates to keep of thin air and lending it for a fee (usury/interest),
things as they are. The picture this conjures up in my a practice that is strictly forbidden in Islamic teach-
mind is that of an ever-enlarging hole being dug out ings. This provides the convenient illusion that there
216
is more wealth to be had than actually exists in the This is called “realism” and in a sense it reflects the
natural world, a proposition reducing the money thoughts of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when
we use today to the nature of a virus. This is called he told his followers to plant the seeds in their hands
“Capitalism”—projecting the idea of abundance for even if they thought the world was coming to an end
all seen by many as a serious diversion from reality. the next day. What and where are the seeds of hope
The Global footprint network informs us that we must plant today? How can we create a green
“Earth Overshoot Day” 2022 fell on 28 July. We are civilisation and avoid falling into the trap of green
thus living on borrowed time, and for the rest of 2022 consumerism?
will be helping ourselves to the depleting stocks of How can faith communities trigger changes in a
the Earth’s resources, the lion’s share being sucked up system which is dominant and all-perversive and not
by the richest countries of the world. This reminds us of their own making? Their belated re-entry into the
quite clearly of what the Club of Rome demonstrated affairs of the world was heralded by the Assisi Dec-
to us in limits to growth way back in 1972. Looked laration - Messages on Humanity and Nature from
at from this perspective sustainable development Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Juda-
needs to be rethought, because in order for the less ism, back in 1986. This was the brainchild of the late
well-off to meet their needs without a consequent Prince Philip when he was president of the WWF in-
negative impact on Earth systems, those who already ternational. It triggered many faith-based initiatives,
have more than enough should accept considerably while the next major event in this area of concern was
less. There is some balancing to be done here which Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si which emerged
is to remind the well-off of their obligations—so pol- in 2015. Currently Muslims scholars are putting to-
icy makers please note. Or is Wall Street too hot to gether Al Mizan [“A Covenant for the Earth”] which
handle? is an encapsulation of Islamic perspectives on the en-
Traditional and indigenous communities lived vironment and is expected to be published in 2022.
in a manner that was integral to nature, and in the There are Hindu and Buddhist versions to follow
absence of scripture the natural world itself was the thanks to the initiatives taken by the Faith for Earth
text. Eastern traditions also had a close affinity with division at UNEP.
nature, and it was looked upon as a gift from the Whilst science figures prominently in the environ-
Creator by all three Abrahamic faiths. All spiritual mental discourse, the underlying agenda in the give-
traditions teach us mindfulness, caring and sharing. and-take process is as always economics. All nations
However, in today’s world greed has been institu- have their own individual economic agendas which
tionalised and it is now known as “Consumerism”. invariably involves growth and which they are hardly
Our rituals are incomplete without going shopping. likely to give up. And growth actually means taxing
We are now seamlessly becoming green consumers, Earth resources which goes contrary to any collective
hooked into social media and trapped by the mobile agreement, whether it relates to climate change, bio-
phone heralding the consolidation of techno-civi- diversity loss, land, sea and air pollution, or any other
lisation much to the delight of big business. This is subject the international community may choose.
where we hit the buffers of biodiversity. Where will There are lessons to learn for all of us from this and
we continue to find the rare earth, the cobalt and what we need is a strong movement that would inject
the lithium that are going to give us high efficiency the reality that we need to take less—much, much
batteries that will drive our civilisation? And where less—from a finite planet at the expense of our chil-
are we going to dump these batteries by the ton when dren. This idea in the emerging lexicon of the new
they are exhausted? economics is represented by “degrowth”. It is still not
It is time now to elevate our level of consciousness too late to take this fork in the road—so will Mus-
to another level of reality. There is a space between lim nations lead the way before our present trajectory
optimism and pessimism which we need to populate. brings Planet Earth to its knees?

Fazlun Khalid is founder of Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences.
(This essay is based on an op ed, Faith, Nature & the Climate Crisis: An Evaluation, which first appeared in
IDN-InDepthNews – 09 December 2021. IDN is the flagship agency of the Non-profit International Press
Syndicate.)

217
The Clash of Artificial and Natural Intelligences: Will It Impoverish
Wisdom?
Osman Bakar, PhD

INTRODUCTION and technology. One key development was scientific

advances in neuroscience and related disciplines in
This essay covers some of the major issues that arise human biology, particularly in relations to cerebral
in contemporary human thoughts following the intelligence, that were enhanced by new biomedical
fast-expanding and problematic interface of natural engineering and biotechnological tools. Cerebral in-
and artificial intelligences that we have been witness- telligence studies have rapidly advanced as a result.
ing during the last several decades. Not only is the in- The other key development, which is perhaps more
terface rapidly expanding, but it is also getting more important than the first in terms of impact on human
complex and epistemologically muddier. Moreover, beings and their society, is contemporary man’s desire
it is sending more signals that it is now venturing into to create AI in the image of his own NI. His attempt
danger zones for human security. The very nature and to exteriorise this desire in societal space, which is
characteristics of the interface could only mean that essentially driven by materialism in various forms,
more major issues will emerge to haunt the contem- has already produced visible fruits that invite mixed
porary human mind. We observe that the interface reactions from individuals and groups and even gov-
has become more controversial in recent years. ernments. The first early images of human intelli-
For the purpose of this essay, by natural intelli- gence on the material plane, albeit only partial and
gence (NI) is meant that part of the human person not total, have appeared in the forms of a number of
comprising all his cognitive organs, physical and AI technological objects. The present prediction is
non-physical, together with their respective func- that it would be only a matter of time before bolder
tions and activities in information gathering and or- and more sophisticated images of human intelligence
ganisation for the purpose of knowledge-processing will appear in our contemporary material civilisa-
and acquisition and understanding the mysteries of tion. What the consequences of such a development
human language. In Islamic civilisation, NI thus un- would be we can only speculate and conjecture at this
derstood is signified by the term ‘aql, which is usually point in time.
translated as intellect or reason.1 Interestingly, the
same term is used in Islamic philosophy and cosmol- THE AI AGENDA: THE
ogy to refer to angelic intelligence apparently for the IDEOLOGICAL DIMENSION
reason that human and angelic intelligences are re-
garded as of being of the same nature; namely, a form The AI agenda, which is presently pursued with vig-
of incorporeal light that is described in theological our especially in the more scientifically and techno-
language as “spiritual”. And by artificial intelligence logically advanced countries in both East and West,
(AI) is meant humanly created intelligence that seeks is an outcome of the two key developments I have
to simulate human intelligence in machines by pro- just mentioned. In a sense, although related, the two
gramming them to think like humans and mimic developments may be viewed as different from each
their actions. In short, AI is the name of a programme other in terms of orientation and goal. The main in-
to create human-like intelligence to the greatest de- terest in the first line of development is theoretical,
gree of complexity and sophistication possible. meaning the pursuit of scientific research of the hu-
The interface of NI and AI we are now discussing man brain with the expressed purpose of deepening
was essentially generated by the encounter of two man’s understanding of his own intelligence. The as-
important developments in postmodern science sumption here is that the brain is the true seat of hu-
1 In Islamic thought, there are non-human forms of natural intelligence. These are animal intelligences and invisible spirits known as jinn
found in the terrestrial world, and angelic intelligences in the extra-terrestrial world. There is abundant literature on the relationship
between animal and human intelligence in both modern science and traditional Islamic thought which, however, study the subject from
different philosophical points of view. The relationship between human and angelic intelligences was also extensively discussed in Islamic
philosophy and science, but such a discussion is not within the purview of modern science, since supernatural beings such as angels have
long been taken out of the Western cosmos. For a detailed discussion of Islamic theory of intelligences, see Osman Bakar, Classification of
Knowledge in Islam (Cambridge: The Islamic Texts Society, 1998), particularly Chapter 2.
218
man intelligence and knowledge and the source of his ligence that bind them together, thus meriting their
cognitive powers.2 The orientation and goal of brain epistemological merger into one greater cultural
research is towards the progressive enhancement and movement. The common philosophical ideas under-
empowerment of human natural intelligence. Inter- lying the concepts of both NI and AI that have been
est in AI, however, is not excluded from this research defined are found rooted in the theories of human
enterprise, but it is subordinated to the theoretical nature. Both religion and science have a deep interest
goal of revealing the mysteries of human intelligence, in human nature, but they differ in their perspectives
which is viewed as the essential attribute of human of understanding this very important subject. Not
nature or the core of humanness. only are they different in their formulation of fun-
The orientation and goal in the other line of de- damental questions about human nature—such as
velopment is quite different. It is practical or more its origin, purpose, development, implications for
precisely technological. It is to create AI in the image human behaviour, and significance for the Earth’s
of NI in the analogous way that the Abrahamic reli- planetary ecology—but also in the answers they pro-
gious traditions speak of “man as being created in the vide to these questions. These differences explain the
image of God”. In the latter case, the image is under- multiple and contending theories of human nature
stood to be total. As such, the image of NI has to be that have been borne out of the wombs of religion
total in nature as well. Theoretically, this would mean and science.
the creation of AI that would be a replica of NI and But differences aside between the religious and the
that would be as good as it. But the most ambitious scientific perspectives in respect of meaning and sig-
of the contemporary technological minds are not nificance which they confer on human nature, there
content with this envisaged achievement. They har- is convergence in their appreciation of the distinc-
bour the dream of creating AI that would be superior tiveness and centrality of intelligence in human na-
to NI. The idea of the possibility of a future AI being ture. More fundamental still is convergence in their
superior to NI is being entertained by them and oth- characterisation of self-consciousness and self-dis-
er prime shapers of the second line of development, covery as important psychological features that are
because they strongly believe that human evolution integral to human nature. Such a view that posits
will make it happen. In fact, as we shall later see, there intelligence, self-consciousness, and self-discovery as
are organised voices within the ranks of these prime core features of human nature is especially character-
shapers of AI who are optimistic about the coming of istic of the religion of Islam. Moreover, Islam’s the-
such a technological future. ological perspective on human nature has been con-
However, notwithstanding the difference in orien- sistent in maintaining the idea of the complementary
tation, goal, and concentration between the two lines role of science as a source of knowledge to help em-
of scientific-technological developments, there are power that very perspective. Epistemologically, hu-
common philosophical ideas and issues about intel- man nature is perhaps the most fertile ground for a
2 A contending assumption in both science and religion is the idea of the heart as the true seat of intelligence and knowledge. In other
words, cardiac intelligence is a more fundamental psychological concept and reality than cerebral intelligence.
219
productive encounter between religion and science surpassing NI in quality and performance. The main
in the history of Islamic thought. In particular, hu- message from the Qur’an, says Dhaouadi, is that “AI
man intelligence has served as an illustrative case of can never be equal to NI, for God has not imparted
this broad encounter, especially during the most crea- to it His divine breath .”9
tive phase of Islamic civilisation when the subject was From the theological point of view, AI will always
extensively discussed and explored, albeit largely the- be inferior to human NI, simply because it is man’s
oretical in nature. Now, in the light of the extraordi- creature. It is against logic and natural law for a crea-
nary interest in intelligence studies, both natural and ture to be equal to its creator. But man’s desire to cre-
artificial, and theoretical and applied, it might be a ate things in his image will always be part of his con-
welcome idea for Muslims in particular to revisit past sciousness, because God has implanted that desire in
discourses in their civilisation to gain new insights on his nature to permanently remind him of the truth
the subject. that he has been created in His image. Man’s desire
The classical Islamic discourse on human intel- to know everything about his intelligence and to cre-
ligence may serve as an objective and independent ate its replica in physical form is none other than the
critic of the contemporary AI Agenda, its ensuing expression of his self-discovery as an intelligent being
controversial debates, and the various projections who is an image of divine intelligence and as homo
into the technocratic future of AI. Roberto Paura3 faber (man the maker) who is an image of God the
has described some of these future projections as Maker. In the light of this theological perspective, it
over-optimistic, wish-fulfilment fantasy, and utopi- may be argued that man’s pursuit of AI has a meta-
an. He is referring in particular to the technocratic physical justification and should, therefore, be fully
utopia of transhumanism, a contemporary cultural supported. But a counterargument from theology is
and philosophical movement whose ideology is cen- that perfect human imitation of divine intelligence
tred on the idea of the feasibility of a technological is to be pursued on the spiritual plane. On the phys-
enhancement of the human body, and thus the emer- ical plane man’s creation of AI cannot have limitless
gence of a new type of humanity.4 Transhumanism possibilities, constrained as it were by the laws of
was born in the United States during the 1980s “as a biophysics.
product of the technological revolution represented
by the mass distribution of information technology THE AI AGENDA: ITS SOCIAL
and cybernetics, as well as by the first scientific stud- DIMENSIONS, REAL AND IMAGINED
ies on nanotechnologies”.5 Transhumanists believe
in the future appearance of a post-human species There is no doubt that the desire of contemporary
“whose members can theoretically live forever thanks man to create AI to various degrees of sophistication
to breakthrough findings in medicine, biotechnolo- is an important issue for our time. Turning this desire
gy, nanotechnology, computer science and artificial into physical and social reality can have many impli-
intelligence”.6 The ultimate goal of transhumanism is cations, both positive and negative, for present and
nothing less than a total fusion between humans and future humanity. There are many questions that can
artificial intelligences. It is “to get rid of hardware by be asked about this human desire such as: What is its
transferring the whole content of our brains inside of nature? Why has it surfaced at a particular moment
supercomputers, so to preserve the software, i.e., our in human history, namely in post-modern times?
consciousness, untouched”.7 Arguing from the Islam- What is it that motivates and sustains it? And what
ic perspective, Mahmoud Dhaouadi, a professor of explains its technological progress?
Sociology at the University of Tunisia, upon review- The scope of this essay does not allow us to address
ing the ongoing controversy over AI and NI,8 con- these questions. However, we have at least touched
cludes that the two can never be equal, let alone AI on the appearance of transhumanism and its histor-
3 Alberto Paura is a physicist at the Department of Physics, University of Perugia, Italy and a researcher at the Italian Institute for the
Future, Napoli.
4 For an informative article on transhumanism, see Roberto Paura, “Singularity believers and the new utopia of transhumanism”, Im@go:
A Journal of the Social Imaginary, Number 7 – Year V, June 2016, pp. 23-55.
5 Roberto Paura, “Singularity believers and the new utopia of transhumanism”, p. 23.
6 Roberto Paura, “Singularity believers and the new utopia of transhumanism”, p. 25.
7 Roberto Paura, “Singularity believers and the new utopia of transhumanism”, p. 25.
8 Mahmoud Dhaouadi, “An exploration of the nature of human artificial intelligence and the Qur’anic perspective”, Abdelwahab M.
Elmessiri, ed., Epistemological Bias in the Physical and Social Sciences (The International Institute of Islamic Thought, 2006), pp.158-173.
9 Mahmoud Dhaouadi, “An exploration of the nature of human artificial intelligence”, p. 173.
220
ical and technological background, which gives us THE CLASH BETWEEN AI AND NI
some insights into the current thinking on the future
social space that is expected to be dictated by the pro- In theory, it is rather strange that we could be enter-
gress of AI. taining the idea of a clash between AI and NI con-
The ongoing interface between AI and NI has thus sidering the fact that the source of the former is none
far aroused mixed responses and assumed a new sig- other than the latter. But the point is that the clash
nificance for the world community on which it seems has become a reality, as may be inferred from various
worth reflecting, not least out of our concern for the contending positions in contemporary discourse on
future of NI itself that has been traditionally accept- the interface between the two forms of intelligences.
ed as an essential defining element of humanness and There are several explanations for this clash. For the
humanity. The general concern in the minds of many sake of brevity, I am offering here only one explana-
people, especially those following the discourse, is tion, which I think, however, is the most important.
about the serious implications of the interface for the It pertains to the clash of understandings about the
global socio-economic order. The gulf in economic respective natures and powers of NI and AI. There
wealth between rich and poor nations keeps progres- would be no clash possible if we always bear in mind
sively widening, which could only threaten the well- that AI owed NI its origin and existence and what-
being of the global community. It is to be noted that ever powers it has received from its human creator.
the current agenda of AI, which is dominated by rich But a clash would occur if we overestimate the worth
countries that are also the most advanced in science of AI and at the same time underestimate the worth
and technology, is motivated by several considera- of NI. I argue that such a condition has already been
tions, including scientific-technological, economic, fulfilled, and hence the clash!
and political-military. Consequently, this agenda has To avoid clashes, it is important for us to be intel-
generated activities of multiple kinds in different sec- lectually honest about the fundamental differences
tors of societal life. between AI and NI that many insist are irreconcila-
There is, first of all, the purely scientific-technolog- ble, and also to refrain from making excessive claims
ical motive directed at the pursuit of AI that would on the potential powers of AI. Intellectual honesty
serve as tools of scientific research on NI itself and demands from us sound knowledge of the true na-
on extra-terrestrial intelligences. There is also the ture, characteristics, and powers, and developmental
economic motive, which is mainly interested in the possibilities of NI. There is such a thing as the collec-
large-scale production of robotic and other forms of tive treasury of human knowledge about NI drawn
AI for commercialisation purposes to serve sectarian from both religious traditions and modern science.
economic interests. How we wish that the econom- Islam would insist on adding Qur’anic ideas on NI
ic motive is closely tied up to a social motive in the to the treasury. It is in the light of the total treasury
name of the pursuit of AI for the sake of a common of knowledge about NI that the contemporary world
social good! But such a joint motive is apparently should pursue the AI Agenda so that destructive con-
missing from the agenda of AI. That would leave the flicts between the two forms of intelligences could be
impression that the economic interest in AI is main- avoided.
ly dictated by profit-making at the expense of social It is also important to take note that the contents
security, as humans in the job market have to give and dimensions of NI are perceived or understood
way to robots. And then there is the political-mili- differently by different groups of scientists, philos-
tary motive that is aimed at the creation of the most ophers, and theologians, even if they live and think
sophisticated AI-supported weaponry of the day in within the same civilisation. Quite often, we don’t
the name of national security and military superiori- mean the same thing when we used the word NI.
ty such as that which is pursued by the United States. Thus, when we say that there is a clash between AI
These various motives have resulted in rapid and NI, to which conception of NI are we referring?
growths of demands for AI. The expanding scientific From the Islamic perspective, it may be argued that
and technological applications of AI are increasingly the human NI that is currently serving as the model
shaping the public view of what is and what is not for AI is not what is portrayed in its fullness in Is-
important for humans to know about NI. In short, lamic and many other religious traditions as well as
contemporary man’s appreciation of his own NI is by many modern psychologists and cognitive scien-
beginning to be clouded if not also devalued by his tists, but rather what is believed and understood by
increasing admiration for AI. proponents of AI who have reduced NI to cerebral
221
intelligence. The objective model of NI to be emulat- of due concern to our present and future humani-
ed in Islam is the prophetic intelligence, which is gen- ty. In the light of the AI agenda, the future of wis-
erally regarded as the most perfect intelligence that dom is at stake for two main reasons. First, there is
is possible for man. This prophetic intelligence that growing acceptance of cerebral intelligence as man’s
embraces cerebral, intuitive, and cardiac intelligences highest achievement. This belief would lead to the
in their most excellent form may be presented as the impoverishment of wisdom, since cerebral intelli-
best argument against the claim that it is possible to gence is not its source. Rather, wisdom is identified
create an intelligent bio-machine that would be su- with intelligence of the heart and of the intellect and
perior to human intelligence. After all, the Prophet with intuition. In short, wisdom will flourish only if
Muhammad (may peace be upon him) is believed in higher forms of intelligence are given ample spaces
Islam not only as the best human but also as the best to grow and develop. Second, the popularisation of
of all creatures! AI that is pursued at the expense of NI, especially as
understood in religion, will further erode man’s ap-
CONCLUSION: ANY FUTURE preciation of the higher forms of NI that by nature
FOR WISDOM? cannot be reduced to logical thinking, be it human
or bio-machine.
Until modern times, wisdom or Qur’anic hikmah has Consequently, it is imperative to pursue an AI
been universally extolled as the most excellent form agenda that would not be in destructive conflict with
of human knowledge and intelligence. The issue of NI. Not only that, contemporary man needs to be
the future of wisdom in the economy of human in- reminded of the intelligence that defines his human-
telligence is seen as inextricably tied up to the future ness and the role of the prophetic intelligence as the
of civilisation itself and which, therefore, must be model to be emulated.

Dr Osman Bakar is currently Al-Ghazali Chair of Islamic Thought at ISTAC-International Islamic University
Malaysia and Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of Science at University of Malaya.

222
Understanding Difference and Diversity
Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said

All praise be to God Almighty, the One to whom is to interact. This in turn is a big burden and challenge
all glory. We bear witness that there is no God but to all those who raise children, whether parents or
God. We bear witness that Muhammad is His mes- people who run educational institutions.
senger, peace and blessings be upon him and his fam- When looking at coexistence it is essential to look
ily. Blessings are upon his followers and those who at the essential principles upon which Islam is based.
enjoin good. The practical side of the life of the Prophet Muham-
Islam is indeed a religion of peace, justice, modera- mad was based upon principles laid out in the Holy
tion, the middle path, and joint peaceful coexistence. Qur’an that he practiced throughout his life. The
There was to be no difference between the rights of mother of the believers Aisha, when asked about
Muslims and others as it is the religion of justice. the behaviour of the Prophet Muhammad, replied:
This was the foundation of the community that was “Qur’an was the basis of his behaviour.” God Almighty
established by the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, in the Qur’an speaks of previous nations that were
a town that included Jews, non-Muslim Arabs, Chris- calling for what they do not apply to themselves:
tians, and others. “Enjoin ye righteousness upon mankind while ye your-
At their core the Qur’an and the Sunnah are selves forget (to practice it)? And ye are readers of the
concerned with relationships among individuals, Scripture! Have ye then no sense?” [Al-Baqarah, 2:44].
communities and nations, and the meaning of joint In addition, the Qur’an states that the origin of all
peaceful coexistence between Muslims and others lies in the unity of the human race: “O mankind! Lo!
is at the core of Islamic belief. In the Holy Qur’an, We have created you male and female, and have made
God expresses the importance of understanding and you nations and tribes that ye may know one another.
tolerance, which elevates the concept of joint peace- Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best
ful coexistence. This is the approach set by Islam and in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware.” [Al-Hujurat,
adopted in dealing with people who do not believe in 49:13] This verse not only states the original unity of
Islam, as exemplified by the following verses: the human race, but also asserts the greatness of such
a bond. It is the origin that shall be the basis of deal-
“And if anyone of the idolaters seeketh thy protec- ing with people. God Almighty made different beliefs
tion (O Muhammad), then protect him so that among people to reflect the diversity of human civili-
he may hear the Word of Allah, and afterwards sation, which the human shall accept and believe that
convey him to his place of safety. That is because it is the will of God in order to make us different. As
they are a people who know not,” [Al-Tawba, 9:6) the Qur’an says: “And if thy Lord had willed, He verily
and: “and speak kindly to mankind,” [Al-Baqa- would have made mankind one nation, yet they cease
rah, 2:83]. not differing, save him on whom thy Lord hath mercy;
and for that, He did create them. And the Word of thy
There are also other verses that point to the nature of Lord hath been fulfilled: Verily I shall fill hell with the
relationships with non-Muslims. This is to encourage jinn and mankind together.” [Hud, 11:118-119]
the raising of generations with honour, and the build- God asserts further by saying: “And if thy Lord
ing of communities that are diverse yet are understand- willed, all who are on the earth would have believed
ing and tolerant of other traditions. It is such nations together. Wouldst thou (Muhammad) compel men
that Islam helped to build and ultimately flourish. until they are believers?” [Yunus, 10:99]. In another
A significant development in the world of tele- verse, this meaning is reaffirmed: “Had Allah willed
communications has meant the instantaneous ex- He could have made you one community. But that He
change of information among people at incredible may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath
speed. Although this has its many benefits, there is made you as ye are). So vie one with another in good
also a case of information overload. Thinkers, educa- works. Unto Allah, ye will all return, and He will then
tors and guardians face challenges in their local envi- inform you of that wherein ye differ.” [Al-Ma’idah, 5:48]
ronments in trying to search and figure out a solution God shows in these verses that it is not His will to
for relevant concerns that occupy the community. In create people as one nation, but He wants to grant
an increasingly virtual world, people use social media each person the freedom and will to worship Him
223
 voluntarily; and by so-doing differences occur that 7:10] God Almighty prepared the earth in order to
reflect the diversity of human civilisation. Divine facilitate interaction and dealing between people on
laws call for worshipping God and having faith in two basic pillars: benevolence and justice: “Lo! Allah
Him on the basis of searching, thinking, reasoning, enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk,
and seeing proof without any form of coercion. and forbids lewdness and abomination and wickedness.
Today, the world talks about universal values, He admonishes you in order that ye may take heed.”
global policy, global behaviour, a global economy [Al-Nahl, 16:90]
and global culture. This represents a big challenge God makes this an important condition in our
in a globalised world. The cultural contributions attempt to get closer to Him: “and speak kindly to
that have been achieved by immigrants in the West mankind”. [Al-Baqarah, 2:83] He made one of the
are the best proof of how cultures can mix and ben- characteristics of the true believers turning away
efit one another. The fear of globalisation and its from the ignorant and this being one of the symbols
repercussions have subsided as we see these cultures of his faithful worshippers: “and when the foolish ones
continuingly evolve, and this can be helped further address them answer: Peace.” [Al-Furqan, 25:63]
through interaction and constructive dialogue based
on mutual respect. COEXISTENCE AND ITS MEANING:
The Messenger of God built a great society in
which he laid down the principles of justice and free- This is a modern term about which definitions have
dom. He spread the values of tolerance and cooper- varied amongst groups or parties that use it. The defi-
ation and in it elevated the status of good morals to nition closest to the concept of coexistence in Islam
the point that he said, “The most beloved of you to me is communication with the other in all forms of in-
and the closest to me on the Day of Resurrection are the teraction, cooperation, and positive constructive in-
ones with the best morals.” tegration that stems from charity, kindness, care, an
In our present age, the concept of coexistence has individual and a community. In order to reach that
become one of the necessities of life. This is true not which is in the interests of both parties, religiously
only for leaders, politicians, thinkers, writers, and and worldly, in the present and in the future, this
business owners, but also for the entire human race cooperation helps organise thought, social, political,
and their societies, with their various groups and reli- economic, cultural and education.
gious, sectarian and intellectual affiliations.
CITIZENSHIP
COEXISTENCE IN LANGUAGE
The principle of citizenship is one of the important
Living with each other in terms of language means principles in the cohesion of societies, or between
interaction, and the most supporting proof is in the them and the representatives of power. Citizenship
words of God Almighty: “And have appointed the in its Arabic linguistic meaning is derived from the
day for livelihood.” [Al-Naba, 78:11] God made the word for homeland, which is the house in which you
day to interact and deal with the universe, the whole reside, and it is the homeland of a person. Citizen-
universe, and in His saying: “And We have given you ship is from the verb that means being a citizen who
(mankind) power on the earth, and appointed for you participates in the place of residence and birth.
therein livelihoods. Little give ye thanks.” [Al-A’raf,
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 CITIZENSHIP AND ITS MEANING “Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest
they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus
Citizenship, idiomatically, is the description of a cit- unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair.
izen who has rights and duties imposed on him by Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell
the fact that he belongs to a homeland. These rights them what they used to do.” [Al-An’am, 6:108]
include, without limits, the right to education, health
care, and work in a particular homeland. As for du- THE PRINCIPLE OF
ties, they include, without limits, the duty of loyalty RECOGNITION OF OTHERS
to the homeland and defending it, and to perform
and excel in work. Accordingly, citizenship is the re- Even if we do not see the validity of His belief, God
lationship of the individual to his homeland, which is said: “Unto you your religion, and unto me my reli-
determined by the constitution and the laws emanat- gion.” This Chapter in the Qur’an is called “Surat
ing from it, which carry and guarantee the meaning Al-Kafirun”, and God began it by saying: “Say: O
of equality between citizens. disbelievers!” [Al-Kafirun, 109:1] Despite this, he
What are the general and important principles acknowledged to them that they have their own reli-
that determine coexistence in Islam? It is an impor- gion, and God said: “Lo! those who believe (this reve-
tant question to address in our minds. lation), and those who are Jews, and the Sabaeans and
the Christians and the Magians and the idolaters… Lo!
THE PRINCIPLE OF Allah will decide between them on the Day of Resur-
FREEDOM OF BELIEF rection. Lo! Allah is Witness over all things.” [Al-Hajj,
22:17]
This principle has been emphasised by the Holy
Qur’an more than once. God forbids compulsion in THE PRINCIPLE OF DIALOGUE
religion, saying: “There is no compulsion in religion.
The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. You can find this in its finest form and best example,
And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in where the Qur’an calls for goodness in dialogue; and
Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will nev- if the other offends, God, says: “And argue not with
er break. Allah is the Hearer, Knower.” [Al-Baqarah, the People of the Scripture unless it is in (a way) that
2:256] God is able to do everything and is able to is better, save with such of them as doing wrong; and
give people the freedom to choose to say: “Say: (It say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto
is) the truth from the Lord of you (all). Then whosoever us and revealed unto you; our Allah and your Allah
will let him believe, and whosoever will let him disbe- is One, and unto Him, we surrender.” [Al-Ankabut,
lieve.” [Al-Kahf, 18:29] He affirms that it is among 29:46] Rather, this is a calling for those who do not
the requirements of the diversity of life that people improve dialogue and do not find in themselves the
are part of many nations. He says Glory be to Him: scientific competence nor the patience to avoid en-
“Had Allah willed He could have made you one com- gaging in dialogue. Great good can be found in this
munity.” [Al-Nahl, 16:93] This principle is one of the Qur’anic direction to the violator, as God instructs us
fundamental constants of Islam: “This is nought else to follow the best means and beautiful words in ad-
than a reminder unto creation, Unto whomsoever of dition to the best behaviour in dialogue. It is a calling
you willeth to walk straight.” [Al-Takwir, 81:27-28] for dialogue in the most effective form, which is to
Even after the Muslims became powerful in Madi- exaggerate the goodness and make the effort to con-
nah, God confirmed this meaning in the verse: “Say: vey the information through this door into the other
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if ye turn person’s heart.
away, then (it is) for him (to do) only that wherewith he
hath been charged, and for you (to do) only that where- BENEFICENCE AND BENEVOLENCE
with ye have been charged. If ye obey him, ye will go
aright. But the Messenger hath no other charge than to Unless an enemy fights and declares war, kindness
convey (the message) plainly.” [Al-Nur, 24:54] Among and fairness is stipulated for all: “Allah does not for-
the freedom of people in their beliefs is the respect bid you from dealing kindly and fairly with those who
for their religions and rituals, and this leads to their have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes.
respect for Islam and Muslims. Therefore, Islam for- Surely Allah loves those who are fair.” Al-Mumtahan-
bids insulting non-Muslims or insulting their gods: ah, [60:8]
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 THE HIGH NATURE OF THE hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly.
HUMAN RACE TO GOD Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your
duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is informed of what ye do.” [Al-
Whatever his affiliation, colour, race, or gender, man Ma’idah, 5:8] “Unto this, then, summon (O Muham-
is honoured by God Almighty: “Verily we have hon- mad). And be thou upright as thou art commanded,
oured the Children of Adam. We carry them on the and follow not their lusts, but say: I believe in whatever
land and the sea, and have made provision of good scripture Allah hath sent down, and I am commanded
things for them, and have preferred them above many to be just among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord.
of those whom We created with a marked preferment.” Unto us our works and unto you your works; no argu-
[Al-Israa, 17:70] God honoured man by making him ment between us and you. Allah will bring us together,
a representative on earth. and unto Him is the journeying.” [Al-Shura, 42:15]
In the Holy Qur’an, God’s call to people is men-
tioned by the saying “O Children of Adam” in Surat THE PRINCIPLE OF CALLING FOR
Al-A’raf four times “O Children of Adam! We have SEARCHING AND PROMOTING
revealed unto you raiment to conceal your shame.” “O COMMON PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you as he
caused your ( first) parents to go forth from the Garden.” Regarding this principle, Allah says in the Qur’an:
“O Children of Adam! Look to your adornment at “Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to an agreement
every place of worship, and eat and drink.” “O Children between us and you.” [Al Imran, 3:64] The Messenger
of Adam! When messengers of your own come unto you of God raised his companions on this great principle,
who narrate unto you my revelations.” “And (remem- and we see that clearly in the dialogue of Jaafar bin
ber) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, and the
Adam.” [Al-A’raf, 7:26] We are all children of Adam, King of Abyssinia, when the first Muslims migrat-
peace and blessing be upon him. In this, there are ed from Makkah to Abyssinia and the Quraysh de-
signs through which it appears that human dignity manded their return. Jaafer bin Abi Talib said,
is linked to the status of Adam and the dignity of his
humanity by the Grace of God Almighty, and this “Oh King, we were an ignorant people, wor-
can be read from the kindness inherent in this appeal. shipping idols, eating dead meat, committing
immorality, cutting ties of kinship, abusing our
THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY neighbours, and the strong among us devouring
IN DEALING WITH PEOPLE the weak. We were on that until Allah sent us a
OF A DIFFERENT BELIEF Messenger from among us, whose lineage, hones-
ty, trustworthiness, and chastity we know, so he
Regarding those who quarrel with people who con- called us to Allah to unite and worship Him, and
demn our religion, Allah warns us: “O ye who believe! to cast off the stones and idols that we and our
Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not fathers used to worship besides Him, and blood,

Syrian refugees struggle behind barded wire in Turkey.

226
 Rohingya refugees struggle behind barded wire in Bangladesh.

and forbade immorality, false speech, consuming him in Makkah in his childhood; they knew his no-
orphan’s money, and slandering chaste women, ble morals, fairness to the oppressed, and insistence
and commanded us to worship Allah alone and on always speaking the truth. Subequently God hon-
not associate anything with Him, and command- oured him with prophethood and he was told to pro-
ed us to pray, zakat and fasting.” He added: “He claim the message of peace, justice and love.
enumerated the matters of Islam on —so we be- One day a man from Zabid (a tribe from Yemen)
lieved him and believed in him, and we followed came to the city of Makkah with merchandise. The
him according to what was brought from Allah; so goods were sold to Al-A’as ibnu Wael, but were not
we worshipped Allah alone, and we did not asso- paid. The man was oppressed. The man from Zabid
ciate anything with Him, and turned away from asked for help from the Quraysh , but they did not
what was forbidden to us, and made lawful what want to help him. Al-Zubayr bin Abdul Muttalib got
was permitted to us. When they oppressed us and up and said, “Why are we allowing injustice?” Elders
oppressed us and oppressed us, and prevented us gathered Banu Hashim, Zahra, and Banu Taym bin
from our religion, we went to your country, and Murra in the house of Abdullah bin Jadaan. The elders
we chose you over anyone else, and we desired to made the Al-Fudhul (Pact of Curiosity) agreement
be near you, and we hoped that we would not be and helped the man from Zabid. They immediately
wronged by you, O King.” met Al-A’as bin Wael and returned the merchandise
to its rightful owner. Even though this happened pri-
Jaafar bin Abi Talib—may Allah be pleased with or to the proclamation of Islam,k the Prophet of God
him—focused on the common values of honesty, said of the agreement, “…if I was asked in Islam for
good neighbourliness, abstaining from incest and something like this, I would have accepted it.”
bloodshed, and other such values. Muslims lived in
Abyssinia and coexisted in what was a new society THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPASSION
and a different culture. They were able to hold firm AND MAINTAINING DIGNITY
to the values that united them and not focus on their AND HUMANITY
differences.
It is not possible to build a coexisting society if a large
THE PRINCIPLE OF part of that society lives in a state of misery and suf-
PROMOTING INITIATIVES AND fering. This is one of the most important ways of Al-
PROMOTING EQUALITY AND lah. The Messenger of God, said: “One who strives to
ELIMINATING INJUSTICE help the widows and the poor is like the one who fights
in the way of Allah.” And: “I will be like this in Jannah
The Messenger of God, after he was given the Divine with the person who takes care of an orphan.”
message, was able to penetrate people’s hearts. He Imam Ahmad and Al-Bayhaqi narrated from Abu
was a role model who led by example. People knew Hurairah, “A man complained to the Messenger of Al-
227
 lah—Peace be upon him— of the hardness of his heart, Nisaa, 4:145] and verses of the Quran speak of their
and he said to him:’ if you want your heart to soften, reprehensible characteristics, bad morals, and disposi-
then feed the needy, and stroke the head of the orphan.’” tions that involve falsehood which they endeavoured
to spread among the people. However, the Messenger
THE PRINCIPLE OF RESPECTING of God did not use the certainty of his Lord to kill
OTHERS’ OPINIONS IS ONE OF them or punish them. Rather, he continued to call for
THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR the values of the true religion and generally warned
PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE against the characteristics of hypocrisy, and treated
them outwardly with kindness,to the extent that he
The Messenger of God was keen to prevent disso- did not expose them among his companions so that
nance within the community. We see this clearly in one of them would not be reckless and expose one of
the wisdom of not rebuilding the Kaba after Islam them. Only Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman, his secretary,
had been proclaimed. Sayyidna Aisha—may God be told of their names. Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul con-
pleased with her—related what the Prophet said: verted to Islam and remained close to the Messenger
of God, and the Muslims did not treat him with the
“O `Aisha! If the people had not been so close to crime of his father.
the pre-Islamic period of ignorance I would have The Holy Quran mentions to us in more than
dismantled the Kaba and made two doors, one for one verse that this group of people posed a serious
its entrance and the other for an exit.” threat to civil society and harm to the Messenger of
God. “Surely, if we return to Al-Madinah the mightier
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION will soon drive out the weaker,” [Al-Munafiqun, 63:8]
OF COEXISTENCE IN THE “And of mankind, there is he whose conversation on the
HISTORY OF MUSLIMS life of this world pleaseth thee (Muhammad), and he
calleth Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart;
The basis for this is looking at the biography of the yet he is the most rigid of opponents.” [Al-Baqarah,
Prophet because God Almighty directed Muslims 2:204] “And when he turneth away ( from thee), his
to follow His guidance and obey His commands effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to de-
and the Mighty one said: “You have a good example stroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah loveth not mis-
[to mankind] in the Messenger of Allah.” [Al-Ahzab, chief.” [Al-Baqarah, 2:205] “And when it is said unto
33:21] him: Be careful of thy duty to Allah, pride taketh him
to sin. Hell will settle his account, an evil resting-place.”
FIRST: DEALING WITH [Al-Baqarah, 2:206]
THE HYPOCRITES Here we must stand and look at this emerging state
in which the enemies are lurking, and the danger of
The Messenger of God had to deal in Makkah with the existence of the internal enemy is not hidden
those who did not believe in his message. They showed from anyone, yet the Prophet does not attack them,
him hostility and tested him and his companions with but rather leaves their affairs to Allah. The one who
all kinds of torment, including verbal and physical is able to coexist with the enemy who realises its dan-
abuse, economic and social siege, and forced displace- ger and its apparent hatred, and in the event of war
ment. But when the Prophet came to Madinah, he that threatens to eradicate the Muslims, represents
faced three types of people whose interests were inter- the pinnacle of the greatness of that person and the
twined and converged in resentment toward him. They advancement of that society.
were the pagans, Jews and hypocrites. The hypocrites
were the ones who pretended to belong to this new DEALING WITH THE JEWS
religion, yet the faith did not touch their hearts, so
they remained in confusion, hesitation and fear. The The interaction of the Prophet of God with the Jews
Quran speaks about the psychological aspect of this represents the height of tolerance and fairness. Here
group of people and the root of their hostility to this it is necessary to list some of the established examples
religion—but what concerns us is how the Messenger of the Prophet’s dealings with the Jews.
of God dealt with them. God Almighty said regarding When the Prophet came to Madinah he was in-
them: “Lo! the hypocrites (will be) in the lowest deep of formed that the Jews would fast on the tenth of
the Fire, and thou wilt find no helper for them,” [Al- Muharram in thanks to God for the victory of Mo-
228
ses, so the Prophet said, “I am indeed closer to Moses O Umar, pay off his loan, and give him extra because
than them,” and ordered his companions to fast on you frightened him.” Umar took Zaid ibn Su’nah,
that day. It is understood from this that the Prophet paid off his debt, and gave him an extra twenty saa`
wanted by this act to teach all people that Muslims of dates. Zaid then asked him for the reason of the
revered the victory of Moses, peace be upon him, and increase and Umar replied that the Prophet of God
his victory was also a victory for them since the mes- had ordered to give it because Umar had scared Zaid.
sage of the Prophets is one. Zaid, then asked: “Do you recognise me, Umar?”
When the Prophet married Safiya bint Hayyi (the “No”, he said.
mother of the believers), who was a Jew before her “I am Zaid ibn Su`nah”
conversion to Islam, and was reproached for being “The scholar of the Jews?” Umar asked.
Jewish, he said to her: “You are the daughter of a “Yes, the same one.”
prophet, your uncle is a prophet, and you are under a “Then what made you behave and speak with the
prophet.” This is an indication that blaming people Prophet of God as you did?” Umar asked.
for their affiliation is not part of the religion at all, as “O Umar!” he replied, “I recognized all of the signs
the Messenger of God orders his wife to celebrate her of prophethood upon seeing the face of Muhammad ex-
origin and affiliation. cept two signs that were not immediately evident: One,
When the funeral of a Jew passed by, the Messen- that his forbearance would precede his rashness, and
ger of God stood up for it, and he was questioned that his forbearance would increase upon encountering
about it, he said: “Is this not a soul.” excessive rashness. Now I have recognised these two signs
A Jewish boy who was serving the Prophet of as well. Bear witness, O Umar! I am pleased with Allah
God became ill, and he visited him. The Prophet as my Lord, with Islam as my religion, and with Mu-
called him to Islam while he was dying. Here it must hammad as my Prophet. Also bear witness that I give
be pointed out that the Prophet was not seeking to half of my wealth —and I have plenty of wealth—in
achieve gains from visiting the patient and convers- charity to the nation of Muhammad (peace and bless-
ing with him. He had in fact the best interests of the ings be upon him).”
boy at heart. Umar and Zaid then returned to the Prophet of
The Prophet of God’s shield was mortgaged to a God and Zaid publicly proclaimed: “I bear witness
Jew, and this is further evidence of civilised dealings that none is worthy of worship besides Allah, and I bear
with people of a different faith. witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messen-
Zaid ibn Su`nah was one of the very notable Jew- ger and I believe in him.” Thus, Zaid testified to the
ish scholars of Madinah who lived at the time of the Prophet Muhammad’s message and took the pledge
Holy Prophet. The Prophet took a loan from Zaid of allegiance on his hand. Later, Zaid participated in
to help other people in the city and promised to pay a number of expeditions along with the Prophet and
it on a certain date. The Prophet of God, who was was martyred in the Battle of Tabuk.
with Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and a number of oth-
er companions—may God be pleased with them— DEALING WITH THE CHRISTIANS
had offered funeral prayers before Zaid came to the
Prophet and grabbed him by his shirt. It was two or The Prophet of God, who is the best example, had
three days before the due date to repay the debt. Zaid huge respect for religious rituals in his dealings with
spoke to him angrily and said: “O Muhammad! Why Christians. On the authority of Muhammad bin Jaa-
don’t you pay off my due? By Allah, I know nothing of far bin Al-Zubayr, when the delegation of Christians
your family except deferment [on debts]. I know well of from Najran came to the Messenger of God they
your people.” entered his mosque following the afternoon prayer.
At this Umar became extremely angry and said: When their time of prayer came, they were told they
“Did you actually just say what I heard you say to the could pray in his mosque. Some people wanted to
Messenger of God? Did you really just do to him what prevent them, so the Messenger of God said: “Leave
I saw? By the One Who holds my life in His hand, I them.” The Prophet’s treatment of the Christians was
would have struck your head with my sword.” The based on respect. Their treatment signifies Islam’s
Prophet, who was looking at Zaid ibn Su’nah quietly teachings relating to religious pluralism in a society
and patiently, said: “O Umar! We don’t need this. I was with different religious beliefs and practices.
more in need of your advice to pay off his loan well, and Peaceful coexistence with the other in Islam is a
your advice to deal with him courteously. Go with him well-established fact confirmed by the texts of the
229
Qur’an and Sunnah, and the chapters of Islamic INDEX OF RESOURCES
history and its events. Islam guarantees freedom of AND REFERENCES
belief for all people. It is not permissible under any
circumstances to force non-Muslims to convert to • The Holy Qur’an
Islam. It also guarantees the interaction of Muslims • Peaceful Coexistence from Islamic Perspec-
with others in sales, trade, and visits, and represents tive, Dr. Abd Rabo Abdel Qader, Jerusalem
peaceful coexistence in light of the purposes and University Journal
rules of Shari’ah. • Approach in Preparation of Theses and Re-
Islam and the teachings of the Beloved Prophet searches, Dr. Salah El Din Fawzy, Publisher:
aim to spread the culture of tolerance and modera- Dar Al Nahda Al Arabia, Cairo, Edition 1999
tion in order to achieve coexistence with communi- • Al Qamus Al Muhit, Majd Al Din Abu Ta-
ties of different nationalities, ethnicities, and sects. In her Mohamed bin Yaqoob Al Fairouz Abady,
many ways that guarantees a peaceful life that derives died in 817 A.H., criticized by: Heritage Crit-
its effectiveness from the values, principles and best icism Office in Al Resalah Corporation under
constants of Islam. supervision of Mohamed Naiem Al Erkasosy,
The origin of Islam is peace, not war, and war is not Publisher: Al Resalah Publishers, Beirut, Leb-
resorted to except in cases of necessity. Disagreement anon, Edition 8, 1426 A.H. -2005
in belief is not a reason for fighting opponents, and • In communicating with Others by Prof. Dr.
aggression by actions is the only logical reason for Qotb Mustafa Sano, Kuwait Ministry of
fighting and self-defense. Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Kuwait, Con-
The human origin was mentioned by the Prophet ference of Drafting Programs, Procedures and
in the farewell sermon: “O people, your Lord is one, Plans for Protecting the youth from manifes-
and your father is one. An Arab has no superiority over tations of deviation and religious fanaticism
a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an 1427 A.H./2006
Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor • Lisan al-Arab, Mohamed bin Makram bin
does a Black have any superiority over a White except Ali, Abu Fadl, Gamal Al Din Ibn Manzur
by piety and good action.” Al Ansari Al Rwaifi’e Al Afriky, died in 711

Pope Benedict XVI expresses “deep respect” for Islam while visiting The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

230
 A.H., criticized by Abdullah Ali Al Kaber, Ehia’ Al Turath Al Araby, Beirut, Publishing
Mohamed Ahmed Hasab Allah, and Hashem Year: Not known
Mohamed Al Shazly, Publisher: Dar Al • Musnad Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal Abu Ab-
Maarif, Cairo –Egypt –Publishing year: not dullah Ahmed bin Mohamed bin Hanbal
known bin Helal bin Asad Al Shebany (died in 241
• Jamiu Al Bayan, Mohamed bin Jarir bin Yazid A.H.), criticized by Soaeb Al Arna’ot –Adel
bin Kathier bin Ghaleb Al Amaly, Abu Ja’far Morshed and others under supervision of
Al Tabari, died in 310 A.H., criticized by: Dr. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdel Mohsen Al Turkey,
Abdullah bin Abdel Mohsen Al Turkey, Pub- Publisher: Al Resalah Corporation, Edition
lisher: Dar Hajr Publishers, Edition 1, 1422 1, 1421 A.H. -2001
A.H. -2001 • Sunnah by Al Tirmidhi, Mohamed bin Essa
• Interpretation of the Holy Quran, Author: Al Tirmidhi Abu Essa (died in 279 A.H.),
Abu Al Fedaa Ismail bin Omar bin Kathier criticized by Bashar Awad Maarof, Publisher:
Al Qurashi Al Basri and then Al Demishqi Dar Al Gharb Al Islamy –Beirut, Edition 1,
(died in 774 A.H.) criticized by Samy bin 1998
Mohamed Salama, Publisher: Dar Tiba Pub- • Al Sunan Al Kubra by Ahmed bin Al Hussein
lishers, Edition 2, 1420 A.H. -1999 bin Ali bin Mussa Al Kharasani, Abu Baker
• Jamiu Musnad Sahih Al Mukhtasar of Mat- Al Bayhaqi, died in 458 A.H., criticized by
ters, Sunnah and days of the Messenger of Mohamed Abdel Qader Atta, Publisher: Dar
Allah –Peace by upon him -, Mohamed bin Al Kotob Al Elmia, Beirut, Lebanon, Edition
Ismail Abu Abdullah Al Bukhari Al Jaafi, crit- 3, 1424 A.H. -2003
icized by Mohamed Zaher bin Naser Al Nas- • Historical Rooting of Citizenship by Dr. Feri-
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1422 A.H. • The Resurrection Boost in the Guidance of
• Al Musnad Al Sahih Al Mukhtasar of reflect- the Best of Worshipers by Ibn Qayyim Al
ing justice of the Messenger of Allah, by Mus- Jawziyyah, Dar Al Resalah Publishers
lim bin Al Hajaj Abu Al Hasan Al Qasheri • The Book of the Major Classes, Al Khanji
Al Niesabory, died in 261 A.H., criticized by Bookstore, Publishing Year: 1421 A.H. corre-
Mohamed Fouad Abdel Baky, Publisher: Dar sponding to 2001

Sheikh Faid Mohammed Said is currently General Secretary of the Fatwa and Islamic Affairs commission and
Imam and Khateeb of the Central Mosque in London.

And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the differences
of your tongues and your colours. Surely in that there are signs for all peoples.
The Romans, 22
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

231
 The Necessity of Peace Education
Qamar-ul Huda, PhD

Within the field of conflict studies, concepts of de- ucation to understand violent behaviour, to develop
bate, nonviolent debate, critical thinking skills cur- intercultural understanding, to provide for a future
riculum, and fostering the appreciation of diverse orientation, to teach peace as a process, to promote
perspectives, are interconnected to the field of peace a concept of peace accompanied by social justice,
education. As the field of conflict resolution was to stimulate a respect for life, and to end violence.
gaining attention in the 1950s and 1960s, with a Harris was a proponent of a pedagogy based upon
heavy emphasis on the rule of law and human rights, cooperative learning, democratic community, moral
scholars like Johan Galtung, in 1969, established the sensitivity, and critical thinking skills.
International Peace Research Association (IPRA). During the same time in November 1998 the
Galtung was adamant in the idea that peace needs United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopt-
to be learned, practiced, and reinforced in the edu- ed a resolution for the culture of peace and another
cational system. To practice peace or peacebuilding declaring the year 2000 the International Year for
it must be taught at the earliest levels of school for the Culture of Peace and the years 2001-2010 to be
society members to comprehend and practice peace. the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and
Distinguishing between negative peace and posi- Nonviolence for the Children of the World.” From
tive peace, Galtung asserted that ‘positive peace’ is a this mandate UNESCO developed eight areas of
condition where nonviolence, ecological sustainabil- action necessary for the transition from a culture of
ity, and social justice remove the causes of violence. war to a culture of peace. The first of these is “Cul-
A positive peace curriculum requires both the adop- ture of Peace through Education” which stated that
tion of a set of beliefs by individuals and the presence the only one way to fight violence is with nonviolent
of social institutions that provide for an equitable education.
distribution of resources and peaceful resolution of
conflicts.
By the mid-1970s the establishment of organiza-
tions such as the Stockholm Institute of Peace Re-
search (SIPRI) and the Peace Research Institute of
Oslo (PRIO) and the outstanding work of Galtung,
Ruth Sivard’s publications on military expenditures,
and Peter Wallensteen and Karin Axell’s works on the
costs of the Cold War illustrated how little resources
were allocated toward peace education. The Quaker
mathematician Lewis Richardson established prece-
dents for tracking and statistically assessing data for
comparative research in peace education.
In midst of the 1980s Cold War, conflict research-
ers were acutely concerned about the threat of nu-
clear war, interstate conflict, human rights, mass
atrocities, and genocide prevention. In this milieu,
new research works produced the stage of peace ed-
ucation. For instance. Education for Peace by a Nor-
wegian (Brocke-Utne, 1985); Comprehensive Peace
Education (Reardon, 1988); and Peace Education
(Harris, 1988). Specifically, Reardon argued that
the core values of schooling should be care, concern,
and commitment, and key concepts of peace educa-
tion was about planetary stewardship, inculcating
humane relationships, and global citizenship. Pro-
fessor Harris proposed the importance of peace ed-
232
 Peace education takes on different shapes as edu- Teachers stress the need to learn to assess thinking
cators attempt to address different forms of violence itself by using intellectual parameters such as clarity,
in diverse social, cultural, political, developmental accuracy, depth, breadth, fairness, significance, and
contexts. In countries of the global south where the relevance. It is the aim to develop intellectual traits,
problems of poverty and underdevelopment cause vi- such as intellectual integrity, intellectual humili-
olence, this form of education has often been referred ty, intellectual perseverance, empathy, impartiality,
to as “development education” where students learn comprehension, and an intellectual sense of justice.
about different strategies to address problems of Courses are designed and executed with a focus
structural violence. In Ireland peace education is re- on specific skills, concepts, and stories relating to
ferred to as “Education for Mutual Understanding,” effective ways to handle cultural differences in con-
as Catholic and Protestant peace educators try to use flict and peace building fields. With an emphasis on
educational strategies to undo centuries of enmity. frameworks, skills and approaches to deal with issues
While the field of Peace Education as a discipline of prejudice, bias, bullying, stereotyping, and ethno-
and field of study is approximately seventy years old, centrism in conflict settings, students engage in inter-
the academic field has yet to be an established field active exercises, role-plays, real-life case studies, and
of study in Muslim majority countries. For a variety simulations to learn constructive ways of addressing
of complex reasons ranging from the limitations of intercultural encounters with experiential learning
ministries of education to make impactful change, methods.
the professional training and emphasis on the scienc-
es and mathematics, the inability to reform in higher A FEW KEY CONCEPTS:
education, the lack of imagination to expand educa-
tional disciplines, and even the xenophobic attitudes Peace educators are interested in violence prevention
among ministers of education that the field of peace to get their students to understand that anger is a nor-
education was a western construct incompatible with mal emotion that can be handled positively. To coun-
Arab and Muslim majority societies. ter hostile behaviours or the use of violence learned
in the broader culture, peace educators believe that
AIMS OF PEACE EDUCATION: the necessity of dealing with violence should utilize
alternative narratives, or reframing techniques. Stu-
But what exactly is peace education and what are the dents are taught anger management techniques that
aims of the field? Peace educators agree that children help students avoid fights in school and resolve angry
need formal training in dealing with variety forms of disputes in their immediate lives. Acknowledging
violence and to move beyond the limited moment that images of violence in the mass media are both
of violence with interventions. Teachers can create disturbing and intriguing to young people, and that
innovative curricula, extra-curricular activities for many of their students live in homes that are violent,
students to value nonviolent dialogues, and debates it is important to first recognize various forms of
to embrace pluralism as an asset to their communi- violence.
ties. These peacebuilding activities address the issues The point of the violence prevention course is to
of anger management, social perspective taking, de- provide young people with alternatives to fighting
cision making, social problem solving, peer negoti- and thinking that violent force is the primary way
ation, conflict management, valuing diversity, social to resolve interpersonal and communal conflicts.
resistance skills, active listening, and effective com- Teaching students to be peacemakers involves creat-
munication to express oneself clearly and succinctly. ing a cooperative context that encourages disputants
This education provides students with peace-making to reach mutually acceptable compromises and not
skills that they can use to manage their interpersonal dominate each other. Preventing conflict skills in-
and intrapersonal conflicts. volved recognizing incompatible goals and rising
Perhaps the primary aim of the peace education tensions within discussions and role-playing specific
field is to develop to prepare students to be self-aware methods in deescalating discord with dialogue.
and to learn to analyse thinking, which means iden- Within Peace education a pedagogy based upon
tifying objectives in thinking, the questions being modelling open peaceful democratic classroom
asked, the information being used, the assumptions practices, discussion, debates, and intense debates.
being taken for granted, the concepts guiding the The understanding is that through peace education
thinking, reasoning, logic, and supporting evidence. methods and practices people can develop certain
233
thoughts and dispositions that will lead to peaceful the public interest or as global citizens interested in
nonviolent behaviour. Important virtues and disposi- peacebuilding in local communities.
tions expand upon kindness, tolerance, cooperation, One of the most interesting areas within peace
and caring for oneself and for others. While develop- education is to examine, evaluate, and assess their
ing such virtues are an important part of peace edu- national and global histories critically. They pose
cation, it is not the complete picture. As much as the questions as to who the authors of history are, how
problems of violence lie in the individual and com- it was recorded, if the information is based upon re-
munities suffering from violent conflict, peace educa- liable sources, if there are numerous stories that are
tors advocate people to understand how to live these unexplored, and if the past needs to be understood
virtues considering broader social forces and institu- with uniformity and without critical reflection. This
tions that must be addressed. For example, violence examination is designed to help students understand
in schools mirrors the violence in society and is ex- how we are shaped by histories based on war, battles,
acerbated by the availability of guns, urban and rural victories, land acquisitions, imperial power, and the
poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse- the struggle between global powers. At the same time,
teaching here is a person can live with virtues of peace to explore past periods of peace to explore divergent
despite the existence of institutional violence. historiographies and narratives.
Peace educators use the teaching and learning Cultivating the passion to debate, explore through
processes as an act of peacebuilding where students discussions, critical exchanges as a social learning
are engaged in modelling and practicing dialogue to process, a process that only improves knowledge
emphasis the process allowing for the development and skills if only practiced often. Under a thorough-
and recognition of individuals’ voices. In essence, di- ly designed curricula, carefully designed debates are
alogue refers to both a quality of relationship arising, encouraged but students are instructed to identify
however briefly, between two or more people, and bias and hatred in arguments. Identifying assump-
a way of thinking about human affairs highlighting tions of peers, the teachers, and texts are examined;
their dialogic qualities. then assumptions are examined for accuracy and
Fundamentally, every peace educator believes context; nonviolent debates and discussions uncover
that critical thinking skills is one of the goals of their evidence, test generalizations, and identify if exam-
curriculum. While definitions vary, fostering critical ples of evidence are supportive or not. In this manner
thinking skills is the process of applying reasoned students learn various methods and styles of debate
and disciplined thinking to a subject, and is differ- and critical thinking by teachers modelling them,
ent from the formal transmission of facts and ideas. It and repeated practice.
involves examining assumptions, identifying hidden The abovementioned themes sketch out funda-
values, and assessing evidence to reach conclusions. It mental activities and techniques for debate, dialogue,
is an important element of the peacebuilding curric- critical thinking skills to be learned and practiced.
ulum as it helps people understand and resist propa- The curriculum stresses the importance of teachers
ganda or political manipulation. modelling debate, dialogue, and critical thinking to
Among a growing number of researchers there is a demonstrate how it is done effectively and ensure
consensus to integrate critical thinking across disci- the sequencing is understood properly. Identifying
plines which can be taught by teachers in various dis- alternative perspectives, self-examination, checking
ciplines. It is understood that critical thinking cannot assumptions, and taking informed actions fosters a
be an abstract philosophical exercise, rather, it needs shared understanding of critical thinking and helps
to be integrated into all curricula. Peace education students in various disciplines. It is long overdue for
specialists insist that data reveals that students will the field of Peace education to be established as an
thrive as thoughtful good citizens concerned with academic study in Muslim majority countries.

Qamar-ul Huda is the Founding Director of the Conflict, Stabilization, and Development program at the
Center for Global Policy, a think-tank in Washington, DC

234
Martial Arts, Masculinity and Muhammad g
by Nisar Shaikh

THE CURRENT POPULARITY sparring just moments before. It’s no holds barred,
OF MARTIAL ARTS with the brown and black belts claiming authority in
all manner of topics—from politics to religion, nutri-
What connects Khabib Nurmagomedov with the tion to sex advice—as their more ‘naïve’ white belts
city of Sialkot in northern Pakistan and Abu Dha- listen on eagerly.
bi, the capital of the UAE? There is an unseen yet On one particular evening, the conversation was
common thread shared by the renowned Dagestani unusually refreshing and nuanced, with a debate on
fighter and these two contrasting cities—something the most valuable contributions to the world of grap-
nobody would have guessed. pling in the 21st century. One instructor, presumably
The Muslim 500 2022 edition saw the introduc- aware that I discuss and write on grappling from an
tion of a chapter on Muslim Olympians for the first Islamic perspective, said abruptly, “Nothing more
time, highlighting the growing number of Muslim than a call to arms, Nisar. Getting ready for that ‘holy
medallists, their nationalities, and respective sports. war’, eh?”
Interestingly, 67% of these Olympians medalled at I was saddened by yet fully expecting such a nar-
the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics in martial arts.1 row-minded, bigoted comment. I batted back that
This observation mirrors the increasing popularity of the contributions of Muslim individuals and na-
MMA and its associated martial forms, namely Box- tions were significant, positive, and far-reaching. I
ing, Muay Thai kick boxing, Freestyle and Greco-Ro- remarked how ridiculous and prejudiced he sounded
man styles of wrestling, Sambo, Judo and Jiu-jitsu, by suggesting that the Muslim contribution to and
and has garnered more followers and practitioners interest in martial arts is solely rooted in an appar-
than each of these arts have accrued individually over ent “call to arms”, when he stood there dressed head
the last three decades. There also appears to be a note- to toe in a Jiu-jitsu Gi, belt, rash guard and spats all
worthy correlation between increased viewership in manufactured in Sialkot, Pakistan.3 Or the fact that
MMA—with the top three being Muslim majority Khabib, who he praised as “his favourite MMA fight-
countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey2—and er”, was a practising Muslim and not just “a Russian”.
the highest purchased pay-per-view UFC event in Or that what he deemed the “best grappling comp
history, UFC229 in 2018.2 At 2.4 million purchases, in the world” was indeed founded by a particularly
the event was headlined with a championship bout competent Muslim grappler in the UAE.
between an Irishman and a Muslim mixed martial Among the eighteen sons of Sheikh Zayed bin
artist. With the number of Muslims engaging in Sultan al Nahyan (b.1918-d.2004)—statesman, phi-
sports on the rise, it seems pertinent to ask: what val- lanthropist, and first president of the United Arab
ue does martial arts have in Islam—if any? Emirates—two of them, namely, Sheikh Tahnoon
Following an intense training session at the re- bin Zayed, a highly skilled Jiu-jitsu practitioner, and
nowned Carlson Gracie Team London headquarters his older brother, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed, the
in Hammersmith, the conversation between the stu- current president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dha-
dents and instructors is often heightened by the nat- bi, are credited with the creation of the two major
ural endorphins a tough Jiu-jitsu session releases. All grappling revolutions of the 21st century.
manner of discussion takes place on the wet tatami Firstly, through the introduction of what is consid-
mats as the humid steam begins to settle from the live ered the most prestigious international submission
1 There are eight martial arts at the Olympics: Archery, boxing, fencing, judo, karate, taekwondo, freestyle wrestling, and Greco-Roman
wrestling.
2 UFC Viewership Statistics - https://www.mmahive.com/ufc-viewership-statistics/#:~:text=million%20of%20revenue.-,How%20
Many%20MMA%20Fans%20Are%20There%20In%20The%20World%3F,7%25%20of%20the%20global%20population
3 Sialkot is the 13th most populous city in Pakistan. Since 2017, Sialkot has enjoyed renown as a central manufacturing and exporting
hub of the Indian Subcontinent, exporting an average of $3 billion per annum, about 10% of Pakistan’s total exports. The city is known
as the world’s largest producer of combat apparel, producing items from MMA gloves, punch bags and mitts to Jiu-jitsu Gis, wrestling
singlets and compression rashguards. Often the sole supplier for major global combat federations, organisations, and events, bespoke and
custom designed combat clothing is churned out en masse to meet the huge demand of practitioners around the world. Undoubtedly an
impressive contribution to the world of combat sports from a Muslim country.
235
wrestling4 competition, ADCC Submission Fighting but challenged the stereotypical image of arrogant,
World Championships, a grappling competition held tattooed fighters and caffeine-fuelled drama MMA
every two years, in which professional grapplers of viewers have become accustomed to.
every conceivable grappling style compete amongst Far from the suspicions of “radicalisation” laid
each other in what can be considered the “Olym- upon young Muslims who take up physical training,6
pics of Submission Wrestling”. Secondly, through we are witnessing a far-reaching revival of the martial
the instituting of Jiu-jitsu, a ground grappling style arts amongst Muslims. From the high velocity throws
identical to newaza found in Judo, into all schools of Judo, the lightning body slams of Greco-Roman
within the UAE since 2008, in which the Abu Dhabi wrestling to the speedy scrambles of freestyle wres-
Education Council (ADEC) adopted Jiu-jitsu in the tling and the devastating locks of Jiu-jitsu, the West-
curriculum of public schools.5 There are now more ern world is slowly witnessing a growing dominance
than 76,000 students participating in Jiu-jitsu, with of Muslim martial artists. But is this something new?
regular competitions throughout the year.
Along with the valuable contributions of a de- MARTIAL ARTS IN MUSLIM CULTURES
veloping Muslim nation by clothing the world in
combat apparel, and soon after the founding of pos- There is a slight amnesia amongst Muslims relating to
sibly the greatest grappling competition on earth, the martial arts of our pious predecessors. We must
comes an unlikely hero from a troubled land. The not and should not forget the important figure of the
great-grandson of Muhammad Nur, who assisted the Prophet g; that amongst his many roles as an edu-
great Imam Shamil (the Dagestani Muslim spiritual cator, statesman, spiritual leader, father, and husband,
and military leader who resisted Imperial Russia’s he g was also indeed a warrior. The Prophet g was
attempts to annex the Northern Caucasus region in a man of unparalleled martial prowess, with tremen-
the 1800s), is a courageous fighter, whose legendary dous combative skill and great physical strength.
rearing as a child included wrestling bears, swimming He was a swordsman par excellence, adept in spear
in the icy rivers of Dagestan and training with elite fighting, able to tame and ride the wildest of Arabi-
fighters “until they, and not he, became exhausted an stallions, taken to archery and a master grappler.
and could no longer continue”. Amongst his many miracles are recorded feats of
Khabib Nurmagomedov, an undefeated Mixed strength, wrestling, and overcoming the strongest
Martial artist whose dominating and “smashing” men of his time in multiple bouts, his ability to dis-
style against the best of the world’s fighters, whose mantle rock boulders during military excavations
humble demeanour and simple post-fight discussions and swiftly traversing the desert with walking strides
filled with “Alhamdulillah” and “InshaAllah” and un- that left his more youthful companions exhausted,
abashed Muslimness provided the Ummah, for per- watching on as the earth would seemingly fold up for
haps the first time since the great boxing legend Mu- him g.
hammad Ali, a truly pious and endearing role model. His bravery in battle was exemplary; when in
For many Muslims, he provides a living example of the most intense moments of combat his compan-
someone who embodies martial skill yet is wholly ions took shield behind the Prophet g himself.
committed to his faith, family values and the Pro- Amongst the most courageous and capable com-
phetic way. Known for his 29-0 undefeated MMA panions, his own cousin, Ali h said “When the
world record, he revived in many not only a return situation grew hot, fearfully intense and the fighting
to the Prophetic art of wrestling on the mats, but also fierce, we sought protection behind the Messenger of
provided a model of conduct in the face of racist and God g. None was closer to the enemy than he. I saw
anti-Muslim bigotry off the mats. His advocation of him g on the Day of Badr when we were keeping
the removal of ring girls in event promotions, exten- close to him, and he was the closest to the enemy.
sive charitable work, and desire to give back to his He was the bravest person that day.”7 Abdullah Ibn
country not only showcased his principled manner, Umar h said “I never saw anyone more courageous,

4 Differs in rules and victory criteria from conventional freestyle or Greco Roman wrestling which are primarily concerned with taking
down one’s opponent and pinning their shoulders to the mat. The aim of Submission Wrestling is to end the match by applying a joint
lock or choke hold to one’s opponent and forcing them to submit.
5 https://sportsjournal.io/youth/introduction-to-uae-jiu-jitsu-school-program/
6 Suhaiymah Manzoor Khan, Tangled in Terror: Uprooting Islamophobia (Pluto Press, 2022)
7 Ibn Hanbal, an-Nasai, at-Tabarani, al-Bayhaqi, Muslim has part of it (taken from Qadi Iyad’s As-Shifa, p.60)
236
 “The Wrestling Master Is Challenged By His Pupil”
by Mahmud Muzahhib, Bukhara (ah 968/1560-61 ad)

237
intrepid, generous or pleasing than the Messenger of be better for them to pray instead. To this, the
God g”.8 This warriorhood was finely tempered and Messenger of God g replied,
balanced in his noble person g; never excessive nor “Their busying themselves with the bow is as
lacking, maintaining the epitome of chivalry and a if it were part of the prayer….”10
perfect disposition as a fighter.
Grappling, the wider genre of the more specific art IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE
of wrestling, was amongst the dominant martial arts OF GRAPPLING FOR MUSLIMS
of the Arabs, considered the “King of Sports” and ex-
tensively used in unarmed combat at the time of the It seems the ‘Eagle’s’ hopeful and timely arrival into
Prophet g. Bouts would involve grappling to pin the MMA world ruffled a few feathers in the face of
one’s opponent’s shoulders on the ground, and forc- what many perceive as the crisis of modern Muslim
ing them out of the designated arena with a single or masculinity. In a recent publication, Futuwwah and
multiple number of falls constituting victory. Raising Males into Sacred Manhood, the notable
With wrestling being the staple of mainly young scholar Imam Dawud Walid penned an Islamical-
men across Islamic civilisation, the histories of the ly-embedded solution to this problem, first by estab-
various caliphates and Muslim empires are littered lishing what he perceives as the main issues surround-
with legends of grappling. The Abbasid caliph Amin ing a type of Muslim emasculation:
al-Rashid was known as a man of physical strength
and combat who famously wrestled a lion. Years lat- [There are] an endless array of young men em-
er, the Buyid caliph al-Mustakfi organised wrestling broiled in ‘arousal addiction;’ instead of under-
tournaments that were held in public squares along going the difficulty of carrying familial and so-
with swimming races in the Tigris River. The Bu- cietal responsibilities, men are now content to
wayhid, Muʿizz al-Dawla at Baghdad hosted regular just engross themselves in endless hours of por-
grappling bouts: nography and video-game addiction. Why bear
the nagging of a spouse and the crying of babies
Wrestling matches of the 4th/10th century held when sexual arousal without all that ‘baggage’
at the bidding of the Buwayhid Muʿizz al-Daw- is available? This problem has been exacerbat-
la at Baghdad present a remarkable scene. On ed further by the current pandemic with men
the day of the Wrestling competition a tree was flocking to social media platforms like On-
set up in the race-course (maydan) with prizes lyFans for companionship at ever-increasing
containing valuable things hanging thereon and rates. Suicides, dropping out from education
purses of dirhams were also placed at the feet of and occupations, increasing rates of obesity,
the tree. The contest continued for hours and pursuit of criminal activity in gangs, and illegal
the winners received rewards and robes of hon- drug use are many ways in which men in the
our from Muiʿzz al-Dawla.9 West, and the East to a lesser degree, are crying
out for help.11
The men and women around the Prophet g were
undoubtedly people given to martial conduct. They This resonates with my own observations as a
led difficult lives of poverty, conflict and confronta- martial arts instructor, having spent the last ten years
tion, but maintained a stoic discipline to traditional teaching grappling within a growing mosque and
martial training that not only readied them for war instructing in Muslim-concentrated communities
but also elevated their worship to their Creator. around the UK. I have had countless encounters
with young Muslim men who appear sadly emas-
Upon seeing some of the Companions preoccu- culated, immature, and blindly chase vain pursuits.
pied in shooting arrows and having not offered The compound effect of the entrenched racism and
their obligatory prayer, another Companion Islamophobia prevalent in the UK,12 anti-Muslim
asked the Prophet g whether it would not sentiment and negative portrayal in national media

8 Ad-Darami (taken from Qadi Iyad’s As-Shifa, p.59)

9 Nisar Shaikh, Prophetic Grappling (Beacon Books, 2022)
10 Ibid, p.16
11 Dawud Walid, Futuwwah and Raising Males into Sacred Manhood (Imam Ghazali Institute, 2022)
12 Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, Tangled in Terror—Uprooting Islamophobia (Pluto Press 2022)
238
along with the disabling effects of pornography and brings about a closeness to true causation, continu-
social media addiction, has resulted in a generation ally challenges the ego and even draws us near to our
of Muslims feeling disenfranchised and disabled. own mortality.
It has become clear to me that one conducive solu-
tion would be to combine physical training with an Nothing is more real in our existence than closely
awareness of mental and spiritual rectification. experiencing or contemplating its end. Death is
Whilst “smothering’ by well-intentioned moth- the great leveller, the most certain of matters, the
ers has certainly proven to exacerbate this ‘failure to ‘destroyer of pleasures’. And yet it is this closeness
launch’, fathers must also re-evaluate what values and of death that compels us to truly live.14
example they are setting to their children. It seems the
appearance of the Imam at the Friday prayer—often And once bitten by “the grappling bug”, the practi-
overweight, sedentary, and seemingly only giving lip tioner is then further drawn into a wholesome land-
service to the Sunnah—is enough hypocrisy for the scape of self-improvement—abstaining from pro-
youth to “check out” of this religion. The rigours of cessed junk food, meticulousness in developing one’s
grappling, an emphatic practice of the Messenger of strength and conditioning, disciplined immersion in
God g and his Companions, provides a wholesome the techniques and drills of a noble art—all of which
means to train the entire body, with functional move- provide healthy alternatives to modern addictions,
ments strengthening each joint and a cardiovascular substance abuse and indecent habits.
workout that is unrivalled.
Grappling, a language of the physical, is like the That which inspires one to pursue his highest
“verb”, in that it is very much a doing art. It inherent- self, losing himself and human weakness along
ly teaches the practitioner through a theatrical yet the way, through complete immersion in a me-
completely improvised live contest (sparring) how dium; when one cannot be distracted by the
to move, what to do and when to do it. A cerebral world because he has created his own; a more
conversation takes place between the practitioner vivid, real existence in the expression of himself
and his opponent, which after years of sparring, tac- through his chosen pursuit.15
tile touch, feeling and a deep exploration of the expo-
nential combative situation results in a mastery of the Earnest application of any given Prophetic prac-
craft, and to some extent yourself. tice, from daily acts of prayer, personal cleanliness,
distribution of wealth or physical activity, with a sin-
The grappling arts only but drive intentionality cere intention promotes it to the realm of the sacred.
on the part of its proponent, only right action It is through this sacredness that hidden wisdoms are
will garner the desired outcome.13 revealed, and its practice sustained. It seems one of
the wisdoms behind the practice of the Prophetic art
In a strange metamorphism, we witness a positive of grappling is to provide not only a physical eleva-
transformation take place in the young man who may tion of self, but a sacred and metaphysical elevation.
have once walked with a lack of confidence, indeci-
sive in every action or disabled through irresponsi- REFINEMENT OF SELF, REPLACING
bility, but now through the practice of grappling is VICE WITH VIRTUE
capable, confident and knows the need to act. Or
perhaps it was that arrogated bully, who mistreated Upon looking at his noble person in a mirror, the
the women in his home, showed disrespect to those Messenger of God g supplicated “Praise be to God.
around him through a false sense of self, that after be- O God, as you have beautified my form, beautify my
ing continually humbled by much smaller or appar- character.”16 This acknowledgement of the waning of
ently less capable opponents was forced to concede, physical attributes and intrinsic connection to one’s
check his ego and self-reflect. character and conduct provides us a subtle indication
There is much to be gained from a physical art that of perhaps a greater import in the way Muslims par-
helps to unearth the unsavoury elements within us, ticipate in sport.

13 Nisar Shaikh, Microcosm on the Mats (Unpublished)

14 Ibid
15 Chris Matakas, On Jiu-jitsu (Build the Fire Publishing, 2017)
16 Kitab al Athkar—Imam Nawawi
239
 It is my contention that such physical disciplines Equally, personal experience has shown me, that
of the Messenger of God g, when practised con- alongside the conceptual understanding of these
scientiously, with a noble intention and observing maladies and the observation of the masters of the
one’s conduct, can reveal knowledge of self and spe- heart (Ulama al-Qulub), there is certainly an un-
cifically an awareness of the propensities of the self veiling of them through the traditional martial arts.
(Amrad al-Qulub). It can serve as a valuable tool in I recall my own experience training in the dojo and
unearthing those unbecoming vices and base incli- how vanity (‘ujb), or the pursuit of a physical form
nations which manifest in the face of true adversity proved useless in the face of true mastery and skill.
or have remained hidden for years, and immediately The ostentatious posturing (riya) on the mats and
turning thereafter to God’s guidance and the Pro- the bouts of boastfulness (fakhr) were unbecoming
phetic tradition for the remedy. and in fact, led to an arrogance (kibr) and leaving
It would be remiss of us to believe that such phys- of the martial art in the face of inevitably not being
ical practices in and of themselves would rid us of able to fulfil one’s brags. As sufficient time passes and
these spiritual maladies, of which Islamic scholars knowledge increases a type of miserliness (bukhl) sets
contend are at least twenty-five in number.17 in, with the self wanting to withhold knowledge of
The Day of Judgement is described as, “The day techniques and their consequences. Covetousness
when neither wealth nor children will benefit, save in seeking leadership (sum’a) is quelled through the
one who comes with a sound heart.”18 A sound heart, demonstration of true authority and deep knowledge
free of spiritual defects and blemishes of character, is of an instructor over superficiality in training. Or
what our Lord calls us to. This was the principial un- maybe a more honest regulation of the deep-seated
derstanding of the third and final part of the famous anger (ghadab) remaining uncontrollable within you
hadith of Gibril: “Excellence is to worship God as if which is only crushed through true provocation in
you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He surely the dojo. Or even the regular exposure to something
sees you.” (Muslim) that resembled death that led to a relinquishing of
The spiritual heart (as opposed to the physical the love of the material (hubb ad-dunya) and a recog-
one) is one acknowledged by nearly all religious nition of the pointless nature of excessively lengthy
traditions. Islam’s great libraries are filled with vol- hopes (tūl al-amal) through continual, albeit tem-
umes upon volumes written by true masters of the porary, exposure to semblances of death and dying
self who articulated the symptomatic features of the found in submission wrestling.
sick spiritual heart, the subtleties of each sickness and Whilst the reasons for the popularity of martial
their remedies through the Quran and the Prophetic arts in recent times are numerous, I suspect that the
way. Ridding oneself of miserliness, envy, ostentation, “addiction” of many to the grappling arts, for Mus-
vanity, covetousness, or anger for instance, requires a lims and others, is closely tied to this unveiling of
degree of concerted study of their signs, symptoms the self, an opportunity to rectify those vices and the
and remedies from the Book of God, Prophetic tra- hope for a sound heart.
ditions, and the company of the Righteous. They are “The mats are honest, even if you’re not.”
subtle and the degree to which one may possess them
(or more importantly, remove them) can become
more and more granular.

Nisar Shaikh is an avid grappler, having trained extensively in Jiu-jitsu and cross trained in freestyle and Gre-
co-style Wrestling, Judo and Sambo. He holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Jiu-jitsu under the Carlson Gracie
Team London and has been instructing all levels, from professional MMA fighters to children, for over twenty
years. He has also authored Prophetic Grappling, a short publication on the history of grappling in the Islamic
world and the Objectives of Sports in Islam.

17 Hamza Yusuf, Purification of the Heart (Starlatch Press, 2004)

18 Ash-Shura-26:88/89
240
BOOK REVIEWS

241
 Edited by Amber Haque and Abdallah Rothman
Islamic Psychology Around the Globe
IAIP Publishing
Review by Lamya Al-Khraisha

It is evident that psy- havior and mental processes was done through a
chology and psychia- secular lens.
try are going through a Over the last 40 years, decolonization of different
paradigm shift with de- bodies of knowledge has encouraged Muslim schol-
bates over issues that were once taken as scientific ars to retrace the roots of sciences back to the classical
fact such as “The Serotonin Hypothesis” or the tradition; this includes Islamic Psychology. The re-
“Chemical Imbalance Theory” of mental illness. vived field of study and practice of Islamic Psycholo-
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is no longer gy has as its foundation an Islamic worldview behind
the stuff of pulp fiction, nor is chasing “peak ex- the study of soul which the International Association
periences” aided by psychedelics disregarded out of Islamic Psychology (IAIP) defines as including the
of hand now. As these debates have raged over the mind, heart, self, and spirit.
past few years, in 2021 the International Associ- The integration of religion, spirituality, and psy-
ation of Islamic Psychology (IAIP) quietly pub- chology in a thoughtful and sensitive manner, cou-
lished its first book: Islamic Psychology Around the pled with evidence-based scholarship has been lack-
Globe. ing in the study of psychology over the last century.
Edited by Professors Amber Haque and Abdallah By and large psychology has been a secular field with
Rothman, the book is a collection of 17 essays that most psychologists being dismissive of religion and
examine the development of Islamic Psychology (IP) spirituality. Indeed, many psychologists and psychi-
in 17 countries around the world written by practi- atrists consider too much interest in these subjects
tioners of IP in those countries. The countries are: a sign of psychopathology. Thankfully, a sizeable
Australia; Bosnia; Egypt; India; Indonesia; Iran; minority of psychologists and psychiatrists, have re-
Saudi Arabia; Malaysia; Nigeria; Pakistan; Somalia; jected this view and undertaken quality research and
South Africa; Sudan; Türkiye; the United Kingdom; provided evidence-based clinical practice approach-
the United States, and Western Continental Europe. es to the integration of religion, spirituality, and
The book charts the history, challenges and prospects psychology.
of Islamic Psychology in these countries. People who take their religious and spiritual
During the Islamic Golden Age, the body of identities and beliefs seriously need well-in-
knowledge known in Arabic as ilm al-nafs (science formed and religiously-minded psychotherapists
of the soul) flourished. Muslim scholars going who can comprehend their worldview in order
back to the 9th century wrote about it informed by to serve them better. Islamic Psychology Around the
their knowledge and understanding of the Qur’an Globe serves as a wonderful guide for religiously
and Sunnah. It diminished in significance over oriented psychologists and psychotherapists who
time and with the advent of the 19th century, and counsel Muslims in these increasingly troubled
increasingly over later centuries, the study of be- and challenging times.

242
 Muntasir Zaman
The Height of Prophet Adam: At the Crossroads of Science and Scripture
Beacon Books
“In this highly learned, Islam, Muslim scholars have ruminated over this con-
wide-ranging, and metic- flict and formulated methods to resolve it.
ulously researched study, The Height of Prophet Adam: At the Crossroads
Muntasir Zaman brings of Science and Scripture explores scholarly efforts to
the full weight and so- treat the conflict between hadith regarding Prophet
phistication of the Islamic Adam’s height and extant empirical data. What may
intellectual tradition to bear upon an empirical quan- appear as a straightforward hadith about the father of
dary that, as it turns out, is not an exclusively modern humankind brings to the fore a web of interconnect-
one.”—Carl Sherif El-Tobgui, Associate Professor of ed disciplines: epistemology, science, archeology, the
Arabic and Islamic Studies, Brandeis University status of the Sahihayn, the evolution of hadith analy-
The conflict between scripture and science is a sis, and the isra’iliyyat. This case study hopes to con-
common source of anxiety for people of faith, and tribute to two broader conversations: (1) the conflict
Muslims are no exception. The inability to justify between science and hadith, a crisis of faith for many
certain matters of Islam in light of current scientific Muslims today, and (2) the notion that the scholars
consensus has led some Muslims to doubt their faith. of Islam’s rich intellectual history were oblivious to
Yet, tension between hadith and other disciplines is the issues plaguing the minds of modern Muslims.
not without historical precedent. Since the advent of

Nisar Shaikh
Prophetic Grappling
Beacon Books
“An excellent translation • A translation and commentary on the short trea-
of a necessary work whose tise by the great 9th century Imam Jalaluddin
great benefit is that it as-Suyuti’s al-Musar‘ah ila al-Musar‘ah (‘Swiftly to
shows Muslims who natu- Wrestling’). This is a short collection of eighteen
rally (like myself ) love and traditions (hadith) and sayings (athar) of the Mes-
practise martial sports that senger of God  and his blessed Companions,
they integrate them into their religious life and in- mentioning his  encouragement of and engage-
deed benefit from them spiritually.”—HRH Prince ment in the art of wrestling.
Ghazi bin Muhammad • A discussion on the objectives of sports in Is-
Sport has been a hallmark of every culture lam with excerpts from Silat al-Riyadati bil-Din
throughout history, and Islamic civilisation was no wa-Dawruha (‘The Relation Between Exercise
exception. At the time of the Messenger of God , and Religion’) by the late Shaykh Muhammad ibn
noble arts such as Archery, Swordsmanship, Equita- Alawi al-Maliki (1944-2004).
tion and Wrestling were the established sports of the In a time when sport is heavily commercialised,
day. But how were these sports practised and what Prophetic Grappling hopes to inspire a new genera-
purpose did they serve? What emphasis does Islam tion to turn to the noble example of the Messenger of
place on martial arts? God  and use traditional martial arts as a means of
Drawing on hadith literature and classical texts, spiritual, as well as physical, growth.
this short work looks at the art of wrestling as prac-
tised by early Muslims, including:
• A brief history of wrestling in Arabia and amongst
the Companions
243
 Edited by Ron Geaves and Yahya Birt
The Collected Poems of Abdullah Quilliam
Beacon Books
“A unique and fascinating His weekly newspaper The Crescent, in which he
window into the soul of published much of the poetry in the present collec-
British Islam in its earli- tion, ran from 1893 to 1908 and circulated to over
est days.”—Sheikh Abdal eighty nations. Poetry permitted Quilliam to draw
Hakim Murad upon both British and Eastern literary heritages,
When William Henry sometimes combining both in his poetic endeavours.
Abdullah Quilliam (1856‒1932) declared his conver- Some of Quilliam’s poems show yearning for God,
sion to Islam publicly in 1887, he was not content to others love for nature. There are also poems about
merely practise his new faith as did other early Brit- historic or topical events, and those that reveal the
ish converts of the period. Rather, he set about the poet’s affections, including his romantic interests. A
task of establishing Islam in Britain, starting with his good portion of his poetry can be plausibly read as
home city of Liverpool. To this end, he established autobiographical: Quilliam often used his poetry to
the first mosque community in the UK, and through express his deepest feelings about his life, those clos-
its various activities converted approximately 250 est to him, and his faith; as he put it, his “most inmost
inhabitants of the city to Islam. He sought ways to heart”.
establish Islam that chimed with what he saw as the The Collected Poems of Abdullah Quilliam brings
best values of Victorian Britain, and so he promoted together the secular and religious poetry of Abdullah
the best values of Victorian society as synonymous Quilliam in a single volume for the first time. This
with Islam. His efforts to promote Islam were recog- comprehensive collection covers his entire four-dec-
nised by the Caliph, Sultan Abdul-Hamid II, and by ade poetic output and reveals much about the inner
Abdur-Rahman, the Amir of Afghanistan, and both spiritual and emotional life of Britain’s most famous
bestowed various titles, honours and gifts upon him Muslim convert, about the private man behind the
and his family. public figure.

Recite: In the Name of your Lord Who created,

The Clot, 1
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

244
MAJOR EVENTS

245
 • Major Events •
2021
OCTOBER
1 • The 2020 World Expo in Dubai begins. Its opening was originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 but
was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 • Pandora Papers investigation reveals secret wealth of 30 current and former world leaders including
Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Czech PM Andrej Babis and former UK PM Tony Blair
• Tropical Cyclone Shaheen makes landfall in Oman and Iran, killing at least nine people
4 • Three years worth of rain (14 inches or 300 mm) falls in 12 hours in city of Al Khaburah, Oman, in the
wake of tropical cyclone Shaheen
7 • Zanzibar born writer Abdulrazak Gurnah is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature
13 • 24 year old Rumeysa Gelgi from Turkey confirmed as World’s tallest living woman by Guinness World
Records at 215.16 centimetres 215.16cm (7ft 0.7in)
15 • MP David Amess was stabbed multiple times outside a constituency surgery meeting in Leigh-on-Sea,
Essex, UK. The attacker, Ali Harbi Ali, was found guilty of murder and preparing acts of terrorism.
20 • A double bombing of a Syrian Army bus in the Damascus, Syria. Saraya Qasioun claimed responsi-
bility.
21 • Syria’s government says it has executed 24 people for starting devastating wildfires in 2020 that killed
three
24 • The 2021 Uzbek presidential election is held.
25 • Sudan’s military takes control of the country, dissolving the power-sharing government and declaring
a state of emergency
• Afghanistan to become world’s worst humanitarian crisis as nearly 23 million people face acute hunger
over winter according to the World Food Program
28 • One of world’s largest floor mosaics unveiled after restoration at Hisham’s Palace (660-750 AD) by
Palestinian authorities in Jericho, West Bank
30 • The 2021 FIFA Arab Cup is held in Qatar, and is won by Algeria. (November 30 – December 18)
NOVEMBER
2 • Jihadist gunman ambush and kill 69 people, including a local mayor in south-west Niger, adding to
the 530 killed in 2021 to date
7 • Attempt to assassinate Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi through drone attack on his home
in Baghdad
9 • Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai ties the knot with Asser Malik in an Islamic Nikkah cere-
mony in Birmingham, England
21 • A gunman opened fire on civilians in Jerusalem, Israel, killing and injuring four. He was shot dead by
the police. The shooter was a member of Hamas.
23 • Egypt reopens its 3000 year old Avenue of the Sphinxes in Luxor with a grand ceremony
25 • A suicide car bomb exploded outside a school in Mogadishu, Somalia as an African Union Mission to
Somalia convoy drove through. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility.
DECEMBER
3 • A bus in the Mopti Region, Mali carrying civilians was attacked by unknown militants, killing 31 and
injuring 17. The suspected Islamists shot at the bus and set it on fire.
4 • Mt Semeru erupts on Java island, Indonesia, killing at least 14 and injuring 56
9 • More than 40 camels disqualified from the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival beauty contest after Botox
injections and other cosmetic enhancements were discovered

246
2022
JANUARY
2 • Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok resigns in a televised address amid political deadlock after a
rejection of his deal with the military by pro-democracy forces
4 • Floods in Indonesia killed nine people.
5 • State of emergency declared across Kazakhstan amid unrest and protests against fuel price rises, 164
killed in three days
6 • The CSTO deploys a “peacekeeping” mission in Kazakhstan, including Russian paratroopers, follow-
ing a request by Kazakh president Tokayev.
• Floods in Oman killed at least six people.
8 • A blizzard in Murree, Pakistan killed 23 people.
9 • At least 200 people killed and 10,000 displaced by armed bandits in north-western Nigerian state of
Zamfara, after military raids on their hideouts, amid continuing struggle for order in the region
13 • Landmark conviction of former Syrian intelligence officer Anwar Raslan for state-sponsored crimes
against humanity in Koblenz, Germany
15 • A British Pakistani man falsely claiming to be the brother of Pakistani prisoner Aafia Siddiqui attacked
a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, and held four Jews hostage. The assailant was eventually shot dead
during the incident.
17 • Houthi rebels attacked the capital of the UAE with a drone due to its participation in the Yemeni
Civil War.
18 • Indonesia’s parliament approves bill to relocate its capital to Borneo and announces new city’s name
will be Nusantara, (meaning archipelago)
19 • Floods in Malaysia, locally called Banjir Shah Alam, caused by Tropical Depression 29W, killed 54
people with two missing and caused over $4.77 billion (2021 USD) in damage across Malaysia.
20 • An IED planted on a motorcycle in a market in the Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, Punjab, exploded.
Three people were killed and 28 injured. A spokesperson for the Baloch Nationalist Army claimed
responsibility for the attack. He said the bombing targeted employees of a nearby bank.
21 • ISIL gunmen stormed a military base in Diyala Governorate, Iraq, killing eleven soldiers as they slept.
21 • Yemen detention centre in Saada held by rebel Houthis bombed killing more than 70 people
23 • Heavy rains in Pakistan killed eight people from multiple landslides and building collapses.
24 • Coup in Burkina Faso as military announce on TV they have overthrown President Roch Kaboré after
his failure to stem an Islamic insurgency
• 19 die in a fight and a fire at a nightclub in Sorong city, West Papua, Indonesia
25 • Militants stormed a security post belonging to Pakistani military in a remote area of Dasht, Kech Dis-
trict in Balochistan. The clash lasted for a few hours and killed 10 security personnel and injured three
others. One militant was killed and several others were injured or arrested. The Balochistan Liberation
Front claimed responsibility for the attack.
27 • Forces of the Jordanian army uncovered a drug-smuggling operation from Syria to Jordan, started after
a Jordanian army officer was killed by drug smugglers from Syria earlier in January. Clashes broke out
between the drug smugglers and the Jordanian army after the operation was thwarted. 27 drug smug-
glers were killed by the Jordanian army.
30 • Kurdish-led militia and American forces regain control of Sinaa prison in Hasaka, Syria, after a week-
log assault by ISIS fighters, with the loss of 500 lives
FEBRUARY
2 • More than one million Afghans have fled the country for Iran since October due to the country’s eco-
nomic crisis, according to immigration authorities threatening a new migrant crisis
• Twelve people died from hypothermia in Turkey, during a cold wave.

247
 3 • ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi blows himself and his family up during a raid by US
Special Forces in Syria
5 • Body of five-year old Moroccan boy Rayan Oram retrieved from the well he fell down four days pre-
viously after huge rescue effort
7 • An avalanche killed 19 people in Afghanistan.
8 • Horn of Africa with 13 million people now facing humanitarian crisis amid drought where the rainy
season has failed three years in a row, according to UN World Food Program
9 • Nearly four million bottles of beer destroyed in large crackdown on alcohol in northern Nigerian state
of Kano, where alcohol prohibited under Sharia law
12 • French forces say they have killed 40 fighters in air attacks in Burkina Faso linked to deadly attacks
on Benin border
15 • A series of floods in Indonesia killed one person and affected over 10,000 people.
17 • 28,000 women apply for 30 jobs driving trains after they are advertised for women in Saudi Arabia for
the first time
21 • 60 people die in an explosion at an unregulated gold mine near Gaoua, Burkina Faso
22 • The Museum of the Future designed by Killa Design architecture studio and engineered by Buro Hap-
pold opened to public in Dubai.
24 • 6 Syrian soldiers were killed after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Syrian army positions near Da-
mascus, Syria.
• Zahir Zakir Jaffer sentenced to death in Islamabad, Pakistan for the rape, murder and beheading of
Noor Muqaddam after she refused to marry him, highlighting violence towards women in the country
MARCH
2 • A bomb exploded near a police van in Quetta, Pakistan. Three people, including a superintendent
deputy of the police, were killed and 24 people were injured.
4 • Suspected suicide bomb attack on a Shia mosque in Pakistani city of Peshawar kills at least 56 and
injures 190
5 • Two Syrian civilians were killed by an Israeli missile attack on a Syrian military position near Da-
mascus according to the Syrian Ministry of Defence. Iran later announced that two IRGC colonels,
Ehsan Karbalaipour and Morteza Saeednejad, had been killed in the attack and that “Undoubtedly,
the Zionist regime will pay for this crime”.
10 • Five well-decorated ancient tombs found at the Saqqara necropolis were put on display in Cairo. They
date back to the Old Kingdom of Egypt, around 2700BC to 2200BC.
12 • Saudi Arabia executes 81 convicted criminals, the country’s largest known mass execution in modern
times
• 2022 Turkmenistan presidential election. The former President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Ber-
dimuhamedow’s son Serdar Berdimuhamedow won with 89% of the total votes
16 • British-Iranians Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori return to the UK after being de-
tained for five and six years on spying charges
17 • Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari apologies for recent fuel shortages and power outages, in-
cluding the failure of the national electricity grid and an increase in adulterated fuel
22 • A Negev Bedouin man stabbed and ran over several people in the Southern Israeli city of Beersheba.
27 • Two gunmen killed two officers and wounded two others in Hadera before they were killed. The two
terrorists were Arab Israeli cousins from Umm al-Fahm. One of them had previously attempted to
join IS forces in Syria, and had served 18 months in prison. The Islamic State claimed responsibility.
29 • A Palestinian man killed 5 people in a mass shooting in the streets of Bnei Brak, Israel. The attacker was
killed by the police. The al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.
31 • Expo 2020 closes in Dubai after a 6-month run; originally scheduled for April 10, 2021, it was delayed
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

248
APRIL
3 • The Taliban government bans cultivation of opium in Afghanistan, with consequences for world sup-
ply as it produces 80%
• Pakistan plunges into constitutional crisis after Prime Minister Imran Khan dissolves parliament and
calls for new elections, avoiding a no-confidence vote
• Arooj Aftab, a Pakistani vocalist, music composer, and producer based in the United States, wins a
Grammy for Best Global Music Performance for her song “Mohabbat”.
5 • A stabbing attack at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran killed two Shia clerics and wounded
another one. The attacker, an Uzbek Takfiri who was illegally in Iran, was arrested immediately after
the attack.
7 • Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi transfers power to an eight-member council to negotiate
with the Houthis in attempt to end country’s seven-year civil war
• Palestinian, Raad Hazem, killed 3 people and wounded 11 others in a mass shooting on Dizengoff
Street in central Tel Aviv. Hazem was killed the following day.
10 • Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan removed from power after losing a no-confidence vote in par-
liament
11 • Shehbaz Sharif elected Pakistan’s new Prime Minister by the country’s parliament, replacing Imran
Khan
14 • The biggest surge in years of attacks by Arab militants in Israel leaves 14 dead, leading to Israel army
operations that kill a further 20
17 • After further altercations at the Al-Aqsa mosque, the United Arab List (Ra’am) announced it
would temporarily halt its coalition membership in the Government of Israel in protest against
the situation at al-Aqsa. According to the U.S State department, US Secretary of State Antony
Blinken and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi discussed the situation on 18 April and “Secre-
tary Blinken emphasized the importance of upholding the historic status quo at the Haram Al-Sharif/
Temple Mount, and appreciation for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s special role as custodian
of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem,” Jordan’s King Abdullah, speaking with UN Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres, said that “provocative acts” by Israel violated “the legal and historic status quo” of
the Muslim holy shrines.
19 • Three bombs targeted the Abdul Rahim Shahid School in the Shia Hazara neighbourhood of Kabul. 6
people were killed and 25 others, including students, were injured. No group has claimed responsibility
yet, but the Islamic State is suspected.
21 • A remote-controlled booby trapped bag exploded in the Shia Seh Dokan mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif,
Afghanistan killed 31 people and injured 87 others. The Islamic State claimed the attack as part of an
ongoing global campaign to “avenge” the deaths of its former leader and spokesman.
22 • A bombing attack at the Sufi Khanaqa-e-Malawi Sikandar mosque in Kunduz, Afghanistan killed 33
people and injured 43 others. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
24 • Violent clashes between Arab nomads and members of the Massalit community in Sudan’s West Dar-
fur state result in the deaths of at least 168 people
26 • A 4,500-year-old statue of Anat, the Ugarit goddess of war and hunting, was discovered in Khan You-
nis, Gaza Strip.
• A female suicide bomber struck a van near the University of Karachi’s Confucius Institute, killing
three Chinese citizens and their Pakistani driver. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsi-
bility for the attack.
27 • In the early hours of the morning, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes against an ammunition depot
near Damascus, Syria, killing 9 people, including 5 Syrian soldiers.
• In Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria, Islamic State militants attacked the house of former Syrian Demo-
cratic Forces spokesman Nouri Hamish, during iftar. Seven people, including Hamish, were killed and
four others injured.
29 • A heat wave affects India and Pakistan. Temperatures exceed more than 50 °C (122 °F) and at least 90
people have died.

249
 MAY
3 • Heatwave continues across North and Central India disproportionally affecting the poor, with March
and April temperatures the hottest ever recorded in 122 years
5 • In El’ad, Israel, two Palestinian men attacked people celebrating Israel’s Independence Day in a park
with axes. Three people were killed and four injured.
• The monthly average carbon dioxide (CO2) level in Earth’s atmosphere exceeds 420 parts per million
(ppm) for the first time in recorded history.
7 • Afghan women issued decree to cover their faces in public (hijab reaching head to toe) by Ministry
for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, or her male guardian faces criminal punishment
11 • Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh shot and killed by Israeli forces in city of Jenin, in the West
Bank
12 • Israel gave final approval for 2,791 housing units in illegal settlements, advanced plans for 1,636 and
retroactively authorized two Israeli outposts. The move, previously condemned by the US, was also
condemned by the UN and by the EU.
13 • Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on a Syrian military site in the city of Masyaf, Hama Governo-
rate. Six Syrian soldiers and a civilian were killed in the attack and several others were injured.
• Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is elected as the 3rd president of the United Arab Emirates by the
Federal Supreme Council following the death of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan a day earlier.
15 • Hassan Sheikh Mohamud elected President of Somalia in a vote restricted to the country’s 328 mem-
bers pf parliament amid security concerns
20 • Israel launched a missile attack on a Syrian military position near Damascus International Airport,
killing three Syrian soldiers.
22 • Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in north-eastern parts of Bangladesh and in the state of
Assam, India, leaving millions stranded and 41 dead.
JUNE 
1 • Turkey officially changes its name to Türkiye at the United Nations and internationally
2 • Salman Rushdie was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Eliz-
abeth II for services to literature.
• Morocco reported its first case of Monkey pox, citing its health ministry.
4 • Retired general Bajram Begaj is elected the 9th President of Albania by the parliament in the 4th
round of voting.
5 • A group of five terrorists attacked the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Ondo State, Nigeria while
worshippers were celebrating Pentecost. The attackers started shooting at everyone and threw explo-
sives. At least 40 people are thought to have died in the attack. 61 people are being treated for injuries.
No group has claimed responsibility yet; the federal government says that Islamic State – West Africa
Province is behind the attack.
8 • “Ms Marvel” TV miniseries premieres on Disney+, with Disney’s first on-screen Muslim superhero
story, starring Iman Vellani
9 • The controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series gets underway at the Centurion Club,
Hertfordshire; PGA suspends 17 participating players
12 • Iraqi political crisis: dozens of MPs resign from the Iraqi Parliament.
• Suspected jihadists attacked the village of Seytenga, Burkina Faso. They went from shop to shop to kill
the men, the women and children were spared. Homes were burned down in the attack. The death toll
is expected to be over 100.
18 • Four million stranded after severe flooding in Bangladesh and nearby Indian states, with at least 41
dead
22 • 6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan, near Khost, killing at least 1000 and injuring 1500
29 • French court convicts Salah Abdeslam, and 19 others, of terrorism and murder charges, sentences him
to a rare 30-year prison term for the November 2015 Paris Attacks

250
JULY
9 • In Wimbledon, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan claims her first Grand Slam title over Tunisia’s Ons
Jabeur; first Kazakhstani player to win a major title
11 • The UN annual report Children and Armed Conflict was released. Commenting on Israel, Secretary
General António Guterres wrote “Should the situation repeat itself in 2022, without meaningful im-
provement, Israel should be listed”. In 2021, the report said that “Israeli security forces killed 78 Pales-
tinian children, maimed another 982 and detained 637 Palestinian children.
• UK Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah reveals he was trafficked from Djibouti to the UK as a child
to work as a domestic servant
13 • US President Joe Biden lands in Israel to begin a four-day trip to the Middle East
15 • US President Joe Biden visits Saudi Arabia to ask for an increase in oil production
22 • UN, OCHA, issued the Protection of Civilians Report covering the period 28 June to 18 July 2022.
During the reporting period, there were 166 Israeli military search and arrest operations in the West
Bank, 3 (63 year to date) Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and 0 (11 year to date) Israelis were
killed by Palestinians, and 51 Palestinian-owned structures were demolished.
22 • 3 Syrian soldiers were killed in an Israeli missile attack on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria.
28 • “The Line”, a futuristic 106 mile one-building city to house 9 million people, powered by renewable
sources, announced by Saudi Arabia
31 • Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Egyptian terrorist who became the 2nd Emir of Al-Qaeda after Osama bin
Laden’s death in 2011, is killed in an airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan conducted by the United States’
Central Intelligence Agency.
• Supporters of Maqtada Al-Sadr storm the Iraqi parliament, demanding an end to Iranian influence
AUGUST
5 • Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least ten Palestinians, including a 5 year old, and wounded another
55, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel said it was targeting the Islamic Jihad militant group
in response to threats made by the group following Israel’s arrest of al-Saadi earlier in the week. Islamic
Jihad said that Taysir al-Jabari, a commander of the Al-Quds Brigades, died in an air strike on an apart-
ment in the Palestine Tower.
7 • Ceasefire called after 43 people killed in Gaza during three days of violence between Israeli military
and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters
9 • Russia launches Iranian satellite, Khayyam, into orbit
• The Palestinian Ministry of Health said 3 Palestinians were killed and 40 wounded during a raid by
Israeli forces on Nablus. The dead included a senior commander of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an-
other militant and a 16 year old.
10 • John Bolton was the target of Iranian murder plot in ‘likely’ retaliation for general’s death: Prosecutors
• Afghan immigrant arrested in connection with the murder of 4 Muslim men in New Mexico
• Ilhan Omar wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District
11 • UNESCO World Heritage confirms that at least 10 buildings in the Old City of Yemen’s capital,
Sanaa, have collapsed in recent days due to heavy rainfall
• A series of flash floods in Pakistan killed 549 people.
12 • Assailant leaves author, Salman Rushdie, in critical condition during a lecture in New York. A Shia
man is taken into custody and charged with attempted murder.
16 • Saudi woman given 34-year prison sentence for using Twitter to retweet and promote activists and
dissidents.
17 • Suicide bomber self-detonates in a Kabul mosque, killing 21 and injuring 33
18 • Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary General António Guterres meets with Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky during a summit in Lviv, warning of “another Chernobyl” due to fighting by
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
19 • 30-hour siege begins on Hayat Hotel, Mogadishu, by Shabab militants leaving 21 dead and 117 injured

251
 20 • 22 million now at risk of starvation in Horn of Africa, up 9 million since January, according to the UN,
after worst drought in 40 years
23 • Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak sentences for money laundering and other crimes, sen-
tenced to a 12-year prison term from the High Court
28 • Pakistan appeals for international aid as the death toll from monsoon rain and floods rises to over
1,000 people
29 • Baghdad suffers its worst violence in years, with 30 killed and 700 injured after Shia leader Muqtada
al-Sadr announces he is withdrawing from politics
31 • Human rights abuses against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang “may constitute international crimes,
in particular crimes against humanity” according to new report released by the UN.
SEPTEMBER
1 • The High Court of Malaysia finds Rosmah Mansor, wife of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, guilty
of corruption
2 • Eighteen people are killed and 23 others are injured by a suicide bombing at a Sunni mosque in Herat,
Afghanistan
3 • Twenty people are killed in a mass shooting by al-Shabaab insurgents against vehicles transporting
food supplies
5 • Thirty-five civilians are killed and 37 others injured as a convoy of vehicles carrying supplies strikes a
roadside bomb in Soum Province, Burkina Faso.
6 • Pakistan tries to avert lake overflow amid catastrophic flooding that left over 1,300 dead and 1/3rd of
the country underwater
• Al-Qaeda kills at least 20 fighters aligned with Yemen’s southern separatists in the Abyan province
7 • 6 Gulf countries demand Netflix remove LGBTQ+ content targetting children or face a nationwide
bans
12 • The James Webb Space Telescope reveals its first photos of the Orion Nebula, which is located in the
Orion constellation
13 • Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev agrees to change the name of Kazakhstan’s capital from
“Nur-Sultan” back to “Astana”.
16 • Protests break out in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini, who was allegedly killed in police custody
after being arrested for not wearing proper hijab.
18 • The death toll from the fighting between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan increases to 94
27 • Kazakhstan says that around 98,000 Russian civilians have entered the country by land and air since
Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a military mobilization.
28 • Four Palestinians are killed and 44 others are injured when Israeli soldiers storm a refugee camp in
Jenin, West Bank.
29 • Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launches ballistic missiles at Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurd-
istan Region, killing nine civilians and injuring 32 others.
30 • Twenty-six people are killed and 56 others are injured by a suicide bomber at a school in Dashte Barchi,
Kabul, Afghanistan.
OCTOBER
1 • At least 125 people are killed in a human crush following the dispersal of riotors by tear gas. The riot
occurred between supporters of Indonesian football teams Arema F.C. and Persebaya Surabaya at the
Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia.
10 • Prime Minister of Malaysia Ismail Sabri dissolves parliament, with snap elections to be held later this
year
13 • Rival Palestinian factions sign an agreement in Algiers, Algeria, aimed at resolving over 15 years of
discord, calling for legislative and presidential elections to be held in Palestine within one year
15 • An explosion in a Turkish coal mine in Bartin kills 41 and injures 11.

252
 APPENDIX I
Population Statistics

253
 • World Muslim Population •

Country/Region Population Percent Muslim Muslim Population

Afghanistan 38,928,346 99.7 38,811,561
Albania 2,877,797 58.8 1,692,145
Algeria 43,851,044 97.7 42,842,470
American Samoa 55,191 < 0.1 < 55
Andorra 77,265 2.6 2,009
Angola 32,866,272 0.3 98,599
Anguilla 15,003 0.6 90
Antigua and Barbuda 97,929 0.3 294
Argentina 45,195,774 0.9 406,762
Armenia 2,963,243 0.03 889
Aruba 106,766 0.4 427
Australia 25,499,884 2.3 586,497
Austria 9,006,398 8 720,512
Azerbaijan 10,139,177 94.3 9,561,244
Bahamas 393,244 0.1 393
Bahrain 1,701,575 73.7 1,254,061

254
Country/Region Population Percent Muslim Muslim Population
Bangladesh 165,000,000 91 150,150,000
Barbados 287,375 1.5 4,311
Belarus 9,449,323 0.5 47,247
Belgium 11,589,623 7.6 880,811
Belize 397,628 0.2 795
Benin 12,123,200 27.7 3,358,126
Bermuda 62,278 1 623
Bhutan 771,608 0.2 1,543
Bolivia 11,673,021 < 0.1 < 11673
Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,280,819 50.7 1,663,375
Botswana 2,351,627 0.4 9,407
Brazil 213,000,000 0.1 213,000
British Virgin Islands 30,231 1.2 363
Brunei 437,479 80.9 353,921
Bulgaria 6,948,445 13.4 931,092
Burkina Faso 20,903,273 63.2 13,210,869
Burundi 11,890,784 10 1,189,078
Cambodia 16,718,965 2 334,379
Cameroon 26,545,863 30 7,963,759
Canada 37,742,154 3.2 1,207,749
Cape Verde 555,987 2 11,120
Cayman Islands 65,722 0.2 131
Central African Republic 4,829,767 15 724,465
Chad 16,425,864 58 9,527,001
Chile 19,116,201 < 0.1 < 19116
China 1,440,000,000 1.7 24,480,000
Colombia 50,882,891 0.2 101,766
Comoros 869,601 98.3 854,818
Congo 5,518,087 2 110,362
Cook Islands 17,564 < 0.1 < 18
Costa Rica 5,094,118 < 0.1 < 5094
Croatia 4,105,267 1.5 61,579
Cuba 11,326,616 0.1 11,327
Cyprus 1,207,359 25.3 305,462
Czech Republic 10,708,981 0.2 21,418
Denmark 5,792,202 5.4 312,779
255
 Country/Region Population Percent Muslim Muslim Population
Djibouti 988,000 97 958,360
Dominica 71,986 0.2 144
Dominican Republic 10,847,910 < 0.1 < 10848
DR Congo 89,561,403 10 8,956,140
Ecuador 17,643,054 < 0.1 < 17643
Egypt 102,000,000 90 91,800,000
El Salvador 6,486,205 0.28 18,161
Equatorial Guinea 1,402,985 10 140,299
Eritrea 3,546,421 36.6 1,297,990
Estonia 1,326,535 < 0.1 < 1327
Eswatini 1,160,164 2 23,203
Ethiopia 115,000,000 31.3 35,995,000
Falkland Islands 3,480 < 0.1 <3
Faroe Islands 48,863 < 0.1 < 49
Fiji 896,445 6.3 56,476
Finland 5,540,720 1.8 99,733
France 65,273,511 8.8 5,744,069
French Guiana 298,682 0.9 2,688
French Polynesia 280,908 < 0.1 < 281
Gabon 2,225,734 10 222,573
Gambia 2,416,668 96.4 2,329,668
Georgia 3,989,167 10.7 426,841
Germany 83,783,942 6.7 5,613,524
Ghana 31,072,940 19.9 6,183,515
Gibraltar 33,691 4 1,348
Greece 10,423,054 2 208,461
Greenland 56,770 < 0.1 < 57
Grenada 112,523 0.3 338
Guadeloupe 400,124 0.4 1,600
Guam 168,775 < 0.1 < 169
Guatemala 17,915,568 < 0.1 < 17916
Guinea 13,132,795 89.1 11,701,320
Guinea-Bissau 1,968,001 46.1 907,248
Guyana 786,552 7.3 57,418
Haiti 11,402,528 < 0.1 < 11403
Honduras 9,904,607 0.3 29,714
256
Country/Region Population Percent Muslim Muslim Population
Hong Kong 7,496,981 4.1 307,376
Hungary 9,660,351 0.057 5,506
Iceland 341,243 0.2 682
India 1,411,732,144 14.6 206,112,893
Indonesia 274,000,000 86.7 237,558,000
Iran 83,992,949 99.4 83,488,991
Iraq 40,222,493 95.7 38,492,926
Ireland 4,937,786 1.4 69,129
Isle of Man 85,033 0.2 170
Israel 8,655,535 18 1,557,996
Italy 60,461,826 4.8 2,902,168
Ivory Coast 26,378,274 42.9 11,316,280
Jamaica 2,961,167 0.2 5,922
Japan 126,000,000 0.1 126,000
Jordan 10,203,134 97.2 9,917,446
Kazakhstan 18,776,707 70.2 13,181,248
Kenya 53,771,296 11.2 6,022,385
Kiribati 119,449 < 0.1 < 119
Kosovo 1,880,000 95.6 1,797,280
Kuwait 4,270,571 74.6 3,185,846
Kyrgyzstan 6,524,195 90 5,871,776
Laos 7,275,560 < 0.1 < 7276
Latvia 1,886,198 0.2 3,772
Lebanon 6,825,445 67.8 4,627,652
Lesotho 2,142,249 0.1 2,142
Liberia 5,057,681 20 1,011,536
Libya 6,871,292 97 6,665,153
Liechtenstein 38,128 5.4 2,059
Lithuania 2,722,289 0.1 2,722
Luxembourg 625,978 2.3 14,397
Macau 649,335 0.1 649
Madagascar 27,691,018 10 2,769,102
Malawi 19,129,952 20 3,825,990
Malaysia 32,365,999 61.3 19,840,357
Maldives 540,544 100 540,544
Mali 20,250,833 95 19,238,291
257
 Country/Region Population Percent Muslim Muslim Population
Malta 441,543 2.6 11,480
Marshall Islands 59,190 < 0.1 < 59
Martinique 375,265 0.2 751
Mauritania 4,649,658 99.9 4,645,008
Mauritius 1,271,768 17.3 220,016
Mayotte 272,815 97 264,631
Mexico 129,000,000 0.01 12,900
Micronesia 548,914 < 0.1 < 549
Moldova 4,033,963 0.4 16,136
Monaco 39,242 0.8 314
Mongolia 3,278,290 5 163,915
Montenegro 628,066 19.1 119,961
Montserrat 4,992 0.1 5
Morocco 36,910,560 95 35,065,032
Mozambique 31,255,435 18.9 5,907,277
Myanmar 54,409,800 4.3 2,339,621
Namibia 2,540,905 0.4 10,164
Nauru 10,824 < 0.1 < 11
Nepal 29,136,808 4.2 1,223,746
Netherlands 17,134,872 2.1 359,832
New Caledonia 285,498 2.8 7,994
New Zealand 4,822,233 0.9 43,400
Nicaragua 6,624,554 < 0.1 < 6625
Niger 24,206,644 98.3 23,795,131
Nigeria 206,000,000 48.5 99,910,000
Niue 1,626 < 0.1 <2
North Korea 25,778,816 0.1 25,779
North Macedonia 2,083,374 33.3 693,764
Northern Mariana Islands 57,559 0.7 403
Norway 5,421,241 3.2 173,480
Oman 5,106,626 86 4,391,698
Pakistan 221,000,000 96.5 213,265,000
Palau 18,094 < 0.1 < 18
Palestine 5,101,414 97.5 4,973,879
Panama 4,314,767 0.7 30,203
Papua New Guinea 8,947,024 < 0.1 < 8947
258
Country/Region Population Percent Muslim Muslim Population
Paraguay 7,132,538 < 0.1 < 7133
Peru 32,971,854 < 0.1 < 32972
Philippines 110,000,000 5.57 6,127,000
Poland 37,846,611 0.02 7,569
Portugal 10,196,709 0.4 40,787
Puerto Rico 2,860,853 < 0.1 < 2861
Qatar 2,881,053 77.5 2,232,816
Réunion 895,312 4.2 37,603
Romania 19,237,691 0.3 57,713
Russia 146,000,000 10 14,600,000
Rwanda 12,952,218 4.8 621,706
Saint Helena 6,077 < 0.1 <6
Saint Kitts & Nevis 53,199 0.3 160
Saint Lucia 183,627 < 0.1 < 184
Saint Pierre & Miquelon 5,794 0.2 12
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines 110,940 1.7 1,886
Samoa 198,414 < 0.1 < 198
San Marino 33,931 < 0.1 < 34
São Tomé and Príncipe 219,159 3 6,575
Saudi Arabia 34,813,871 96.2 33,490,944
Senegal 16,743,927 97.2 16,275,097
Serbia 8,737,371 2.1 183,485
Seychelles 98,347 1.1 1,082
Sierra Leone 7,976,983 78.6 6,269,909
Singapore 5,850,342 15.6 912,653
Slovakia 5,459,642 0.1 5,460
Slovenia 2,078,938 3.6 74,842
Solomon Islands 686,884 < 0.1 < 687
Somalia 15,893,222 99.8 15,861,436
South Africa 59,308,690 1.9 1,126,865
South Korea 51,269,185 0.1 51,269
South Sudan 11,193,725 20 2,238,745
Spain 46,754,778 2.6 1,215,624
Sri Lanka 21,413,249 9.7 2,077,085
Sudan 43,849,260 96 42,095,290
Suriname 586,632 14.3 83,888
259
 Country/Region Population Percent Muslim Muslim Population
Sweden 10,099,265 7.1 717,048
Switzerland 8,654,622 5.2 450,040
Syria 17,500,658 86 15,050,566
Taiwan 23,816,775 0.3 71,450
Tajikistan 9,537,645 97.9 9,337,354
Tanzania 59,734,218 35.2 21,026,445
Thailand 69,799,978 5.4 3,769,199
Timor-Leste 1,318,445 0.1 1,318
Togo 8,278,724 20 1,655,745
Tokelau 1,357 < 0.1 <1
Tonga 105,695 < 0.1 < 106
Trinidad and Tobago 1,399,488 5.8 81,170
Tunisia 11,818,619 97.8 11,558,609
Türkiye 84,339,067 84.3 71,097,833
Turkmenistan 6,031,200 93.7 5,651,234
Turks and Caicos Islands 38,717 < 0.1 < 39
Tuvalu 11,792 0.1 12
U.S. Virgin Islands 104,425 0.1 104
Uganda 45,741,007 14 6,403,741
Ukraine 43,733,762 0.9 393,604
United Arab Emirates 9,890,402 72 7,121,089
United Kingdom 67,886,011 3.3 2,240,238
United States 331,000,000 1.1 3,641,000
Uruguay 3,473,730 < 0.1 < 3474
Uzbekistan 33,469,203 88.7 29,687,183
Vanuatu 307,145 < 0.1 < 307
Vatican City 801 0 0
Venezuela 28,435,940 0.4 113,744
Vietnam 97,338,579 0.1 97,339
Wallis & Futuna 11,239 < 0.1 < 11
Western Sahara 597,339 99.4 593,755
Yemen 29,825,964 97.2 28,990,837
Zambia 18,383,955 1 183,840
Zimbabwe 14,862,924 0.7 104,040
TOTAL 7,830,031,274 23% 1,930,564,364
Muslim population statistics taken from Wikipedia. org. World populations taken from www. worldometers. i‍ nfo.

260
 APPENDIX II
Social Media Statistics

261
 • Top Social Media Statistics of The Muslim 500 •
This is a list showing the most popular social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) run by Muslims.
(Rounded values in millions)

Rank Name Age Country

1 Salman Khan 56 India
2 Shahrukh Khan 56 India
3 Paul Pogba 29 France
4 Mesut Özil 33 Germany
5 Mohamed Salah 30 Egypt
6 Mustafa Hosny 44 Egypt
7 DJ Khaled 46 USA
8 A.R. Rahman 55 India
9 Ahmad Al Shugairi 49 Saudi Arabia
10 Shaquille O’ Neal 50 USA
11 Tamer Hosny 45 Egypt
12 Amr Diab 60 Egypt
13 Aamir Khan 57 India
14 Ice Cube 53 USA
15 Amr Khaled 55 Egypt
16 Ahmed Helmy 52 Egypt
17 Sheikh Mishary bin Rashid Alafasy 46 Kuwait
18 Muhammad Alarefe 52 Saudi Arabia
19 Khabib Nurmagomedov 34 Russia
20 Aidh Al-Qarni 63 Saudi Arabia
21 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 68 Turkey
22 Imran Khan 70 Pakistan
23 Maher Zain 41 Sweden
24 HM Queen Rania Al-Abdullah 52 Jordan
25 Zinedine Zidane 50 France
26 Ahlam Alshamsi 53 UAE
27 Atif Aslam 39 Pakistan
28 Haifa Wehbe 50 Lebanon
29 Yasmin Sabri 34 Egypt
30 Hanna Elzahed 28 Egypt
31 Kadim Al Sahir 65 Iraq
32 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 73 UAE
33 Salman Al Ouda 65 Saudi Arabia
34 Muhammad Assaf 33 Palestine
35 Bassem Youssef 48 Egypt

262
Occupations Facebook Twitter Instagram Total
Actor 51m 44m 55m 150m
Actor 43m 43m 31m 117m
Sports 25m 10m 56m 91m
Footballer 37m 26m 24m 87m
Footballer 16m 17m 53m 86m
Preacher 35m 12m 19m 66m
Musician 21m 6m 31m 58m
Musician 25m 24m 7m 56m
Show Host 21m 18m 16m 55m
Sports 10m 16m 27m 52m
Musician 24m 4m 23m 51m
Musician 22m 11m 15m 48m
Actor 18m 26m 3m 48m
Rapper 17m 6m 25m 47m
Preacher 31m 11m 5m 46m
Actor 18m 10m 17m 44m
Qur’an Reciter 22m 15m 6m 42m
Scholar 22m 19m n/a 41m
Sports 5m 2m 34m 40m
Scholar 16m 21m 4m 40m
Politician 10m 19m 10m 39m
Politician 12m 18m 8m 37m
Musician 29m 2m 6m 36m
Royalty 18m 10m 7m 34m
Sports n/a n/a 34m 34m
Musician 10m 9m 14m 33m
Musician 24m 1m 7m 31m
Musician 14m 7m 11m 31m
Artist 4m 5m 20m 28m
Acress 6m 2m 18m 26m
Musician 15m 7m 4m 26m
Royalty 4m 11m 7m 22m
Scholar 7m 13m 2m 21m
Musician 12m 3m 6m 20m
Show Host 6m 11m 4m 20m

263
 • Top Social Media Statistics of the General Public •
This is a list showing the most popular social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
(Rounded values in millions)

Rank Name Age Country

1 Cristiano Ronaldo 37 Portugal
2 Selena Gomez 30 USA
3 Kylie Jenner 25 USA
4 Justin Bieber 28 Canada
5 Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) 50 USA
6 Lionel Messi (Leo Messi) 35 Argentina
7 Kim Kardashian 42 USA
8 Taylor Swift 32 USA
9 Ariana Grande 29 USA
10 Ariana Grande 29 USA
11 Katy Perry 38 USA
12 Beyonce 42 USA
13 Rihanna 33 Barbados
14 Jennifer Lopez 53 USA
15 Khloé Kardashian 38 USA
16 Neymar 30 Brazil
17 Kendal Jenner 26 USA
18 Virat Kohil 34 India
19 Nicki Minaj 41 USA
20 Miley Cyrus 30 USA
21 Kevin Hart 43 USA
22 Will Smith 54 USA
23 Shakira 45 Colombia
24 Demi Lovato 30 USA
25 Barack Obama 61 USA
26 Drake 35 Canada
27 LeBron James 37 USA
28 Charli D’Amelio 18 USA
29 Chris Brown 34 USA
30 Lady Gaga 36 USA
31 Narendra Modi 72 India
32 Cardi B 29 USA
33 Vin Diesel 54 USA
34 Billie Eilish 20 USA
35 Justin Timberlake 41 USA

264
Occupations Facebook Twitter Instagram Total
Footballer 153m 104m 486m 742m
Musician 87m 66m 350m 546m
Media 33m 40m 371m 492m
Musician 91m 114m 261m 491m
Wrestler 59m 17m 341m 477m
Footballer 106m n/a 366m 473m
Reality Star 34m 74m 332m 446m
Musician 76m 91m 227m 408m
Actress 43m n/a 334m 405m
Musician 43m n/a 334m 376m
Musician 69m 109m 175m 359m
Musician 56m 16m 278m 349m
Musician 102m 107m 137m 345m
Musician 60m 46m 224m 344m
Media 24m 30m 276m 334m
Footballer 88m 58m 180m 326m
Model and Media 21m 32m 259m 316m
Cricketer 49m 51m 217m 316m
Musician 48m 27m 203m 294m
Musician 46m 47m 185m 291m
Comedian 36m 38m 155m 258m
Actor 111m n/a 63m 246m
Musician 116m 53m 76m 245m
Actress - Musician 33m 54m 141m 232m
Politician 55m 133m 35m 223m
Musician 52m 40m 122m 213m
Athlete - NBA 27m 52m 134m 213m
Media 3m 5m 49m 204m
Musician 50m 32m 122m 204m
Musician 55m 85m 53m 201m
Politician 47m 83m 70m 200m
Musician 34m 24m 142m 200m
Actor 107m n/a 83m 192m
Musician 32m 7m 106m 191m
Musician 43m 63m 67m 173m

265
As for the disbelievers, alike it is for them whether you have warned them or have not warned them,
they do not believe. • God has set a seal on their hearts, and on their hearing; and on their eyes is a
covering; and for them there will be a mighty chastisement. • And some people there are who say,
‘We believe in God and the Last Day’; but they are not believers. • They would deceive God and the
believers; and only themselves they deceive; and they are not aware. • In their hearts is a sickness;
and God has increased their sickness; and there awaits them a painful chastisement because they
used to lie. • When it is said to them, ‘Do not corruption in the land’, they say, ‘We are only putting
things right’. • Truly, they are the agents of corruption, but they perceive not. • When it is said
to them, ‘Believe as the people believe’, they say, ‘Shall we believe as fools believe?’ Truly, they are
the foolish ones, but they know not. • When they meet those who believe, they say, ‘We believe’;
but when they go apart to their devils they say, ‘We are with you; we were only mocking’. • God
[Himself ] mocks them, leaving them in their insolence, bewildered. • Those are they who have
bought error for guidance; so their commerce has not profited them; nor are they guided. •
The Cow, 6-16
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com
 GLOSSARY OF
ISLAMIC TERMS

267
 Ahl al-Bayt (or Aal al-Bayt): Literally,” The People Fiqh: Islamic jurisprudence. A branch of the Sharia
of the House”; refers to the family of the Prophet that deals with rulings related to human actions, as
Muhammad. opposed to faith or spirituality.

Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah: Literally,” The People Fiqh al-Aqaliyyat: Islamic rulings for Muslims living
of the Prophetic Practice and Community”; refers to as minorities in predominantly non-Muslim lands.
Sunni Muslims as a community.
Ghazal: Love poetry used for describing the beauty
Al-Fatiha: Literally,” The Opening” or “The Begin- of the loved one as well as the emotions the poet has
ning”.  This is the title for the first chapter of the Holy towards the beloved.
Qur’an that is recited as a fundamental part of Mus-
lims’ daily prayers. Hadith: Literally “saying”. These are a collection of
sayings—or direct observations—of the Prophet
Aqida: Creed. This refers to theological and doctri- Muhammad. There are numerous ahadeeth (plural
nal beliefs of Muslims. of “hadith”), and the practice of verifying them is an
Islamic scholarly practice of its own that has been car-
Ash’ari: Theological school of Sunni Orthodoxy ried out since the life of the Prophet.
named after the followers of the 9th century scholar
Abu al Hasan Al-Ash’ari (874–936 CE). Hafiz (or Hafiza) al-Qur’an: A person who has com-
mitted the entire Qur’an to memory, and can recite
Awqaf: Plural of waqf (see below). the Qur’an at will. This is important in Islam because
the Qur’an was originally revealed as an oral text, and
Azaan/Adhan: The call to prayer. until today, the authenticity of Qur’anic transmission
is based primarily on oral, then written, transmission.
Bid’a: Literally “innovation”; this refers to the act of
creating superfluous, or non-prescribed traditions in Hajj: The pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pil-
the practice of Islam. It is used in common speech as a lars of Islam. It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation upon
denunciation toward those not acting in accordance every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. The
with the prescriptions of Islam. pilgrimage occurs from the 8th-12th days of Dhu al-
Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar.
Caliph: From Arabic khalifa (“successor”), the head
of the entire community of Muslims, either current Halal: Permissible. A term referring to actions or
or in the past. Is also used by certain sects and Sufi objects that are permissible according to Islamic law.
tariqas to refer to their own leader his successor.   Commonly refers to food items that are permissible
for Muslims to eat.
Chador: A loose cloth traditionally worn by Muslim
women usually covering the body from head to foot. Haram: In the context of a sacred precinct, like
Makkah, Medina, or al-Aqsa, this term means “invio-
Da’i/ Da’ee: Islamic missionary. lable”. In most contexts, this term means “forbidden”,
and relates to actions that are impermissible accord-
Da’wa: Islamic missionary work; literally ‘inviting’ ing to Islamic law.
to Islam or to acts of virtue.
Hijab: Normally refers to the headscarf worn by
Emir (or Amir): A title accorded to a leader, prince, Muslim women but refers to both the head cover
or commander-in-chief. and attire worn by Muslim women to preserve their
modesty. It obligatory by the consensus of all classical
Fatwa: A religious ruling issued by a mufti (a top Islamic schools of thought. In some contexts, it can
legal scholar) regarding particulars of an issue in Is- mean segregation, as in between genders.
lamic law based on circumstances surrounding the
question, such as its time, place, people, and other Hijaz: The region along the west coast of the Ara-
details. Unlike the ruling of a judge (qadi), it is not bian Peninsula that separates Najd in the east from
normally binding. Tihamah in the west.
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Ibadi: The Ibadi school has origins in and is linked to and lower self. It is considered a religious duty upon
the Kharijites, but the modern day community is dis- every Muslim.
tinct from the 7th century Islamic sect. It was found-
ed after the death of the Prophet Muhammad and is Kaaba: The large cubic structure in the Grand
currently practiced by a majority of Oman’s Muslim Mosque in Makkah, adorned in gold-embroidered
population. It is also found across parts of Africa. black fabric, referred to by Muslims as the “House
of God”. This structure marks the direction in which
Ihsan: Virtue through constant regard to, and aware- Muslims pray and is central to the Hajj pilgrimage.
ness of, God.
Khat: Script. Refers to Arabic calligraphy, which is
Ijaza: Certification given to a student for acquir- the artistic practice of handwriting Arabic phrases,
ing knowledge of a particular discipline under the often in the form of verses of the Qur’an or Islamic
authorization of a higher authority usually by face- prayers.
to-face interactions, thereby enabling the student to
transmit the knowledge the teacher has. This is per- Khateeb: Refers to the person who delivers the Is-
formed under the supervision of a certified sheikh lamic sermon (khutbah) during certain occasions
whose chain of narrations often leads to the Prophet such as the Friday or Eid prayers. He is usually the
(peace be upon him). imam or leader of the prayer.

Ijtihad: Independent reasoning, or individual inter- Khalifa: See “caliph”.

pretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Khanqah: A building designed specifically for gath-
Imam: (1) In both Sunni and Shia Islam an imam erings of a Sufi brotherhood, or tariqa, and is a place
is the leader of congregational prayers who may also for spiritual retreat and character reformation. It is
deliver the sermon of the Friday ( Jumu’ah) prayers; also synonymous with the regional terms ribat, tekke,
more generally, a person of authority within the and zawiya.
community. (2) In Shia Islam this exclusively refers
to a series of people, descended from the Prophet Khawarij: A group of Muslims in early Islamic his-
Muhammad, who by lineage are considered divinely tory who went against the larger community and
guided spiritual leaders. became outsiders. A term used to describe political
deviants.
Imamate: The position or institution, in Shia Islam,
that is comprised of a series of divinely guided imams. Khums: Literally,”one-fifth” in Arabic; a religious
tax of one-fifth of one’s income owed by followers of
Iman: Faith in God. Usuli Twelver Shia to a very senior cleric and poor
Muslims.
Islam: Submission to God’s will.
Madhab: A traditional school of Islamic legal meth-
Isnad: The chain of narrators of the Hadith; it is the odology (e. g. Hanbali, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanafi, Ja’fari).
list of authorities who have transmitted the sayings,
actions or approbations of the Prophet Muhammad Madrasa: The Arabic word for “school”. Can refer to
(peace be upon him) via one of his companions or a a religious school.
later authority (tabi’i). The reliability of the isnad is
the main criteria in the validity of Hadith. Modern Majlis al-Shura: Consultative religio-legislative body.
practices of scientific citation and historical method
owe a great deal to the rigour of the isnad tradition of Marja’/Marja’iyya: The highest position of author-
early Muslims. ity in the Usuli school of Twelver Shia fiqh whose
authority lies after the Qur’an, prophets, and imams.
Jihad: Literally,”struggle”. An exertion of effort in Also referred to as marja’ taqlid (literally “one who is
any field, not just in war, in order to achieve good or worthy of being imitated”), they have the authority
prevent evil, done so for the sake of God’s pleasure. to make legal decisions within the confines of Islamic
The highest level of jihad is to overcome one’s ego law for laymen and less-qualified clerics.
269
 Masjid: Arabic for “mosque”. daily prayers; the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah.

Maturidi: Theological school of Sunni Orthodoxy Ramadan: Holy month of fasting, ninth month of
named after the followers of the 9th century scholar the Islamic lunar calendar.
Muhammad Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (853-944 CE).
Salafi: A movement of Sunni Muslims that places
Melayu Islam Beraja: The concept of Malay Islamic great emphasis on literal interpretation of the Qur’an
monarchy. and Hadith, with skepticism towards the role of hu-
man intellect.
Morchidat: Literally,”(female) guides”. Refers to the
Moroccan cadre of trained female preachers. Salawat: Prayers of peace upon the Prophet which
have many distinct formulas, often consisting of the
Mufti: A Muslim legal expert who is empowered to basic Allahumma salli ala sayyidina Muhammad wa
give rulings on religious matters. ala ahlihi wa sallim (O God send your prayers and
blessings upon Muhammad and his family).
Mujahid: Someone engaged in acts of jihad.
Shahadatayn: The two testimonies of faith: “There
Muqri: Someone qualified to teach others proper is no deity but God. Muhammad is the Messenger
recitation of the Qur’an. of God.” Stating these two sentences is sufficient to
become a Muslim.
Murid: Disciple of a Sufi guide or order.
Sharia: Literally,”the way to the source”, this refers to
Mursyidul Am: Malaysian term for religious guide. Islamic law. Islamic law is not, as is widely perceived, a
standard set of written rules, but is rather an unwrit-
Mushaf: A printing of the Qur’an, referring to the ten text that is interpreted by legal scholars in specific
physical bound volume of the Holy Book. instances, drawing on the Qur’an and other reliable
religious sources relevant to the tradition followed.
Mutabarrik: Supporter or affiliate of a Sufi guide or
order, someone less serious in treading the spiritual Sheikh: (1) A position of authority granted to peo-
path than a murid. ple who are respected in society. (2) A religious or
tribal official.
Mu’tazili: An almost obsolete school of Sunni Islam,
popular in the 8th century, that advocates the belief Shia: The second largest denomination of Muslims
that the Qur’an is created—as opposed to the Ortho- referred to as Shi‘atu ‘Ali or “party of Ali”, the fourth
dox Sunni view that it is eternal and uncreated. caliph of Islam and first imam in Shia Islam.

Nasheed: Islamic song. Islamic vocal music, sung in- Sunnah: Literally “the trodden path”, this refers to
dividually or by a group and sometimes accompanied the ways and practices of the Prophet Muhammad.
by the daf, a shallow drum similar to the tambourine. Reference to these practices can be found in the
The words sung may refer to religion, history, current Qur’an and in the Hadith.
issues, or anything related to Islam.
Sunni: The largest denomination of Muslims re-
Pancasila: Indonesian concept of five basic, national ferred to as Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah or “The Peo-
principles: belief in the Oneness of God, just and civ- ple of the Prophetic Tradition and Community”—
ilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy, with emphasis on emulating the life of the Prophet
and social justice. Muhammad.

PBUH: An acronym for “Peace be upon him”. Tafsir: Interpretation of the Qur’an, either by com-
mentary or exegesis.
Pesantren: The term for Islamic schools in Indonesia.
Taqlid: The practice of following rulings without
Qibla: The direction in which Muslims offer their five questioning the religious authority. This is a core ten-
270
et of the Shia Usuli school of Islamic law. Waqf: A religious endowment or charitable trust.

Tariqa: any particular brotherhood of Sufism Zakat: Mandatory distribution of excess wealth to
(spiritual travel) that leads to a path to the Divine. the poor, and one of the five pillars of Islam. It typ-
It consists of a group of seekers following their guide ically consists of distributing 2.5% (one fortieth) of
(spiritual leader), and through spiritual deeds and one’s excess wealth every year, as well as mandatory
guidance one reaches the ultimate truth of knowing charity during Eid al-Fitr, following Ramadan.
God.
Zawiya: See khanqah, above.
Ummah: The collective Muslim community.

Umrah: The “lesser pilgrimage” to Makkah. It can be

performed any time of the year and has fewer rites
than the hajj.

Usul ad Din: The basic foundations of the Islamic

religion, represent creed, behaviour, and intellectual
conduct and all are based on the rudiments of the
Islamic faith.

Velayat-e-Faqih: A position of both spiritual and

temporal powers in the Republic of Iran. Literally-
,”Guardianship of the Jurist”, referring to the fact that
while the Mahdi (awaited one) is in occultation, the
jurists should have guardianship over the earth.

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Say: ‘He is God, One.
God, the Self-Sufficient, Besought of all.
He neither begot, nor was begotten.
Nor is there anyone equal to Him’.
The Unity, 1-4
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com

271
 In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
By the sun and her morning light, • and by the moon when it follows her, • and by the day when it reveals
her, • and by the night when it enshrouds her. • By the heaven and the One Who built it, • and by the
earth and the One Who spread it, • and by the soul and the One Who proportioned it, • and inspired to
discern its vices and piety. • Successful indeed will be the one who purifies it, • and he will indeed have
failed he who eclipses it. • Thamūd denied because of their rebellious nature, • when the most wretched
of them was dispatched. • But then the messenger of God said to them, ‘This is the she-camel of God,
so let her have her drink!’ • But they denied him, then hamstrung her. So their Lord closed in on them
because of their sin, and meted it equally among them. • And He does not fear the consequence of it. •
The Sun, 1-15
© FreeIslamicCalligraphy. com
THE INDICES

273
 INDE X BY NAME
A Al-Qarni, Dr Aaidh 149
Al-Shugairi, Ahmad 149
Abbas, President Mahmoud 115 Alsuleiman, Imam Shady 147
Abdalla, Asma Mohamed 135 Altwaijiri, Dr Abdulaziz Othman 142
Abdel Haleem, Professor Muhammad 130 Al-Zindani, Sheikh Abdul Majeed 149
Abdelkafy, Sheikh Dr Omar 149 Al-Ameri, Khalid (new) 160
Abdoulaziz, Sheikh Sarba 161 Amin, Maruf 145
Abdulkodirzoda, Mufti Saidmukarram 146 Amoli, Grand Ayatollah Abdullah Jawadi 114
HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah 135 Al-Amoudi, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali 170
HM Queen Rania Al-Abdullah 156 Ansari, Anousheh 169
Abdulmajid, Iman (new) 181 Anwar, Zainah 165
Abdurrahman, Professor Dr Taha 124 Ashafa, Imam Muhammad 163
Aboubakary, Maiga 161 Al-Assad, President Bashar 136
Aboulela, Leila (new) 181 Assaf, Mohammed 195
Aboutaleb, Ahmed 139 Assaf, Roger 180
Aboutrika, Mohamed 195 Al-Aswany, Alaa 179
HRE Amirul Mu’minin Sheikh As-Sultan Muham- Al-Attas, Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib 114
madu Sa’adu Abubakar III 85 Atta-Ur Rahman, Professor 175
Abu Elaish, Dr Izzeldin 159 Al-Awadhi, Najla 191
Abu-Ghazaleh, Talal 169 Awad, Nihad 167
Abu Rashta, Ata 133 Awang, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi bin 151
Abu Sarah, Aziz 159 Al-Awni, Dr Hatim 125
AbuSulayman, Muna 156 Al-Azhari, Sheikh Usama Al-Sayyid 101
Abu Sway, Professor Mustafa 124 Aziz, Asif 172
Achar, Miftahul 145 Azmi, Hazrat Allama Maulana Qamaruzzaman 150
Adam, Fawzia Yusuf Haji 136 Azmi, Shabana 183
Aden, Halima 186
van Ael, Sheikh Sulayman 152 B
Al-Afasy, Sheikh Mishary bin Rashid 188
Afifa, Dr Nadhira Nuraini (new) 175 Babikir, Sheikh Ahmed 153
Ahmad, Abdrahman Olanrewaju 143 Badawi, Samar 160
Ahmad, Sheikh Abubakr 144 Badie, Dr Mohammed 142
Ahmed, Professor Akbar 114 Badreya, Sayed 179
Ahmed, Riz 185 Al-Baghdadi, Abbas Shakir Al 180
Ahsan, Dr Muhammad Manazir 147 Bagir, Haidar 157
Ajibola, Prince Bola 143 Al-Bahar, Shaikha 169
Al-Ajmi, Sheikh Ahmad Ali 188 Bajwa, General Javed 138
Akhundzada, Mullah Haibatullah 111 Bakar, Dr Osman 128
Al-Akiti, Dato Dr Muhammad Afifi 128 Al-Banna, Dr Hany 158
Alabbar, Mohamed Ben Ali 170 Bano, Bilkis 164
Al-Arifi, Dr Muhammad 117 Baradar, Abdul Ghani 136
Alattas, Syed Hassan bin Muhammad bin Salim 152 Barakat, Maha 160
Alidoosti, Taraneh 179 Al-Barghouti, Tamim 180
Ali, Sheikh Hasan 153 Barzani, Masoud 133
Aliyev, President Ilham 137 Bashir, Abu Bakar 199
Ali, Zeeshan (new) 193 Bauchi, Sheikh Tahir Usman 150
Al-Khairi, Sheikh Abdul-Nacer 149 Bayero, Aminu Ado 116
Al-Khoei, Sayyed Jawad 156 bin Bayyah, Sheikh Abdullah 81
Allam, Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim 142 El-Baz, Farouk 174
274
Bazoum, President Mohamed (new) 136 Al-Esa, Majed 181
Bechari, Mohamed 110
Belkaid, Sheikh Abdellatif 149 F
Benganna, Khadija 190
Bensouda, Fatou 161 Faizal, Mohamed 158
Benzema, Karim (new) 196 Faming, Hassan Yang 144
Bewley, Aisha (new) 132 Al-Faqih, Judge Kholoud 159
Beydoun, Khaled 168 Farah, Mohamed 196
Bhikha, Zain 182 Al-Fares, Ola 190
Bin Laden, Bakr 170 Farhadi, Asghar 179
Bisri, Kyai Haji Achmad Mustofa 128 Farooq, Dr Mohammad Umar 137
Bouhia, Hynd 169 Al-Fawzan, Sheikh Salih Bin Fawzan 125
Buhari, President Muhammadu 83 Fayadh, Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq 114
Bukai, Sheikh Mohamad 147 Friedlander, Shems 186
Al-Bukhari, Sayyid Ibraheemul Khaleel 144
Bukhari, Khanum Tayyaba 151 G
Al-Bukhary, Syed Mokhtar 157
Gaynutdin, Mufti Sheikh Ravil 129
C Gelenbe, Erol 176
Ghamdi, Saad ibn Said 188
Carson, André 140 Ghamidi, Javed Ahmad 152
Çelebi, Master Hasan 185 Ghani, Dr Anwar 147
Ceric, Sheikh Dr Mustafa 129 Ghannouchi, Sheikh Rached 105
Chabulika, Sheikh Dinala 161 Ghilan, Mohamed 177
Chappelle, David Khari Webber (new) 186 Al-Ghunaim, Maha 169
Cherif, Mustapha 123 Gomaa, Sheikh Dr Ali 89
Chowdhury, Sheikh Tawfique 167 Guiderdoni, Dr Bruno Abd al Haqq 176
Cisse, Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali 97 Gülen, Fethullah 152
Al-Gurg, Raja 171
D Gurnah, Abdulrazak 182
Gutoc-Tomawis, Samira 138
Dabashi, Professor Hamid 123 Gymnastiar, Abdullah Aa Gym 151
Dahlan, Professor Dr Winai 176
Dajani, Professor Rana 174 H
Damad, Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Mostafa
Mohaghegh 123 Hadzhi, Mustafa Alish 146
Dangote, Alhaji Aliko 171 bin Hafiz, Sheikh Habib Umar 71
Davutoğlu, Ahmet 140 Haftar, Khalifa 135
Dayib, Faduma 163 Hallar, Muhammad Yusuf 147
Dayrit, Flordeliza 167 Hamidun, Hafiz 184
Duzyatan, Engin Altan 185 Hamid, Zaid 192
Hammadeh, Sheikh Jihad 154
E Haniyeh, Ismail 115, 135
Hanson, Sheikh Hamza Yusuf 95
Ebadi, Shirin 159 Haqqani, Sheikh Mehmet Adil 152
Ebtekar, Dr Masoumeh 133 Ul-Haq, Siraj 145
Elgamal, Taher 177 Hasan, Dr Hashima (new) 175
Ellison, Keith 140 Hasan, Mehdi 193
Elmi, Asha Haji 163 Hasballah, Muzammil (new) 188
Erdoğan, President Recep Tayyip 55 Hashmi, Dr Farhat 129
El-Erian, Mohamed 172 Al-Hassani, Dr Salim 177
Esack, Farid 126 Hassan, President Samia Suluhu 106
275
Al-Hathloul, Loujain 117 K
Hayward, Professor Joel (new) 131
Helal, Lobna 169 Al-Kaabi, Noura 192
Hellyer, Dr Hisham 130 Kabbani, Sheikh Muhammad Hisham 153
Henry, Aisha Gray 186 Kadeer, Rebiya 137
Henzell-Thomas, Dr Jeremy 166 Kadyrov, President Ramzan 139
Hoja, Gulchehra 192 Kalin, Dr Ibrahim 130
Hosein, Sheikh Imran N 154 Kamali, Professor Mohammad Hashim 128
Hosny, Sheikh Mustafa 100 Kandhalvi, Maulana Saad 144
Hossain, Dr Hameeda 164 Kane, Zeinaba 163
Hosseini, Khaled 182 Karaman, Professor Dr Hayrettin 130
Al-Houthi, Sheikh Abdul-Malik 102 Karam, Dr Azza 159
Howeidy, Dr Fahmy 190 Kareem, Abdul-Jabbar 197
Al-Hroub, Hanan 159 Karic, Dr Enes 129
Huda, Qamar-ul 132 Karman, Tawakkol 161
Husain, Mishal 193 Katsina, Sheikh Yakubu Musa 150
Husic, Ed 140 Kavazovic, Husein 146
Al-Hussaini, Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh 109 Keita, Salif 181
Hussain, Nadiya 196 Keller, Sheikh Nuh 117
HH Shah Karim Al-Hussayni 101 Khademhosseini, Professor Ali 174
HM King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein 57 Khaled, Dr Amr 110
Hussein, Muhammad Ahmad 142 Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed 143
Al-Khalili, Sheikh Ahmad 124
I Khamenei, Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali 51
Khan, Aamir 183
Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Anwar 115 Khanfar, Wadah 191
Ibrahim, Dr Mohamed “Mo” 170 Khan, Imran 116
Ibrahim, Sheikh Mustapha 161 Khan, Mehmood 177
Al-Ibrahim, Waleed bin Ibrahim 191 Khan, Sadiq 116
Idris, Hajji Omar 125 Khan, Salman 168
İmamoğlu, Ataç 177 Khan, Dr Saniyasnain 164
Indrawati, Sri Mulyani 171 Khan, Shahid 173
Iqbal, Salman 192 Khasawneh, Sheikh Abdul Karim 124
Islam, Yusuf 185 Köhler, Ayyub Axel 146
Ismail, Al-Hajj Siddiq 184 Kubaisi, Sheikh Dr Ahmed 149
Ismail, Jezima 166 Kudaibergen, Dimash (new) 183
Ismail, Sufyan 158 Al-Kurdi, Raad Muhammad (new) 188
Al-Issa, Dr Mohammad ben Abdel Karim 143 El-Kurd, Mohammed and Muna 191
Kutty, Faisal 167
J
L
Al-Jaber, Fatima 171
Jabeur, Ons 195 Lalami, Laila 180
Jackson, Dr Sherman 132 Lame, Khaby (new) 196
Jafari, Major General Mohammad Ali 133 Lei, Wu 195
Jah, Ambassador Professor Dr Omar 125
Jameel, Maulana Tariq 103 M
Al-Jifri, Sheikh Habib Ali Zain Al-Abideen 93
Joya, Malalai 163 Al-Madani, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali 156
Al-Julani, Abu Muhammad 198 Madani, Arshad 150
Madani, Maulana Mahmood 79
Al-Madkhali, Sheikh Rabee ibn Haadi ‘Umayr 125
276
Magid, Imam Mohammed 168 HH President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
Mahmutćehajić, Prof Dr Rusmir 166 Al-Nahyan 65
Majidi, Majid 180 Naik, Zakir Abdul Karim 117
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Najafi, Grand Ayatollah Bashir 123
Al-Maktoum 136 Najafi, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussain 129
Al-Malik, Dr Salim M. 143 Nakshawani, Ammar 153
Mamdani, Mahmood 126 Al-Namankany, Dr Abeer 174
Mane, Sadio 119 Naqvi, Ayatollah Sayed Sajid Ali 145
Mangera, Dr Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf 130 Nashir, Dr KH Haedar 145
Mansour, Ahmed 190 Nasibullahoglu, Cafer 147
Maqari, Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Ahmad 150 Nasrallah, Seyyed Hassan 91
Al-Maqdisi, Abu Muhammad 198 Nasr, Professor Seyyed Hossein 104
Marsoof, Justice Saleem 166 Nayed, Dr Aref Ali 111
Mashal, Khaled 135 Nazeri, Shahram 180
Masoud, Moez 108 N’Dour, Youssou 181
Mattar, Dr Maryam 160 Al-Ninowy, Sheikh Dr Muhammad bin Yahya 153
Mattson, Dr Ingrid 115 Nkunduwiga, Haruna 161
Mazari, Muniba 165 Nomani, Mufti Abul Qasim 116
Mbacke, Serigne Mountakha 144 Noor Deen, Haji (Mi Guang Jiang) 182
Menk, Mufti Ismail Musa 150 Noorie, Maulana Shakir Ali 144
Metso, Mufti Djemali 152 Nurhaliza, Dato’ Siti 184
Mindaoudou, Dodo Aichatou 163 Nurmagomedov, Khabib 119
Mirziyoyev, President Shavkat (new) 139 Nusseibeh, Professor Sari 124
HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned 156
Misuari, Nur 139 O
Mogahed, Dalia 168
Mohamad, Goenawan 192 Obaid-Chinoy, Sharmeen 184
Mohamad, Datuk Seri Mahathir 116 Obaid, Thoraya Ahmed 160
HM King Mohammed VI 63 O’Connor, Sinéad 184
Mohammed II, Warithudeen 147 Olayan, Lubna 170
Mohseni, Saad 192 Oloyede, Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju 143
Mohyeldin, Ayman 193 Omar, Ilhan 141
Moosa, Ebrahim 126 Omer, Mohammed 191
Mosteghanemi, Ahlam 179 Omran, Lojain 191
El Mouhandiz, Rajae 184 Osmani-Sadriu, President Vjosa (new) 139
MrGlani, Sheikh Dr Mahmoud 151 Al-Othaimeen, Dr Yousef Ahmad 143
Mueaqly, Maher bin Hamad 188 Al-Ouda, Sheikh Salman 73
Muftić, Elmedina (new) 166 Owaisi, MP Janab Asaduddin 145
Mufti, MIM Rizwe 146 Oz, Dr Mehmet 193
Mumpuni, Tri 175
Al-Mutawa, Dr Naif 190 P

N Pallavicini, Imam Yahya Sergio Yahe 146

Pamuk, Orhan 185
Al-Nabulsi, Dr Mohammed Ratib 125 Parawansa, Khofifah Indar 137
Naci, Elvis 152 Parveen, Abida 184
Nadia, Asma 183 Pashazade, Sheikh ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur
Nadim, Nadia 195 Hummat 126
Nadvi, Rabey Hasani 128 Philips, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal 153
Nadwi, Bahauddeen Muhammed Jamaluddeen 128 Pirzada, Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain 131
Nadwi, Sheikh Dr Mohammad Akram 130 Pogba, Paul 196
El-Naggar, Zaghloul 174 Premji, Azim 157
277
 Q Samar, Dr Sima 163
Sancar, Aziz 177
Qabbani, Dr Mohammad Rashid 124 Sanders, Peter 186
Qadhi, Dr Yasir 132 Sanusi, Alhaji Dr Sanusi Lamido 143
Qadiri, Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Attar 112 Sardar, Ziauddin 131
Qadri, Muhammad Owais Raza 184 Sarsour, Linda 168
Al-Qadri, Sheikh Dr Tahir 129 HRH Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al-Saud 170
Al-Qaradaghi, Professor Ali Mohyi 124 HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin
Qasimov, Alim 182 Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 69
Qasmi, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal 157 HM King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 49
Al-Qassimi, Sheikha Lubna 136 Sayeed, Aryana 182
HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Shafik, Nemat 172
Al-Qassimi 157 Shah, Naseem (new) 140
Qubeysi, Sheikha Munira 99 Shah, Ryhaan 187
Qureshi, Khawar 167 Shakil-ur-Rahman, Mir 192
Shakir, Imam Zaid 154
R Al-Shanqiti, Muhammad Al-Hasan 126
Sharif, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz (new) 138
Rabbani, Sheikh Faraz 153 Sharif, Nawaz 138
Rahman, Allah Rakha 183 Sharubutu, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu 150
Raisi, President Ebrahim 133 Shatri, Abu Bakr 188
Ramadan, Dr Tariq 130 Al-Sheikh, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah
Ramzan, Dr Mubeena 164 Aal 100
Randeree, Shabir 172 Shihab, Quraish 151
Rashad, Professor Ali Akbar 142 Shirazi, Grand Ayatollah Nasir Makarim 123
Rasheed, Zainul Abidin 139 Shokrollahi, Professor M Amin 174
Rasul-Bernardo, Amina 165 Shukor, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar 175
Rasul, Santanina Tillah 165 Shuraim, Saud Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad 188
ur-Rehman, Maulana Nazur 108 Siddiqi, Irfan 176
Rizvi, Professor Dr Adib 158 Siddique, Teepu 177
Rosa, Helvy Tiana 183 Siddiqui, Mohammadi 165
Al-Rostamani, Hana 171 Sindi, Dr Hayat 175
Al-Ruwaini, Nashwa 191 Siradj, Professor KH Said Aqil 165
Al-Sisi, President Abdel Fattah Saeed 107
S Al-Sistani, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein 67
Sobhani, Ayatollah Jafar 123
HH Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah 135 Sobhi, Islam 188
Sabancı, Güler 172 Sooliman, Dr Imtiaz Ismail 157
Sabri, Sheikh Dr Ekrima Sa’id 142 Al-Soufi, Nawal 159
Sabur, M Abdus 166 Souleymane, Mahamadou 181
Al-Sadr, Ayatollah Al-Faqih 124 Staquf, Sheikh Yahya Cholil 87
Sadr, Sheikh Muqtada 107 Subianto, Lt Gen Prabowo 137
Al-Sadr, Rabab 156 Al-Sudais, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman 118
Saeed, Mohamed Shaheem Ali 145 Al-Suhaimi, Sarah 170
Al-Saffar, Hasan Musa 125 Sukarnoputri, Megawati 137
Şahin, Dr Uğur 118 Suleiman, Omar 154
Said, Sheikh Faid Mohammed 125 Sulis 183
Saied, President Kais (new) 136 Sultana, Razia 164
Saifuddin, Syedna Mufaddal 151 Suquillo, Professor Juan 148
Saif, Umar 176 Suwaidan, Sheikh Dr Tareq 190
Salah, Mohamed 106 Syamsuddin, Professor M Din 114
Salah, Sheikh Raed 133
278
 T Yaquby, Nizam 123
Ying, Jackie 178
Taha, Sheikh Uthman 105 Youssef, Ramy 187
Tamimi, Ahed 117 Yousufzai, Malala 118
Al-Tamimi, Justice Sheikh Dr Tayseer Rajab 124 Yunus, Mohammad 164
HRH Sultan Haitham bin Tariq 135 Yusof, Vivy 195
Al-Tawfiq, Ahmad 142 Yusuf, Sami 118
Al-Tayyeb, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Muhammad 77
Ternava, Sheikh Naim 146 Z
Al-Thani, Dr Abdulla bin Ali 160
HH Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser Zain, Maher 185
Al-Thani 160 Zakaria, Fareed 194
HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al-Thani 180 Zakariya, Mohamed 187
HH Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani 53 Zakzaky, Sheikh Ibraheem 126
Thohir, Erick (new ) 172 Al-Zayani, Afnan 169
Tlaib, Rashida 141 Zidane, Zinedine 196
Tohti, Ilham 164
Tokayev, President Kassym-Jomart (new) 138
Topbaş, Osman Nuri 152
Tyson, Mike (Malik Abdul Aziz) 197

Ulfah, Hajjah Maria 189

Ul-Hassan, Maulana Zuhair 145
Ulukaya, Hamdi 172
Umar, Ahmad 199
Usmani, Justice Sheikh Muhammad Taqi 61

HM Sultan Hajj Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin

Waddahulah 171
Wahhaj, Siraj 154
Waked, Amr (new) 179
El-Wakil, Abdel-Wahed 179
Wan Ismail, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah 138
Warsi, Baroness Sayeeda 140
Wazed, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 137
Wharnsby, Dawud 186
Widodo, President Joko 75
Williams, Sonny 197
Wilson, Willow 187
Winter, Dr Timothy (Sheikh Abdal-Hakim
Murad 109

Yacob, President Halimah 103

bin Yahya, Al-Habib Muhammad Luthfi 102
Yalçin, Rabia 185
Al-Yaqoubi, Sheikh Muhammad 104
279
 INDE X BY COUNTRY
AFGHANISTAN Yunus, Mohammad 164

Akhundzada, Mullah Haibatullah 111 BELGIUM

Baradar, Abdul Ghani 136
Hosseini, Khaled 182 van Ael, Sheikh Sulayman 152
Joya, Malalai 163
Mohseni, Saad 192 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Samar, Dr Sima 163
Sayeed, Aryana 182 Ceric, Sheikh Dr Mustafa 129
Karic, Dr Enes 129
ALBANIA Kavazovic, Husein 146
Mahmutćehajić, Professor Dr Rusmir 166
Naci, Elvis 152 Muftić, Elmedina (new) 166

ALGERIA BRAZIL

Al-Khairi, Sheikh Abdul-Nacer 149 Bukai, Sheikh Mohamad 147

Belkaid, Sheikh Abdellatif 149 Hammadeh, Sheikh Jihad 154
Benganna, Khadija 190
Cherif, Mustapha 123 BRUNEI
Mosteghanemi, Ahlam 179
HM Sultan Hajj Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin
ARGENTINA Waddahulah 171

Hallar, Muhammad Yusuf 147 BULGARIA

AUSTRALIA Hadzhi, Mustafa Alish 146

Alsuleiman, Imam Shady 147 BURKINA FASO

Chowdhury, Sheikh Tawfique 167
Husic, Ed 140 Aboubakary, Maiga 161

AZERBAIJAN BURUNDI

Aliyev, President Ilham 137 Nkunduwiga, Haruna 161

Pashazade, Sheikh ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur
Hummat 126 CANADA
Qasimov, Alim 182
Dayrit, Flordeliza 167
BAHRAIN Ghilan, Mohamed 177
Kutty, Faisal 167
Yaquby, Nizam 123 Mattson, Dr Ingrid 115
Al-Zayani, Afnan 169 Philips, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal 153
Rabbani, Sheikh Faraz 153
BANGLADESH Wharnsby, Dawud 186

Hossain, Dr Hameeda 164 CHINA

Sultana, Razia 164
Wazed, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 137 Faming, Hassan Yang 144
280
Hoja, Gulchehra 192 FRANCE
Kadeer, Rebiya 137
Lei, Wu 195 Bechari, Mohamed 110
Noor Deen, Haji (Mi Guang Jiang) 182 Benzema, Karim (new) 196
Tohti, Ilham 164 Guiderdoni, Dr Bruno Abd al Haqq 176
HH Shah Karim Al-Hussayni 101
COTE D’IVOIRE Pogba, Paul 196
Zidane, Zinedine 196
Abdoulaziz, Sheikh Sarba 161
GAMBIA, THE
DENMARK
Bensouda, Fatou 161
Nadim, Nadia 195 Jah, Ambassador Professor Dr Omar 125

ECUADOR GERMANY

Suquillo, Professor Juan 148 Köhler, Ayyub Axel 146

Şahin, Dr Uğur 118
EGYPT
GHANA
Abdelkafy, Sheikh Dr Omar 149
Aboutrika, Mohamed 195 Ibrahim, Sheikh Mustapha 161
Allam, Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim 142 Sharubutu, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu 150
Al-Aswany, Alaa 179
Al-Azhari, Sheikh Usama Al-Sayyid 101 GREECE
Badie, Dr Mohammed 142
Badreya, Sayed 179 Metso, Mufti Djemali 152
El-Baz, Farouk 174
Gomaa, Sheikh Dr Ali 89 GUYANA
Helal, Lobna 169
Hosny, Sheikh Mustafa 100 Shah, Ryhaan 187
Howeidy, Dr Fahmy 190
Karam, Dr Azza 159 INDIA
Khaled, Dr Amr 110
Mansour, Ahmed 190 Ahmad, Sheikh Abubakr 144
Masoud, Moez 108 Azmi, Hazrat Allama Maulana Qamaruzzaman 150
El-Naggar, Zaghloul 174 Azmi, Shabana 183
Salah, Mohamed 106 Bano, Bilkis 164
Al-Sisi, President Abdel Fattah Saeed 107 Al-Bukhari, Sayyid Ibraheemul Khaleel 144
Sobhi, Islam 188 Farooq, Dr Mohammad Umar 137
Al-Tayyeb, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Muhammad 77 Hasan, Dr Hashima (new) 175
Waked, Amr (new) 179 Kandhalvi, Maulana Saad 144
El-Wakil, Abdel-Wahed 179 Khan, Aamir 183
Khan, Dr Saniyasnain 164
ERITREA Madani, Maulana Syed Arshad 150
Madani, Maulana Mahmood 79
Said, Sheikh Faid Mohammed 125 Nadvi, Rabey Hasani 128
Nadwi, Bahauddeen Muhammed Jamaluddeen 128
ETHIOPIA Naik, Zakir Abdul Karim 117
Nomani, Mufti Abul Qasim 116
Idris, Hajji Omar 125 Noorie, Maulana Shakir Ali 144
Owaisi, MP Janab Asaduddin 145
281
 Premji, Azim 157 Raisi, President Ebrahim 133
Qasmi, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal 157 Rashad, Professor Ali Akbar 142
Rahman, Allah Rakha 183 Shirazi, Grand Ayatollah Nasir Makarim 123
Ramzan, Dr Mubeena 164 Shokrollahi, Professor M Amin 174
Saifuddin, Syedna Mufaddal 151 Sobhani, Ayatollah Jafar 123
Ul-Hassan, Maulana Zuhair 145
IRAQ
INDONESIA
Al-Khoei, Sayyed Jawad 156
Achar, Miftahul 145 Barzani, Masoud 133
Afifa, Dr Nadhira Nuraini (new) 175 Fayadh, Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq 114
Amin, Maruf 145 Kubaisi, Sheikh Dr Ahmed 149
Bagir, Haidar 157 Al-Kurdi, Raad Muhammad Abd al-Rahman Salih
Bashir, Abu Bakar 199 (new) 188
Bisri, Kyai Haji Achmad Mustofa 128 Al-Najafi, Grand Ayatollah Bashir 123
Gymnastiar, Abdullah Aa Gym 151 Al-Qaradaghi, Professor Ali Mohyi 124
Hasballah, Muzammil (new) 188 Al-Sadr, Ayatollah Al-Faqih 124
Indrawati, Sri Mulyani 171 Sadr, Sheikh Muqtada 107
Mohamad, Goenawan 192 Al-Sistani, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein 67
Mumpuni, Tri 175
Nadia, Asma 183 IRELAND
Nashir, Dr KH Haedar 145
Parawansa, Khofifah Indar 137 O’Connor, Sinéad 184
Rosa, Helvy Tiana 183
Shihab, Quraish 151 ISRAEL
Siradj, Professor KH Said Aqil 165
Staquf, Sheikh Yahya Cholil 87 Salah, Sheikh Raed 133
Subianto, Lt Gen Prabowo 137
Sukarnoputri, Megawati 137 ITALY
Sulis 183
Syamsuddin, Professor M Din 114 Lame, Khaby (new) 196
Thohir, Erick (new) 172 Pallavicini, Imam Yahya Sergio Yahe 146
Ulfah, Hajjah Maria 189
Widodo, President Joko 75 JORDAN
bin Yahya, Al-Habib Muhammad Luthfi 102
HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah 135
IRAN HM Queen Rania Al-Abdullah 156
Abu-Ghazaleh, Talal 169
Alidoosti, Taraneh 179 Abu Rashta, Ata 133
Amoli, Grand Ayatollah Abdullah Jawadi 114 Al-Baghdadi, Abbas Shakir Al 180
Ansari, Anousheh 169 Dajani, Professor Rana 174
Dabashi, Professor Hamid 123 Al-Fares, Ola 190
Damad, Ayatollah Dr Seyyed Mostafa HM King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein 57
Mohaghegh 123 Keller, Sheikh Nuh 117
Ebadi, Shirin 159 Khasawneh, Sheikh Abdul Karim 124
Ebtekar, Dr Masoumeh 133 Al-Maqdisi, Abu Muhammad 198
Farhadi, Asghar 179
Jafari, Major General Mohammad Ali 133 KAZAKHSTAN
Khademhosseini, Professor Ali 174
Khamenei, Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali 51 Kudaibergen, Dimash (new) 183
Majidi, Majid 180 Tokayev, President Kassym-Jomart (new) 138
Nazeri, Shahram 180
282
 KENYA MALDIVES

Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed 143 Saeed, Mohamed Shaheem Ali 145

KOSOVO MALI

Osmani-Sadriu, President Vjosa (new) 139 Keita, Salif 181

Ternava, Sheikh Naim 146
MAURITANIA
KUWAIT
bin Bayyah, Sheikh Abdullah 81
Al-Afasy, Sheikh Mishary bin Rashid 188 Al-Shanqiti, Muhammad Al-Hasan bin Al-Diddu
Al-Bahar, Shaikha 169 (new) 126
Al-Ghunaim, Maha 169
Al-Mutawa, Dr Naif 190 MOROCCO
HH Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah 135
Suwaidan, Sheikh Dr Tareq 190 Abdurrahman, Professor Dr Taha 124
Bouhia, Hynd 169
LEBANON Lalami, Laila 180
HM King Mohammed VI 63
Assaf, Roger 180 Al-Soufi, Nawal 159
Nasrallah, Seyyed Hassan 91 Al-Tawfiq, Ahmad 142
Qabbani, Dr Mohammad Rashid 124
Al-Sadr, Rabab 156 NEPAL

LIBYA Siddiqui, Mohammadi 165

Haftar, Khalifa 135 NETHERLANDS

Nayed, Dr Aref Ali 111
Aboutaleb, Ahmed 139
MALAWI El Mouhandiz, Rajae 184

Chabulika, Sheikh Dinala 161 NEW ZEALAND

MALAYSIA Ghani, Dr Anwar 147

Hayward, Professor Joel (new) 131
Al-Akiti, Dato Dr Muhammad Afifi 128 Williams, Sonny 197
Anwar, Zainah 165
Al-Attas, Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib 114 NIGER
Awang, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi bin 151
Bakar, Dr Osman 128 Bazoum, President Mohamed (new) 136
Al-Bukhary, Syed Mokhtar 157 Mindaoudou, Dodo Aichatou 163
Hamidun, Hafiz 184 Souleymane, Mahamadou 181
Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Anwar 115
Kamali, Professor Mohammad Hashim 128 NIGERIA
Mohamad, Datuk Seri Mahathir 116
MrGlani, Sheikh Dr Mahmoud 151 HRE Amirul Mu’minin Sheikh As-Sultan Muham-
Nurhaliza, Dato’ Siti 184 madu Sa’adu Abubakar III 85
Shukor, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar 175 Ahmad, Abdrahman Olanrewaju 143
Wan Ismail, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah 138 Ajibola, Prince Bola 143
Yusof, Vivy 195 Ashafa, Imam Muhammad 163
Bauchi, Sheikh Tahir Usman 150
283
 Bayero, Aminu Ado 116 Abu Sway, Professor Mustafa 124
Buhari, President Muhammadu 83 Assaf, Mohammed 195
Dangote, Alhaji Aliko 171 Al-Barghouti, Tamim 180
Al-Hussaini, Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh 109 Al-Faqih, Judge Kholoud 159
Katsina, Sheikh Yakubu Musa 150 Haniyeh, Ismail 115, 135
Maqari, Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Ahmad 150 Al-Hroub, Hanan 159
Oloyede, Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju 143 Hussein, Muhammad Ahmad 142
Sanusi, Alhaji Dr Sanusi Lamido 143 Khanfar, Wadah 191
Zakzaky, Sheikh Ibraheem 126 El-Kurd, Mohammed and Muna 191
Mashal, Khaled 135
OMAN Nusseibeh, Professor Sari 124
Omer, Mohammed 191
Al-Khalili, Sheikh Ahmad 124 Sabri, Sheikh Dr Ekrima Sa’id 142
HRH Sultan Haitham bin Tariq 135 Tamimi, Ahed 117
Al-Tamimi, Justice Sheikh Dr Tayseer Rajab 124
PAKISTAN
PHILIPPINES
Ahmed, Professor Akbar 114
Atta-Ur Rahman, Professor 175 Gutoc-Tomawis, Samira 138
Bajwa, General Javed 138 Misuari, Nur 139
Bukhari, Khanum Tayyaba 151 Rasul-Bernardo, Amina 165
Ghamidi, Javed Ahmad 152 Rasul, Santanina Tillah 165
Hamid, Zaid 192
Ul-Haq, Siraj 145 QATAR
Hashmi, Dr Farhat 129
Iqbal, Salman 192 HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned 156
Ismail, Al-Hajj Siddiq 184 Al-Ruwaini, Nashwa 191
Jameel, Maulana Tariq 103 Al-Thani, Dr Abdulla bin Ali 160
Khan, Imran 116 HH Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser
Mazari, Muniba 165 Al-Thani 160
Najafi, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussain 129 HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al-Thani 180
Naqvi, Ayatollah Sayed Sajid Ali 145 HH Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani 53
Obaid-Chinoy, Sharmeen 184
Parveen, Abida 184 RUSSIA
Qadiri, Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Attar 112
Qadri, Muhammad Owais Raza 184 Gaynutdin, Mufti Sheikh Ravil 129
Al-Qadri, Sheikh Dr Tahir 129 Kadyrov, President Ramzan 139
ur-Rehman, Maulana Nazur 108 Nasibullahoglu, Cafer 147
Rizvi, Professor Dr Adib 158 Nurmagomedov, Khabib 119
Saif, Umar 176
Shakil-ur-Rahman, Mir 192 SAUDI ARABIA
Sharif, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz (new) 138
Sharif, Nawaz 138 AbuSulayman, Muna 156
Siddiqi, Irfan 176 Al-Ajmi, Sheikh Ahmad Ali 188
Usmani, Justice Sheikh Muhammad Taqi 61 Al-Arifi, Dr Muhammad 117
Yousafzai, Malala 118 Al-Qarni, Dr Aaidh 149
Al-Shugairi, Ahmad 149
PALESTINE Altwaijiri, Dr Abdulaziz Othman 142
Al-Amoudi, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali 170
Abbas, President Mahmoud 115 Al-Awni, Dr Hatim 125
Abu Elaish, Dr Izzeldin 159 Badawi, Samar 160
Abu Sarah, Aziz 159 Bin Laden, Bakr 170
284
Al-Esa, Majed 181 SOUTH AFRICA
Al-Fawzan, Sheikh Salih Bin Fawzan 125
Al-Ghamdi, Sheikh Saad ibn Said 188 Bhikha, Zain 182
Al-Hathloul, Loujain 117 Esack, Farid 126
Al-Ibrahim, Waleed bin Ibrahim 191 Moosa, Ebrahim 126
Al-Issa, Dr Mohammad ben Abdel Karim 143 Sooliman, Dr Imtiaz Ismail 157
Al-Madani, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali 156
Al-Madkhali, Sheikh Rabee ibn Haadi ‘Umayr 125 SRI LANKA
Al-Malik, Dr Salim M. 143
Al-Mueaqly, Sheikh Maher bin Hamad 188 Ismail, Jezima 166
Al-Namankany, Dr Abeer 174 Marsoof, Justice Saleem 166
Obaid, Thoraya Ahmed 160 Mufti, MIM Rizwe 146
Olayan, Lubna 170
Omran, Lojain 191 SUDAN
Al-Othaimeen, Dr Yousef Ahmad 143
Al-Ouda, Sheikh Salman 73 Abdalla, Asma Mohamed 135
Al-Saffar, Hasan Musa 125 Aboulela, Leila (new) 181
HRH Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al-Saud 170 Ibrahim, Dr Mohamed “Mo” 170
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin
Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 69 SWEDEN
HM King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud 49
Al-Shatri, Sheikh Abu Bakr 188 Zain, Maher 185
Al-Sheikh, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah Aal 100
Al-Shuraim, Sheikh Saud Ibn Ibrahim Ibn SWITZERLAND
Muhammad 188
Sindi, Dr Hayat 175 Ramadan, Dr Tariq 130
Al-Sudais, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman 118
Al-Suhaimi, Sarah 170 SYRIA

SENEGAL Al-Assad, President Bashar 136

Al-Julani, Abu Muhammad 198
Cisse, Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali 97 Al-Nabulsi, Dr Mohammed Ratib 125
Kane, Zeinaba 163 Qubeysi, Sheikha Munira 99
Mane, Sadio 119 Taha, Sheikh Uthman 105
Mbacke, Serigne Mountakha 144 Al-Yaqoubi, Sheikh Muhammad 104
N’Dour, Youssou 181
TAJIKISTAN
SINGAPORE
Abdulkodirzoda, Mufti Saidmukarram 146
Alattas, Syed Hassan bin Muhammad bin Salim 152
Faizal, Mohamed 158 TANZANIA
Rasheed, Zainul Abidin 139
Yacob, President Halimah 103 Gurnah, Abdulrazak 182
Hassan, President Samia Suluhu 106
SOMALIA
THAILAND
Abdulmajid, Iman (new) 181
Adam, Fawzia Yusuf Haji 136 Dahlan, Professor Dr Winai 176
Dayib, Faduma 163 Sabur, M Abdus 166
Elmi, Asha Haji 163
Umar, Ahmad 199

285
 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO UNITED KINGDOM

Hosein, Sheikh Imran N 154 Abdel Haleem, Professor Muhammad 130

Ahmed, Riz 185
TUNISIA Ahsan, Dr Muhammad Manazir 147
Ali, Sheikh Hasan 153
Ghannouchi, Sheikh Rached 105 Ali, Zeeshan (new) 193
Jabeur, Ons 195 Aziz, Asif 172
Saied, President Kais (new) 136 Babikir, Sheikh Ahmed 153
Al-Banna, Dr Hany 158
TÜRKIYE Farah, Mohamed 196
Hasan, Mehdi 193
Çelebi, Master Hasan 185 Al-Hassani, Dr Salim 177
Davutoğlu, Ahmet 140 Hellyer, Dr Hisham 130
Duzyatan, Engin Altan 185 Henzell-Thomas, Dr Jeremy 166
Erdoğan, President Recep Tayyip 55 Husain, Mishal 193
Gelenbe, Erol 176 Hussain, Nadiya 196
Gülen, Fethullah 152 Islam, Yusuf 185
Haqqani, Sheikh Mehmet Adil 152 Ismail, Sufyan 158
İmamoğlu, Ataç 177 Khan, Sadiq 116
Kalin, Dr Ibrahim 130 Mangera, Dr Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf 130
Karaman, Professor Dr Hayrettin 130 Nadwi, Sheikh Dr Mohammad Akram 130
Pamuk, Orhan 185 Nakshawani, Ammar 153
Sabancı, Güler 172 Pirzada, Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain 131
Sancar, Aziz 177 Qureshi, Khawar 167
Topbaş, Osman Nuri 152 Randeree, Shabir 172
Ulukaya, Hamdi 172 Sanders, Peter 186
Yalçin, Rabia 185 Sardar, Ziauddin 131
Shafik, Nemat 172
UGANDA Shah, Naseem (new) 140
Warsi, Baroness Sayeeda 140
Mamdani, Mahmood 126 Winter, Dr Timothy (Sheikh Abdal-Hakim
Winter) 109
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Yusuf, Sami 118

Alabbar, Mohamed Ben Ali 170 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Al-Ameri, Khalid (new) 160
Al-Awadhi, Najla 191 Aden, Halima 186
Barakat, Maha 160 Awad, Nihad 167
Al-Gurg, Raja 171 Bewley, Aisha (new) 132
Al-Jaber, Fatima 171 Beydoun, Khaled 168
Al-Kaabi, Noura 192 Carson, André 140
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Chappelle, David Khari Webber (new) 186
Al-Maktoum 136 Elgamal, Taher 177
Mattar, Dr Maryam 160 Ellison, Keith 140
HH President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed El-Erian, Mohamed 172
Al-Nahyan 65 Friedlander, Shems 186
Al-Qassimi, Sheikha Lubna 136 Hanson, Sheikh Hamza Yusuf 95
HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Henry, Aisha Gray 186
Al-Qassimi 157 Huda, Qamar-ul 132
Al-Rostamani, Hana 171 Jackson, Dr Sherman 132
Kabbani, Sheikh Muhammad Hisham 153
286
Kareem, Abdul-Jabbar 197
Khan, Mehmood 177
Khan, Salman 168
Khan, Shahid 173
Magid, Imam Mohammed 168
Mogahed, Dalia 168
Mohammed II, Warithudeen 147
Mohyeldin, Ayman 193
Nasr, Professor Seyyed Hossein 104
Al-Ninowy, Sheikh Dr Muhammad bin Yahya 153
Omar, Ilhan 141
Oz, Dr Mehmet 193
Qadhi, Dr Yasir 132
Sarsour, Linda 168
Shakir, Imam Zaid 154
Siddique, Teepu 177
Suleiman, Omar 154
Tlaib, Rashida 141
Tyson, Mike (Malik Abdul Aziz) 197
Wahhaj, Siraj 154
Wilson, Willow 187
Ying, Jackie 178
Youssef, Ramy 187
Zakaria, Fareed 194
Zakariya, Mohamed 187

UZBEKISTAN

Mirziyoyev, President Shavkat (new) 139

YEMEN

Al-Zindani, Sheikh Abdul Majeed 149

bin Hafiz, Sheikh Habib Umar 71
Al-Houthi, Sheikh Abdul-Malik 102
Al-Jifri, Sheikh Habib Ali Zain Al-Abideen 93
Karman, Tawakkol 161

ZIMBABWE

Menk, Mufti Ismail Musa 150

A detail from Majmu’at al-Mutawassitat, (The Compendium

of Intermediate Books), a rare and highly important
compendium of treatises on mathematics and astronomy
compiled by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, copied in Baghdad in 682
ah/1283 ad, the final part completed in 706 ah/1306 ad
287
288
Y