The Muslim 100
 | |
| Author | Muhammad Mojlum Khan |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Nasir Cadir |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Biographical dictionary |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Kube Publishing Ltd |
Publication date | 1 March 2008 |
| Media type | |
| 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 and published by Kube Publishing, 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.[1]
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.[2]
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.[2]
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.[1]
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.[1]
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.[1]
Top 10
| Rank | Name | Nickname | Time Frame | Occupation | Tribe | Influence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad | ce. 570–632 | Secular and religious leader, shepherd and merchant | Banu Hashim of Quraysh | Muhammad was revealed to 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 | Ali ibn Abi 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Hassan ibn
Ali |
Karim Ahal Al Bayt
(The most Generous out of Ahal Al Bayt) |
ce.
624- 670 |
Leader,wise in islam | Banu
Hashim of Quraysh |
After the death of Ali, hassan took the caliphate and made a treaty with Muawiya that if he died the caliphate goes to hussain, but Muawiya disagreed and made hassan's wife poison him. As soon as he died Muawiya took the caliphate and became the islamic dictator. |
| 6 | Fatima bint Muhammad | Sayedat nissa al Alameen (Greatest lady in all of the worlds) | ce.
604-622 |
Wise and religious | Banu Hashim of Quraysh | After the death of Prophet Muhammad, Abu bakr went on and made everyone pledge allegiance to him, Ali (Fatima's husband) didn't. So Abu bakr and Omar came to Fatima's house set it on fire and kicked the door down, she was pregnant and behind the door so one of the nails got into her shoulder and she miss carried the baby. Couple of days after that she died only at 18 years old |
| 7 |
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.[3][4][5]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 Elshayyal, M. F (26 September 2008). "Book Review - One hundred influential Muslim personalities". The Muslim News. Archived from the original on 1 October 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- 1 2 "The Muslim 100, The Lives, Thoughts and Achievements of the Most Influential Muslims in History. By Muhammad Mojlum Khan". Bukisa. 16 November 2009.
- ↑ "The Muslim 100: The Lives, Thoughts and Achievements of the Most Influential Muslims in History". Amazon.co.uk. 1 March 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- ↑ "The Muslim 100: The Lives, Thoughts and Achievements of the Most Influential Muslims in History". Amazon.com. 1 September 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- ↑ "The Muslim 100: The Lives, Thoughts and Achievements of the Most Influential Muslims in History". Goodreads. 1 March 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2013.