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

ARTS AND CULTURE
UNITED KINGDOM
sanders, peter
Sanders is a notable photographer and convert to Islam. He was granted exclusive privileges to
photograph Hajj pilgrimage rituals in 1971, and subsequently has become an influential figure in
photography as author of In the Shade of the Tree, A Visit to A Prophet, and other books that display
his exploration of the Muslim world.
yusuf, sami
Sami Yusuf is a superstar in the Muslim music industry. He is an internationally popular British
singer-songwriter whose music has revolutionized the nasheed industry. Yusuf’s music is mostly
comprised of Islamic themes—about being a Muslim in today’s world. He is also known for his
extensive involvement in charity work. His songs enjoy a broad appeal with all age groups in many
parts of the Muslim world and in Europe and North America.
OCEANIA
AUSTRALIA
carland, susan and debab, jehad
Susan Carland is a well-known Australian convert to Islam who has been a regular panelist on the
Muslim community talk show 'Salam Café'. In 2004, Carland was awarded the Australian Muslim of
the Year Award. Jehad Debab is director of 'Salam Café'. In 2005, the program was awarded the award
for Best Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Program and Best Faith-Based and Spiritual Development
Program at the Antennas Awards; Australia’s national community-television awards.
NORTH AMERICA
CANADA
ali, dawud wharnsby
Dawud Wharnsby Ali is a singer-songwriter and performer, most famous for his ten albums
featuring English language nasheed. His music is eclectic and inspirational. He has collaborated
with many musicians and has hosted various television programs, including an internationally
distributed film about the Muslim experience in Canada.
amir, amin
Amin Amir is a controversial Somali-Canadian artist whose political cartoons address issues faced
by Somalis living at home and abroad. He maintains a website where he sells his work, and won
the 2007 Exploration Grant of Edmonton.
k’naan (kanaan warsame)
K’naan is a Somali-Canadian poet, rapper and musician who has produced three critically acclaimed
albums. He is lauded for his honest presentation of social and political issues through a blend of
traditional Somali and modern hip-hop music.
CANADA
nawaz, zarqa
Zarqa Nawaz is a journalist and filmmaker who produced the award-winning Canadian sitcom ‘Little
Mosque on the Prairie', a comedy about a Muslim family living in Saskatchewan. She owns a company
called FUNdamentalist Films that produces films about Muslims living in North America.
UNITED STATES
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