the 500 most influential muslims - The Royal Islamic Strategic ...

ISSUES OF THE DAY
This list includes influential leaders from the Top 50 and following categorized lists
who have been key figures, or whose influence has been pertinent, in major world
events and topical issues in the past year.
INTERFAITH
GLOBAL
the ‘a common word’ group
This group of 138 Islamic scholars and clerics is the catalyst behind a global bridge-building
effort between Christians and Muslims. ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’ is an open letter
issued from the Muslim leaders to Christians about the common ground between both religious
communities, highlighting points of commonality found in the commandment to love God and
one’s neighbor. (www.acommonword.com)
ENVIRONMENT
UNITED STATES
nasr, seyyid hossein
Nasr has tackled issues regarding the environment from a scholarly perspective, leading a
movement to use Islamic teachings to help in the fight against climate change. The term he employs
is ‘eco-theology’. His is an important contribution in advocacy that promotes environmentalism
underscored as a matter of religious duty.
AIDS/HIV
SOUTH AFRICA
esack, farid
Farid Esack run a faith-based organization in the field of HIV and AIDS. His organization, Positive
Muslims, was established in 2000. It offers services from an Islamic perspective. Encouraging
compassion, mercy and non-judgementalism towards all humankind. South Africa is one of the
areas worst affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
NUCLEAR IRAN
IRAN
aghazadeh, gholam reza
Gholam Reza Aghazadeh has been the vice president of the Atomic Energy Organization in Iran
since 1997 and is now president of the organization, which is responsible for all nuclear energy
operations in the country. He has held various top positions in the post-revolution Iranian
government, including Minister of Petroleum.
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