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The 500 most influential muslims in the world = 2009
first edition (1l) - 2009
the royal islamic strategic studies centre
The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding
Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service Georgetown University
cmcu.georgetown.edr
Khaled has been a televangelist to the Islamic world since 1998. Described as the 'world's most influential Muslim television preacher' by The New York Times Magazine, and ranked as the 13th most influential person in the world by TIME Magazine. He communicates through his TV shows and web campaigns using Islamic ethics as a way to inspire, foster community development, tolerance and intercultural relations.
Popular Media Figure Part of Khaled's influence derives from the fact that he appeals to the common person. He holds a degree in accounting, and has no formal religious education; wears suits and ties, not flowing robes; and has a clean-shaven face except for a trimmed moustache—everything you do not expect from a Muslim preacher. His everyman appeal has lead to immense popularity. Khaled's television shows are broadcast by four Arab satellite stations but air primarily on Saudi-based religious channel Iqraa. Khaled's speeches are published online, on bestselling cassettes and CDs. His website is translated from Arabic to nearly twenty languages and rivals Oprah Winfery's in terms of traffic. Voice for the Youth Amr Khaled is a pioneering Muslim preacher and effective social activist who is revered by many as the leader of a revival in the Muslim world, but his influence stems largely from the fact that he engages young people. Youth in the Middle East and North Africa face disproportionate challenges, such as unemployment and social exclusion—obstacles, which make it difficult to compete with development in other areas of the world. Faith is important to young people in the Middle East, but they do not connect with the majority of preachers whose teachings do not speak to the problems in their lives. Community Development Khaled's goal is to encourage community development in the Muslim world by its own people with religious faith as the guiding inspiration—something he believes should be linked to interfaith dialogue, tolerance and moderation. The break up of communities is something he sees as responsible for the malaise in the Muslim world, and something he believes puts the future of young people in jeopardy. One program he has launched to realize this objective of community development is Life Makers, which has a stated goal of producing a renaissance for the Arab and Muslim world.
Country: Egypt Date of Birth: 5 September 1967 Source of Influence: Media, Youth Influence: Most popular personal website in the world with 20 million regular users; 232,219 fans on 79 Facebook groups; Approx. 2 million hits on 200 YouTube videos School of Thought: Traditional Sunni in a modern style
Chief Editors Prof John Esposito and Prof Ibrahim Kalin Edited and Prepared by Ed Marques, Usra Ghazi Designed by Salam Almoghraby Consultants Dr Hamza Abed al Karim Hammad, Siti Sarah Muwahidah With thanks to Omar Edaibat, Usma Farman, Dalal Hisham Jebril, Hamza Jilani, Szonja Ludvig, Adel Rayan, Mohammad Husni Naghawi and Mosaic Network, UK. all photos copyright of reuters except where stated All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without the prior consent of the publisher. © the royal islamic strategic studies centre, 2009
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