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

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The following 12 leaders merit an honorable mention in the 450 list
for accomplishments in their respective fields that place them amongst
the most significant Muslims in the world. They command influence
almost comparable to those in the Top 50. They deserve mention here:
ELLISON, REP. KEITH UNITED STATES
Political p.111
Ellison is the first Muslim to serve in the US Congress. His role has been historic from
the moment of his swearing-in ceremony, when he used a Qur’an formerly owned by
Thomas Jefferson, to his substantial advocacy work lobbying for improved relations
between the US and the Muslim world.
FAYYADH, H.E. GRAND AYATOLLAH MOHAMMAD ISHAQ IRAQ
Scholarly p.91
Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Ishaq Fayyad is the second most authoritative marja of
Najaf, Iraq and one of four leading marjas of the Hawza Seminary—making him one
of the most influential Twelver Shi‘a jurists in the world.
HASSOUN, H.E. SHEIKH DR AHMAD BADR AL DIN SYRIA
Scholarly p.93
Sheikh Hassoun garners influence from his senior position as the Grand Mufti of the
Republic of Syria. He has used his platform of authority, being one of the foremost
Sunni leaders in the Levant, to vocally support interfaith dialogue and the importance
of civil, as opposed to religious, rule in governance.
IBRAHIM, H.E. DR ANWAR MALAYSIA
Political p.107
Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the Malaysian opposition, is credited for dramatically changing
the political landscape of the country as former finance minister and subsequently,
former deputy prime minister of Malaysia. He has been an outspoken critic of Prime
Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad’s administration, and now garners increasing influence
for his liberal political stance and popularity with young Malaysians.
ISLAM, YUSUF UNITED KINGDOM
Arts and Culture p.153
Yusuf Islam is not only a global icon for his work in the arts, both before and after his
conversion to Islam, but he has launched landmark educational and philanthropic
initiatives from his platform of international prominence. His diverse fan-base grants
him far-reaching influence.
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