The Muslim 100

The Muslim 100: The Lives, Thoughts and Achievements of the Most Influential Muslims in History

Author	Muhammad Mojlum Khan
Cover artist	Nasir Cadir
Language	English
Subject	Biographical dictionary
Genre	Non-fiction
Publisher	Kube Publishing Ltd
Publication date	1 March 2008 (2008-03-01)
Publication place	United Kingdom
Media type	Print
Pages	459
ISBN	1847740065
OCLC	238604128

The Muslim 100: The Lives, Thoughts and Achievements of the Most Influential Muslims in History is a 2008 book written by Muhammad Mojlum Khan listing the biographies of the 100 most influential Muslims in history.

Overview

The Muslim 100 is an attempt to explore Islamic history through the lives, thoughts and achievements of a selection of the most influential Muslims. The book is an anthology of biographies of 100 influential Muslim personalities whom the author has selected according to their influence on Muslims throughout 15 centuries of Islam.

Influence is based on their contributions and achievements, which was the main criterion for selection and inclusion in the book. Khan measured the influence of a person by examining their lives and thoughts, and then assessed the nature of their contribution by evaluating what they actually did and what was special or extraordinary about their deeds, actions and accomplishments. In so doing, he claims to be able to determine whether their contributions and achievements had made them national, regional or international figures, and that he could evaluate the intellectual, social, political, economic or cultural importance, value and impact of their contributions and achievements over time.

By exploring the ideas, thoughts and achievements of the lives of 100 most influential Muslim rulers and conquerors, religious scholars and philosophers, writers and literary figures, scientists and explorers, military generals and freedom fighters, reformers and educationalists, this book goes through Islamic thought, history, culture and civilization.

Content

The author's selection is representative of all periods from the advent of Islam to modern times, those who belong to a vast area and whose contributions have covered all fields of human knowledge.

The 100 most influential Muslims include 20 personalities from modern times. The 100 names include; Abū Ḥanīfa, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Abul A'la Maududi, and Malcolm X. Among the 100, the author listed only four females, ‘A’ishah bint Abu Bakr, Khadīja bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah and Rābiʻah al-ʻAdawiyya al-Qaysiyya.

The book ends with a chronological list of the main events in Islamic history, a select bibliography and two indices, one of names and places and the other of ideas and concepts. It is easy to read and the author avoided using technical language or unnecessary jargon words. The Muslim 100 is aimed primarily at students and lay readers.

Top 10

Rank	Name	Nickname	Time Frame	Occupation	Tribe	Influence
1	Muhammad	Main article: Names and Titles of Muhammad	ce. 570–632	Secular and religious leader, shepherd and merchant	Banu Hashim of Quraysh	Muhammad founded Islam, the Qur'an was revealed to him and established his Sunnah (teachings and practices). He was active as a social reformer, diplomat, philosopher, orator, legislator, military leader, humanitarian and philanthropist. In trying to propagate Islam, he and his followers were persecuted by other Meccans. The Muslims then migrated to Medina, where he established the Constitution of Medina, with 300 ill-equipped and unprepared Muslims they defeated 1,000 well-equipped Meccans at the Battle of Badr, and later signed the peace Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. He eventually led the Muslims back to Mecca before his Farewell Pilgrimage and death. He turned Medina into a civil society, united the Arabian tribes and transformed the Arabian Peninsula into a centre of learning, culture, commerce and civilisation. He is arguably the most influential person in history, as 1,400 years after his death, his message and teaching continues to influence mankind. He is regarded by 1.62 billion Muslims as a prophet of God and the last messenger.
2	Umar ibn al-Khattab	Al-Faruq (The Differentiator of Right and Wrong)	ce. 581–644	Market trader, Islamic jurist, democratic ruler	Banu Adi of Quraysh	Umar was the father-in-law of Muhammad. He was appointed by Abu Bakr as the second Caliph (leader) of the Rashidun Caliphate. Reforms during his era as Caliph (634–644) include developing an Islamic democracy, established a rule of law, and ensured equality of freedom and freedom of expression. He also devised the Islamic calendar. He transformed the Islamic state into a powerful empire consisting of the whole of Arabia during the conquests in; Syria, Armenia and Egypt, and significant parts of Persia and the Byzantine Empire.
3	Ali ibn Abu Talib	Asadullah (Lion of God)	ce. 573–634	Warrior/fighter/athlete, legal jurist/judge, consult and orator	Banu Hashim of Quraysh	Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad. He contributed to the development of Islam and is considered to be the pioneer of Tassawuf (Islamic mysticism). He was appointed the fourth Caliph of Islam by the Sahaba (companions of Muhammad) and is considered the first Imam of Shia Islam. As Caliph (656–661) he worked with different groups to maintain Islamic unity and solidarity, and avoided wars in the Islamic state.
4	Abu Bakr al-Siddiq	Al-Siddiq (The Truthful One)	ce. 573–634	Merchant, philanthropist, leader, statesman and spiritual guide	Banu Taym of Quraysh	Abu Bakr was a close friend and father-in-law of Muhammad. He used his wealth and properties for the cause of Islam. He led the first Hajj on behalf of Muhammad and he was the only person authorised to lead Salah (prayers) while Muhammad was alive. He succeeded Muhammad and became the first Caliph of Islam (632–634). He ruled with a democratic administration with a stance against political rebellion and social unrest. He compiled the Qur'an in the form of one book. Leading Sufi tariqas such as Naqshbandi trace their spiritual affiliation back to Muhammad through him.
5	Uthman ibn Affan	Dhun-Nurain (Possessor of Two Lights)	ce. 576–656	Cloth merchant, philanthropist and scribe	Banu Umayyah of Quraysh	Uthman was twice the son-in-law of Muhammad. He spent money for the cause of Islam. He was elected as the third Caliph of the Muslim Empire (644–656). He reformed and strengthened administrative base, and political structure of the Islamic dominion. He led military campaigns including the Muslim army conquering territories including Cyprus, Persia and Armenia. He also defended Alexandria against Byzantine Emperor Constantine's attack. He codified and standardised the Qur'an. His attempts to appease Abdullah ibn Saba' and his followers led to his assassination.
6	Aishah bint Abu Bakr	Ummul Mu'minin (Mother of the Believers)	ce. 555–610	Expert in Shariah (Islamic law), teacher and public-speaker	Banu Taym of Quraysh	Aishah was the second, the youngest and only maiden of Muhammad's wives, and regarded as his favourite wife. She contributed to the development of Islamic thought and culture especially in relation to Muhammad's personal and private life. She was an expert in Fiqh (jurisprudence), Tafsir (Qur'anic scholarship) and Hadith (prophetic tradition). She memorised over 2,000 ahadith of Muhammad and taught males and females.
7	Khadija bint Khuwaylid	Khadija al-Kubra (Khadija the Great)	ce. 50–121	Businesswoman	Banu Quraysh	Khadija was Muḥammad's first wife, and the only wife who bore him children, they were married for 25 years until her death. She was the first person to embrace Islam, Muhammad's greatest supporter and his foremost benefactor. She spent her wealth and dedicated her energy for the cause of Islam. Her reputation, status in Mecca and commercial influence meant the Makkan oligarchy did not compromise the safety and security of Muhammad.
8	Khalid ibn al-Walid	Saifullah (Sword of God)	ce. 584–642	Soldier, military commander and general, war strategist and military tactician	Banu Makhzum of Quraysh	Khalid was a Sahabi (companion of Muhammad). He helped humble two of history’s greatest empires. He led 3,000 Muslims to victory over a 50,000 Byzantine army in the Battle of Yarmouk. He led an under strength Muslim army to victory over the Persian Army in the conquest of Persia. He also played a pivotal role in ending the subversive activities of the claimants of prophethood (Musaylimah, Tulayha and Sajah), who caused mischief in Arabia.
9	Hussein ibn Ali	Sayyid ush-Shuhada (Chief of the Martyrs)	ce. 625–680	Soldier	Banu Hashim of Quraysh	Hussein was Muḥammad's second grandson through Fatimah. He participated in many battles of Islam. He disagreed with Yazid ibn Muawiyah as ruler of the Islamic state and refused to recognise Yazid as caliph. His refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid led to the Battle of Karbala, where Hussein and his followers were attacked and martyred. His fight against injustice, brutality and oppression is commemorated by Muslims on the Day of Ashura, which is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims.
10	Abu Hurairah	Abu Hurairah (Father of Kittens)	ce. 601–679	Labourer, student of knowledge, teacher and governor	Banu Daws of Southern Arabia	Abu Hurairah was a Sahabi (companion of Muhammad). He was devoted and dedicated to preserving Hadith. With an enquiring mind he learned, mastered and memorised Islamic teachings, Islamic practises, Muhammad's sayings and deeds under his guidance. According to historian and traditionist Abd al-Rahman ibn Ali ibn Abu'l-Faraj ibn al-Jawzi, Abu Hurairah narrated 5,374 ahadith in total.

Critical reception

"It is rare to see a publication which includes personalities from both Shia and Sunni schools of thought and which is so much needed in today's turbulent world. This book, I believe will... enrich our understanding of not only the historical but the contemporary history of the Muslim." — Ahmed J. Versi, chief editor of The Muslim News.

See also

• The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History
• Top 100 (disambiguation)
• Who's Who

External links

• The Muslim 100: The Lives, Thoughts and Achievements of the Most Influential Muslims in History on Google Books