The 500 Most Influential Muslims

The 500 Most Influential Muslims is an annual publication that identifies and ranks the most prominent Muslim figures worldwide. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan, in partnership with Georgetown University's Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, produces this comprehensive guide. The publication evaluates influence across various sectors including political leadership, religious scholarship, business, social activism, and cultural achievement. Each edition features detailed profiles of Muslim leaders, scholars, and innovators, with particular focus on their contributions to Muslim society and global affairs. The rankings emphasize political leaders from the Middle East, reflecting the significant influence that heads of state and government officials wield in Muslim-majority nations. Recent editions have featured prominent figures such as Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamid Al-Thani and Saudi Arabia's King Salman among the top-ranked individuals. This work serves as a key resource for understanding power structures and leadership dynamics within the Muslim world, while raising questions about how religious and political influence intersect in contemporary Islamic societies.

This book draws varied responses from readers based on its methodology and selection criteria for ranking influential Muslims. Readers appreciate: - The diversity of fields represented, from religious scholars to business leaders - Brief biographical sketches providing context - The inclusion of both Sunni and Shia figures - Annual updates reflecting current influencers Common criticisms: - Questions about ranking criteria and methodology - Perceived bias toward certain regions/sects - Limited coverage of women and young leaders - Some biographical entries lack depth Review Sources: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: No ratings available Notable Reader Comments: "Useful reference but methodology needs more transparency" - Goodreads reviewer "Heavy focus on religious figures at expense of other fields" - Islamic Studies student review "Good starting point to learn about contemporary Muslim leaders, though selection seems politically influenced" - Academic reviewer The scholarly community mainly uses it as a reference tool while acknowledging its limitations.

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🔸 The project began as a response to a 2008 article in Foreign Policy magazine about the world's top 20 public intellectuals, which featured several Muslim thinkers but lacked broader Islamic representation. 🔸 John L. Esposito, one of the book's editors, is considered one of the world's leading authorities on Islam and has authored more than 45 books about Islam and Muslim politics. 🔸 The selection criteria consider factors like the size of the population a person influences, their historical significance, and their active contribution to society - not just their celebrity status or wealth. 🔸 The publication includes a special "Lifetime Achievement Award" section recognizing Muslim figures who have made exceptional long-term contributions to their fields. 🔸 While most entries focus on living individuals, the book also maintains a "Deceased" section honoring recently passed influential Muslims who continue to impact the community through their legacy.