Dr Yunus among world’s most influential Muslims

The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, based in Amman, has revealed its 16th annual list of the world’s most influential Muslim personalities for 2025.

Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh and a Nobel Peace Laureate, has been prominently featured in this year’s top 50 list.

Dr Yunus, also a celebrated Bangladeshi economist, entrepreneur, and civil society leader, is widely known for his pioneering work in microfinance and microcredit, which has revolutionised economic development models in developing nations. His inclusion in The Muslim 500 is a testament to his lasting influence in the spheres of social innovation and poverty alleviation.

Born on 28 June 1940, Dr Yunus has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his role in founding the Grameen Bank, an institution that has empowered millions of underprivileged people by providing access to small loans without collateral.

His work has inspired global initiatives in financial inclusion, encouraging economic self-sufficiency for impoverished communities, particularly women.

In recent times, Dr Yunus has taken on an even more prominent role in his home country. Since 8 August 2024, he has been serving as the 5th chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh.

The prestigious publication, The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims, features a diverse array of individuals from across the globe who have made profound contributions to various fields, ranging from religious thought and political leadership to arts and culture.

This year’s edition, a collaboration with the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University in the United States, continues to reflect on the substantial impact and influence of these distinguished figures within the global Muslim community, which numbers over 2.1 billion.

First launched in 2009, The Muslim 500 seeks to identify individuals who have exerted notable influence over Muslim communities, both in their home countries and on a global scale.

The 2025 edition of The Muslim 500 categorises influential Muslims into five main groups: Religious, Political, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, and Sports and Entertainment.

These categories recognise the diverse nature of Muslim contributions to society and highlight the achievements of individuals across different domains.