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

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ABDULLAH 'AA GYM' GYMNASTIAR
Indonesian Preacher
Abdullah Gymnastiar, more commonly known as Aa Gym
(Elder Brother), is Indonesia's most popular preacher.
He has built an incredible following and a media empire
with his style of modern, youthful, enjoyable preaching.
His popularity has waned recently with news that he took
a second wife.
Indonesia's Televangelist
His energetic and unique approach to everyday life as a
Muslim and his messages of self-control, personal morality,
tolerance and faith have made him a household name, giving him a regular audience of around
80 million Indonesians. Gymnastiar is both preacher and performer. In his events, Gymnastiar,
a young charismatic, attractive man, makes jokes, smiles, tells stories and then sings nasheed
(religious songs) accompanied by lights, dry ice, and a band.
Reformer
His style has been revolutionary in Indonesia where people are more used to stolid older men
preaching to them, and young Indonesians have been keen to soak up his particular brand
of religious teaching. His use of SMS text messaging to transmit religious teachings is also
groundbreaking; drastically altering the expectations Indonesians have of their preachers and
the sway those preachers have over their lives.
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SHEIKH MEHMET NAZIM ADIL AL QUBRUSI AL HAQQANI
Leader of Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order
As Sufi master and leader of the Naqshbandi-Haqqani order,
Sheikh Mehmet Nazim Adil al Qubrusi is influential as
one of the highest ranking Sufi spiritual guides and traces
his lineage back to the prominent Sufis 'Abd al Qadir al
Jilani (1077-1166 CE) and Jalal al Din Rumi (d. 1273 CE).
Stalwart Missionary
Al Haqqani's travels have taken him to meet with students
and followers of the Naqshbandi Sufi order across the globe.
This order, which traces its spiritual lineage back to Prophet
Country: Indonesia
Date of Birth: 30 February 1962
Source of Influence: Scholarly
Influence: Regular audience of
over 80 million Indonesians,
approval rating of close to 90%
School of Thought: Traditional
Sunni in a modern style
Country: Cyprus
Date of Birth: 25 April 1922
Source of Influence: Lineage,
Scholarly
Influence: Leader of sizeable
worldwide Sufi order
School of Thought: Traditional
Sunni, Naqshbandi Sufi
Muhammad's companion Abu Bakr, is one that practices silent remembrance of God. He has
a great deal of influence with Muslims around the globe, having spent time with the Muslim
communities in the former Yugoslavia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Syria, and
Uzbekistan—where the tomb of the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order is located.
Guide to Royalty
Al Haqqani has ministered to the Sultan of Brunei, Sir Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Indonesia,
and members of the Malaysian Royal Family. He is credited for the growing popularity
of the Naqshbandi order, which reaches millions through his followers.
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