Dr. Ingrid Mattson at National Cathedral/Courtesy of Flickr.com
The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talaal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding andThe 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 was supposed to highlight those Americans known for their "Lineage". There are no Americans in this category. The following category is "Preachers." Again there were no Americans in this category, however, there was one notable person from Canada who most people in America are familiar with and it is worth noting: Dr. Jamal Badawi. This week will highlight women in America who were recognized as having influence.
Dalia Mogahed with Speaker Pelosi, Courtesy of Flickr.com
Aminah Assilmi converted to Islam. She spearheaded and is the president of the International Union of Muslim Women. She was responsible for organizing the lobbying effort which provided the community with the 'Eid stamps.
Dr. Merve Kavackci was barred from the Turkish Parliment in 1999 for refusing to remove her head-covering; hijab. She is a lecturer at George Washington University.
Dr. Ingrid Mattson in 2001 was elected vice-president of ISNA and then in 2006 elected president of ISNA. ISNA is the largest Muslim organization in North America. She was the first woman to ever be elected to this high of a position in the organization. Canadian born, she is the Director of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program and professor of the Hartford Seminary.
Dalia Mogahed is the senior analyst and executive director for the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies. She was appointed by President Obama to serve on the Advisory Council for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Robina Niaz is the executive director of Turning Point for Women and Families. She was recognized by CNN for her efforts.
Dr. Amina Wadud, Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
Dr. Amina Wadud has been labeled a modernist Muslim Feminist for her views on women in Islam. She has been known for her controversial opinions on prayer and the veil. In 2005, in New York City, it was publicized that she led both men and women in prayer. She is often criticized for ignoring traditional opinion's of the scholars. She has been well-published and is a visiting professor of Starr King school in California.
Next week, the category of "Youth" will be highlighted.
Comments
Girl Power!
And thanks for including those three pictures.
Are any of these people influential in anything other than their religion?
To RH all I can say is....go back and read the article!!!! Some of these ladies are college professors and others are community organizers...etc.
ME
Certainly you have been deceived and you are trying to deceive others by hiding the truth, try to study the true Islam form it’s true Sources for your own Eternity.
Have a lovely Ead.
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