Mohammad Ali, Courtesy of Jackson collection
The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talaal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre published its first edition in what promises to be an annual series of insight into the movers and shakers of the Muslim world. EntitledThe 500 Most Influential Muslims 2009, the book categorizes Muslims' influential capacities into 15 categories: scholarly , political, administrative, lineage, preachers, women, youth, philanthropy, development, science and technology, arts and culture, Qu'ran reciters, media, radicals, international Islamic networks and issues of the day. As part of an ongoing series each week those receiving mention in North America will be highlighted. This week those who seem to have influence on the development will be highlighted. In this category, there are 13 people honored living in the United States.
Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid and others, Courtesy of Flickr.com
Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid is an advocate for social issues such as HIV/AIDS. He has worked as a Muslim Chaplin for the prisons and is the leader of the Mosque of the Islamic Brotherhood located in Harlem, New York. He also has a monthly radio show.
Feisal Abdul-Rauf is the founder of ASMA , the American Society for Muslim Advancement. He is also the Imam of the New York Masjid Al- Farah.
Nihad Awad is the national executive director and co-founder of CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations. CAIR focuses on the defense of civil liberties and rights.
Rushdi Abdul Cader is a co-founder of the UMMA Community Clinic located in California. This clinic is dedicated to helping the underprivileged and was recognized by Muslim Advocates as a sound organization.
Mohammad Ali Clay is a legendary boxer winning the heavyweight boxing championship three times. He was recognized as the Sportsman of the Century in 1999 by 'Sports Illustrated.' Now in retirement he travels the world promoting social justice issues.
Shamil Idriss while director of the Search for Common Ground Organization facilitated the first public visit of Americans to Iran since 1979. He is currently the director of the Alliance of Civilization's media fund.
Mansur Khan is the co-founder of the University Muslim Medical Association of Los Angeles. The UMMA Community Clinic serves people regardless of their ability to pay.
Farhana Khera is the executive director of Muslim Advocates and the National Association of Muslim Lawyers (NAML). She has also served as counsel to the US Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights.
Rami Nashashibi training youth, Courtesy of Flickr.com
Imam Khalid Latif is the chaplain and the director of the Islamic Center at New York University and the Muslim chaplain for the New York City Police Department. His work reaches many around the globe and his interfaith work is important in the post-9/11 world.
Salam Al Marayati is the executive director of MPAC, the Muslim Public Affairs Council of Los Angeles. He is also a journalist who has written is well-respected publications around the Country.
Rami Nashashibi is the executive director of IMAN, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network.IMAN is a Chicago-based organization which advocates, rehabilitates and helps the poor and down-trodden. Nashashibi has brought relevance to this social justice work in the inner-city.
Manal Omar works for the DC-based US Institute of Peace (USIP). She has spent her career working on women's issues at a global level, including the Iraqi women's constitutional rights.
Dr. Khalid Riaz is a cardiologist and co-chairman of the organization HDF or Human Development Foundation which focuses on the poor in Pakistan.
Next issue will focus on Science and Technology.
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