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

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KHALED MASHAAL
Leader of Hamas
Current leader of Hamas, a Palestinian sociopolitical
organization, and head of its Syrian political bureau, Khaled
Mashaal is the international representative for the Palestinian
resistance to the Israeli occupation.
Fighter for Social Justice
Since becoming head of Hamas in 2004, Khaled Mashaal
has seen the organization through multiple attempts at
a roadmap to peace and a major Israeli siege of the Gaza
strip, more recently. He is steadfast in his commitment to the Palestinian people and land—a
fact that has made him popular throughout the Muslim world.
Pioneering Leader
Mashaal has been recognized for his persistence with Hamas's efforts—at present leading in
exile from Syria. His determination is combined with a unique effort at diplomacy. He has
shown a willingness to negotiate with Israel to return to the 1967 borders and grant Palestinians
a right of return, while importantly implying the necessary existence of the State of Israel,
despite Hamas's historic denial of that possibility. He has been one of the most direct, and
candid leaders in dialogue and confrontation with Israel and this influence has garnered
international recognition.
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PROFESSOR DR M DIN SYAMSUDDIN
Chairman of Muhammadiyah, Indonesia
As chairman of the second largest socio-religious organization
in Indonesia, as well as a leader of the Indonesian
Ulema Council, Din Syamsuddin influences the Muslim
world on various fronts.
Social Welfare
The Muhammadiyah is often described as a social welfare
entity. Syamsuddin is involved with the health and social
welfare efforts of the organization. It runs numerous medical
clinics and hospitals across the country.
Country: Palestine
Date of Birth: 1956
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: Leader of
approximately 1000 members in
military wing of Hamas
School of Thought: Sunni,
Muslim Brotherhood
Country: Indonesia
Date of Birth: 31 August 1958
Source of Influence: Scholarly,
Administrative, Development
Influence: Over 28
million members in the
Muhammadiyah, 5,754
affiliate schools, and 5 Islamic
universities.
School of Thought: Traditional
Sunni
Leader of Conservative Shift
Syamsuddin is vice general chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council. His opposition to religious
pluralism has guided his work, taking the Muhammadiyah on a more conservative track, with
an emphasis on ijtihad (individual interpretation of the Qur’an) and Hadith (accounts of
practices of the Prophet Muhammad).
Reformist
Syamsuddin has recently extended scholarships for students to study at the Muhammadiyah
universities in Indonesia.