The Muslim 500: Top 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World – 2026 List Released by Royal Islamic Centre

Amman | October 31, 2025 | www.deccanlive.com

The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan has released the 2026 edition of its annual publication “The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims.”

This respected global report highlights the most influential Muslims from across the world — individuals who have shaped societies, cultures, economies, and ideas through their leadership, scholarship, creativity, and service.

According to the publication, the global Muslim population has now surpassed 2.1 billion, making up more than a quarter of humanity.

The Top 10 Most Influential Muslims (2026)

1. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani — Amir of Qatar

Crowned as the world’s most influential Muslim for 2026, Sheikh Tamim continues to play a remarkable role in global politics and humanitarian diplomacy.
Under his leadership, Qatar has been central in mediating peace talks — including between Israel and Hamas — and supporting humanitarian causes in Gaza, Afghanistan, and Sudan.

2. Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani — Islamic Scholar, Pakistan

One of the most respected Islamic jurists alive today, Mufti Taqi Usmani has profoundly influenced Islamic law and finance.
He is known as a pioneer of modern Islamic banking and continues to guide global Shariah-compliant finance systems.

3. Habib Umar bin Hafiz — Spiritual Scholar, Yemen

Founder of Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim, Habib Umar is a leading spiritual guide and scholar.
He has inspired millions through his teachings on moral conduct, love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and peaceful coexistence.

4. Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei — Supreme Leader of Iran

Ayatollah Khamenei remains one of the most powerful figures in the Muslim world.
His leadership continues to shape Iran’s political direction and its role in regional geopolitics.

5. King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein — King of Jordan

King Abdullah is recognized for promoting peace, interfaith harmony, and defending Palestinian rights.
His “Amman Message” has become a cornerstone for tolerance and moderation in Islam.

6. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan — President of Türkiye

President Erdoğan is one of the most recognizable Muslim leaders globally.
His policies and rhetoric emphasize Muslim self-determination, national pride, and steadfast support for Palestine.

7. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia

As the leader of Saudi Arabia, King Salman continues to oversee major social and economic reforms.
His role as guardian of Islam’s holiest sites gives him immense spiritual significance in the Muslim world.

8. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim — Malaysia

Anwar Ibrahim is known for his long struggle for justice and democratic reform.
As Prime Minister, he aims to balance faith, modern governance, and social unity in a multi-religious society.

9. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — Saudi Arabia

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) represents a new generation of Saudi leadership.
His ambitious Vision 2030 reform plan is transforming the kingdom’s economy and image on the global stage.

10. President Prabowo Subianto — Indonesia

Leading the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, President Prabowo focuses on national development, education, and strengthening Indonesia’s role in the Muslim world.

Highlights: The Top 11–100 Influential Muslims

The list also includes scholars, rulers, activists, and artists from across the globe who continue to influence Muslim thought and society.
Some of the notable figures include:

• Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb (Egypt): Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and a global voice for interfaith dialogue.
• Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani (Iraq): Shia spiritual authority known for promoting peace and unity.
• Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah (Mauritania): Chairman of the UAE’s Fatwa Council and an advocate of global peace initiatives.
• Maulana Mahmood Madani (India): President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, working for community harmony and education.
• Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi (Syria): A moderate scholar opposing extremism.
• Maulana Tariq Jamil (Pakistan): One of the most popular Islamic preachers, especially among youth.
• Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr (USA): A renowned philosopher of Islamic civilization.
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt): International football icon and role model for millions.
• Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania): The first Muslim woman president in Africa.

These personalities collectively showcase the diversity and depth of leadership across the Muslim world — from politics and scholarship to art and sports.

The Muslim 500 categorizes the world’s most influential Muslims into 13 main fields of influence, including:

1. Scholars & Religious Leaders
2. Political Figures
3. Religious Administrators
4. Preachers & Spiritual Guides
5. Philanthropy & Social Work
6. Social Issues & Activism
7. Business Leaders
8. Science & Technology Experts
9. Arts & Culture
10. Qur’an Reciters
11. Media Personalities
12. Influencers & Sports Stars
13. Extremist or Controversial Figures

The full list includes 500 influential Muslims ranked according to their contributions to faith, society, and humanity.

The Top 50

1. HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
   Emir of Qatar (3)
2. HE Justice Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Usmani
   Mufti and Leading Scholar, Pakistan (6)
3. HE Sheikh Al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz
   Scholar and Founder of Dar Al-Mustafa, Tarim, Yemen (2)
4. HE Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali Khamenei
   Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran (4)
5. HM Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein
   King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Custodian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem (1)
6. HE Sheikh Dr Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyeb
   Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar University, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque, Egypt (13)
7. HE Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
   President of Türkiye (8)
8. HM Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud
   King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (5)
9. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
   President of the UAE (7)
10. HE Anwar Ibrahim
    Prime Minister of Malaysia (15)
11. HE Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hussein Al-Sistani
    Marja of the Hawza, Najaf, Iraq (9)
12. HM Mohammed VI
    King of Morocco (10)
13. Sheikh Salman Al-Ouda
    Scholar and Educator, Saudi Arabia (11)
14. HRH Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud
    Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (12)
15. HE Lt Gen Prabowo Subianto
    President of Indonesia (18)
16. Maulana Mahmood Madani
    Leader and President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, India (14)
17. HRE Sheikh As-Sultan Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III
    Sultan of Sokoto, Nigeria (16)
18. HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah
    President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, Mauritania (17)
19. HE Yahya Cholil Staquf
    Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia (19)
20. Professor Ibrahim Kalin
    Director of the National Intelligence Organization, Türkiye (23)
21. Sheikh Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi
    Leader of the Houthi, Yemen (27)
22. HE Abdel Fattah Saeed El-Sisi
    President of Egypt (20)
23. HE Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa
    Former Grand Mufti, Egypt (21)
24. Sheikh Habib ‘Ali Zain Al Abideen Al-Jifri
    Director General of Tabah Foundation, Yemen (22)
25. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson
    Teacher and Co-Founder of Zaytuna College, USA (24)
26. Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse
    Leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi Order, Senegal (25)
27. Sheikh Usama Al-Sayyid Al-Azhari
    Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments), Egypt (26)
28. Sheikh Mustafa Hosny
    Preacher, Egypt (28)
29. Captain Ibrahim Traoré
    Interim President of Burkina Faso (new)
30. HE Ilham Aliyev
    President of Azerbaijan (30)
31. Al-Habib Luthfi bin Yahya
    Preacher, Indonesia (31)
32. Maulana Tariq Jameel
    Scholar and Preacher, Pakistan (32)
33. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi
    Scholar, Syria (33)
34. Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr
    Philosopher and University Professor, USA (34)
35. Dr Timothy Winter (Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad)
    Scholar, UK (42)
36. HE Samia Suluhu Hassan
    President of Tanzania (35)
37. HE Sheikh Uthman Taha
    Calligrapher, Syria (37)
38. HE Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi
    Politician, Tunisia (38)
39. Mohammed Salah
    Footballer, Egypt (39)
40. Sheikh Muqtada Sadr
    Scholar and Politician, Iraq (40)
41. Maulana Nazar-ur-Rehman
    Amir of Tablighi Jamaat, Pakistan (41)
42. HE Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini
    Scholar, Nigeria (43)
43. HE Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada
    Leader of the Taliban, Afghanistan (44)
44. Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadiri
    Founder of Dawat-e-Islami Movement, Preacher, Pakistan (45)
45. HE Mahmoud Abbas
    President of Palestine (HMs)
46. HE Khaled Mashal
    Politician, Palestine (450 lists)
47. HE Ahmed Al-Sharaa
    President of Syria (450 lists)
48. Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas
    Malaysia (46)
49. Professor Mustafa Abu Sway
    Scholar, Palestine (48)
50. HE Muhammad Yunus
    Interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh (50)

Why This List Matters

“The Muslim 500” is more than just a ranking — it’s a reflection of how Muslim thinkers, rulers, and creators shape today’s world.
It celebrates individuals whose leadership and service have uplifted communities, encouraged dialogue, and inspired millions.

In a time of global conflict and rising Islamophobia, the list serves as a reminder that Muslim influence extends far beyond politics — into science, culture, and humanitarian progress.

Source:
The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims, 2026 Edition
Published by Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC), Amman, Jordan.