People
Historical figures, scholars, and notable individuals • 106 articles
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Abdul Qadir Gilani
personAbdul Qadir Gilani (1077-1166 CE), the renowned Islamic scholar, jurist, and Sufi master who founded the Qadiriyya order, one of the oldest and most widespread Sufi orders, whose teachings on spirituality, Islamic law, and moral purification have influenced millions of Muslims worldwide.
Abdullah ibn Mas'ud
personAbdullah ibn Mas'ud (594-653 CE), one of the earliest converts to Islam and among the most knowledgeable companions in Quranic interpretation, known for his deep understanding of Islamic law, his role in preserving the Quran, and his exceptional piety and devotion to learning.
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
personThe first Rashidun Caliph (632-634 CE) and closest companion of Prophet Muhammad. Known as 'Al-Siddiq' (The Truthful), he preserved Islamic unity during the critical period after the Prophet's death, defeated the Ridda rebellions, compiled the Quran, and initiated the Islamic conquests beyond Arabia.
Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah
personAbu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah (583-639 CE), known as 'Amin al-Ummah' (Trustee of the Nation), one of the ten companions promised Paradise and the supreme commander of Muslim forces in Syria, renowned for his trustworthiness, humility, and military leadership during the Islamic conquests.
Aisha bint Abu Bakr: The Scholar and Mother of the Believers
personAisha bint Abu Bakr (614-678 CE) was the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad, one of Islam's greatest scholars, and a Mother of the Believers. Known for her exceptional intelligence and memory, she transmitted 2,210 hadiths and became one of the most influential teachers in early Islamic history, shaping Islamic jurisprudence and education for generations.
Al-Biruni
personAbu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni (973-1048 CE), the master of comparative studies and one of the greatest polymaths in history, known for his groundbreaking work in astronomy, mathematics, geography, anthropology, and his systematic study of Indian civilization.
Al-Farabi: The Second Teacher and Father of Islamic Philosophy
personAl-Farabi (c. 872-950 CE) was one of the greatest philosophers in Islamic history, known as 'The Second Teacher' after Aristotle, who synthesized Greek philosophy with Islamic thought and made foundational contributions to logic, political philosophy, metaphysics, and music theory.
Al-Jazari: Master Engineer and Inventor of the Islamic Golden Age
personBadi' al-Zaman Abu al-'Izz ibn Isma'il ibn al-Razzaz al-Jazari (1136-1206 CE) was a polymath, engineer, and inventor who served the Artuqid dynasty. His Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices documented over 100 mechanical inventions and established foundational principles of engineering.
Al-Khwarizmi
personMuhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi (780-850 CE), the father of algebra and pioneer of mathematics, whose revolutionary work 'Al-Kitab al-mukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr wa'l-muqabala' introduced algebra to the world and whose name gave us the word 'algorithm'.
Al-Razi (Rhazes)
personAbu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (854-925 CE), known in the West as Rhazes, the greatest clinical physician of the medieval world, pioneering medical researcher, and polymath who made groundbreaking contributions to medicine, chemistry, and philosophy.
Al-Suyuti
personJalal al-Din al-Suyuti (1445-1505 CE), the prolific Egyptian polymath, hadith scholar, historian, and jurist who authored over 600 works across virtually every Islamic science, making him one of the most productive scholars in Islamic history and a major authority in Quranic exegesis, hadith, and Shafi'i jurisprudence.
Ali ibn Abi Talib
personThe fourth and final Rashidun Caliph (656-661 CE), cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Known for his courage, eloquence, and commitment to justice. His caliphate was marked by civil wars (First Fitna) that led to the permanent division of the Muslim community.
Allama Iqbal: The Poet-Philosopher of the East
personAllama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938 CE) was a renowned poet, philosopher, and political leader who is considered the spiritual father of Pakistan. His Persian and Urdu poetry, philosophical works, and vision of Islamic revival profoundly influenced the Muslim world and inspired the creation of Pakistan.
Arwa al-Sulayhi: The Noble Queen of Yemen
personArwa al-Sulayhi (1048-1138 CE) was one of the most powerful and longest-reigning female rulers in Islamic history, governing Yemen for over five decades. Known for her political wisdom, administrative skill, and patronage of learning and architecture, she transformed Yemen into a prosperous and stable state while serving as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community.
Askia Muhammad - The Great Reformer of the Songhai Empire
personAskia Muhammad I (c. 1443-1538 CE / 847-945 AH), also known as Askia the Great, was the most important ruler of the Songhai Empire, reigning from 1493 to 1528 CE. He transformed Songhai from a regional power into the largest empire in African history, implemented comprehensive Islamic reforms, established sophisticated administrative systems, promoted Islamic scholarship in Timbuktu, and undertook a legendary pilgrimage to Mecca that brought Songhai to the attention of the Islamic world.
Asma bint Abu Bakr: The Woman of Two Belts
personAsma bint Abu Bakr (595-692 CE) was the daughter of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and the elder sister of Aisha. Known as 'Dhat al-Nitaqayn' (The Woman of Two Belts) for her crucial role in the Prophet's migration to Medina, she lived to the remarkable age of 100 years, demonstrating extraordinary courage, faith, and strength throughout her life.
Babur: The Tiger of Hindustan and Founder of the Mughal Empire
personZahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babur, descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, founded the Mughal Empire in India after losing his ancestral kingdom in Central Asia, establishing a dynasty that would rule the subcontinent for over three centuries.
Baybars - The Lion of Egypt and Scourge of the Crusaders
personBaybars I (c. 1223-1277 CE / 620-676 AH) was the fourth Mamluk sultan of Egypt and Syria, one of the most formidable military commanders in Islamic history. Rising from slavery to become sultan, he defeated the Mongols, systematically expelled the Crusaders from the Levant, established the Mamluk Sultanate as a major power, and created administrative and military systems that would endure for centuries.
Bilal ibn Rabah
personBilal ibn Rabah (580-640 CE), the first muezzin of Islam and one of the most beloved companions of Prophet Muhammad, known for his beautiful voice, unwavering faith under torture, and his role in breaking racial barriers in early Islamic society.
Caliph al-Ma'mun: The Scholar-Caliph and the Islamic Golden Age
personAl-Ma'mun (r. 813-833 CE) was the seventh Abbasid caliph and one of the most intellectually accomplished rulers in Islamic history. His reign marked the peak of the translation movement and the flourishing of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, making him a central figure in the Islamic Golden Age.
Fatima al-Fihri: The Woman Who Founded the World's Oldest University
personFatima al-Fihri (فاطمة الفهرية), also known as Umm al-Banin, was a visionary Muslim woman who founded Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco in 859 CE, establishing what would become the world's oldest continuously operating university and one of the leading centers of Islamic learning for over a millennium.
Fatimah bint Muhammad
personFatimah bint Muhammad (605-632 CE), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad and Khadijah, wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and mother of Hassan and Hussain, known as 'Sayyidat Nisa al-Alameen' (Leader of the Women of the Worlds) and revered as one of the most perfect women in Islamic history.
Hafsa bint Umar: Guardian of the Quran and Mother of the Believers
personHafsa bint Umar (c. 605-665 CE), daughter of the second Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab and wife of Prophet Muhammad, was entrusted with guarding the official manuscript of the Quran. As a scholar, hadith narrator, and one of the Mothers of the Believers, she played a vital role in preserving Islamic scripture and knowledge.
Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib
personHamza ibn Abdul Muttalib (568-625 CE), known as 'Asad Allah wa Asad Rasulih' (Lion of Allah and Lion of His Messenger), the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad and one of the greatest warriors in Islamic history, whose martyrdom at the Battle of Uhud became a defining moment in early Islamic history.
Harun al-Rashid: The Golden Age Caliph
personHarun al-Rashid (786-809 CE) was the fifth Abbasid Caliph who presided over the Islamic Golden Age, transforming Baghdad into the world's center of learning, culture, and prosperity during the height of Islamic civilization.
Hyder Ali - The Rise of Mysore's Greatest Ruler
personThe extraordinary life and reign of Hyder Ali, the military genius who transformed the Kingdom of Mysore from a small principality into a formidable power that challenged British colonial expansion in 18th century India.
Ibn al-Haytham
personAbu Ali al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham (965-1040 CE), known in the West as Alhazen, the pioneering mathematician, physicist, and astronomer who developed the scientific method and made groundbreaking contributions to optics, mathematics, and experimental science during the Islamic Golden Age.
Ibn Arabi
personMuhyi al-Din Ibn Arabi (1165-1240 CE), the renowned Andalusian mystic, philosopher, and poet known as 'al-Shaykh al-Akbar' (The Greatest Master), whose profound metaphysical teachings on the Unity of Being and spiritual realization have profoundly influenced Islamic mysticism and philosophy.
Ibn Battuta: The Greatest Traveler of the Medieval World
personIbn Battuta (1304-1368/69 CE) was a Moroccan scholar and explorer who traveled over 75,000 miles across the Islamic world and beyond, documenting his journeys in the Rihla, one of the most important travel accounts in world literature.
Ibn Khaldun
personAbd al-Rahman Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406 CE), the pioneering historian, sociologist, and philosopher who founded the science of sociology and developed revolutionary theories of social organization, economic principles, and historical methodology in his masterwork Al-Muqaddimah.
Ibn Majah
personAbu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Yazid ibn Majah al-Qazwini (829-887 CE), the distinguished hadith scholar and compiler of Sunan Ibn Majah, one of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam, known for his comprehensive approach to hadith compilation and his inclusion of traditions on various aspects of Islamic life.
Ibn Rushd (Averroes): The Philosopher Who Bridged Islamic and Western Thought
personIbn Rushd (1126-1198 CE), known in the West as Averroes, was one of the most influential philosophers in Islamic history, whose commentaries on Aristotle profoundly shaped both Islamic philosophy and medieval European scholasticism, bridging Eastern and Western intellectual traditions.
Ibn Sina (Avicenna): The Prince of Physicians
personIbn Sina (980-1037 CE), known in the West as Avicenna, was one of the greatest polymaths in history, whose contributions to medicine, philosophy, and science profoundly influenced both Islamic and European intellectual traditions for centuries.
Ibn Taymiyyah
personTaqi al-Din Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah (1263-1328 CE), the influential Islamic scholar, jurist, and theologian of the Hanbali school whose rigorous approach to Islamic texts, critique of innovations, and emphasis on returning to the Quran and Sunnah profoundly influenced Islamic reform movements and continue to shape contemporary Islamic thought.
Imam Abu Dawood
personAbu Dawood Sulaiman ibn al-Ash'ath as-Sijistani (817-889 CE), the distinguished hadith scholar and compiler of Sunan Abu Dawood, one of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam, renowned for his focus on legal hadith and his systematic approach to Islamic jurisprudence.
Imam Abu Hanifa
personAbu Hanifa al-Nu'man ibn Thabit (699-767 CE), the Great Imam and founder of the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, known for his systematic approach to Islamic law, emphasis on reason and analogy, and establishment of the first major school of Islamic legal thought.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
personAhmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal (780-855 CE), the Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah and founder of the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence, known for his Musnad, his steadfast defense of orthodox Islamic beliefs during the Mihna (Inquisition), and his emphasis on hadith-based jurisprudence.
Imam al-Bukhari
personMuhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari (810-870 CE), the master of hadith science and compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, the most authentic collection of Prophetic traditions after the Qur'an, known for his rigorous methodology and unparalleled contribution to Islamic scholarship.
Imam al-Ghazali
personAbu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali (1058-1111 CE), the renowned Islamic theologian, philosopher, and mystic known as 'Hujjat al-Islam' (Proof of Islam), whose synthesis of Islamic law, theology, and spirituality profoundly shaped Islamic thought and practice.
Imam al-Shafi'i
personMuhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i (767-820 CE), the founder of the Shafi'i school of Islamic jurisprudence and the father of Islamic legal theory (Usul al-Fiqh), known for his systematic methodology, the Risala, and his role in establishing the four sources of Islamic law.
Imam an-Nasa'i
personAbu Abd ar-Rahman Ahmad ibn Shu'ayb an-Nasa'i (829-915 CE), the distinguished hadith scholar and compiler of Sunan an-Nasa'i, one of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam, renowned for his rigorous authentication standards and his systematic approach to hadith criticism.
Imam Hassan
personAl-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (625-670 CE), the eldest grandson of Prophet Muhammad, second Imam in Shia Islam, and briefly the fifth Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate, known for his wisdom, generosity, and his pivotal role in preventing civil war through the Treaty of Hassan.
Imam Hussain
personAl-Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (626-680 CE), the younger grandson of Prophet Muhammad, third Imam in Shia Islam, and martyr of Karbala, whose stand against injustice and sacrifice for Islamic principles became a defining moment in Islamic history and a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Imam Malik ibn Anas
personMalik ibn Anas (711-795 CE), the Imam of Medina and founder of the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence, known for his Al-Muwatta, emphasis on the practices of Medina, and establishment of one of the four major schools of Sunni Islamic law.
Imam Muslim
personMuslim ibn al-Hajjaj (817-875 CE), the great hadith scholar and compiler of Sahih Muslim, the second most authentic collection of Prophetic traditions after Sahih al-Bukhari, known for his rigorous methodology and systematic organization of hadith.
Imam Tirmidhi
personAbu Isa Muhammad ibn Isa at-Tirmidhi (824-892 CE), the renowned hadith scholar and compiler of Jami' at-Tirmidhi, one of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam, known for his systematic classification of hadith authenticity and his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence.
Jamal al-Din al-Afghani: The Revolutionary Pan-Islamist
personJamal al-Din al-Afghani (1838-1897 CE) was a revolutionary Islamic thinker, political activist, and Pan-Islamist who traveled across the Muslim world advocating for Islamic unity, anti-colonialism, and reform. His charismatic personality and radical ideas profoundly influenced modern Islamic political thought and inspired generations of Muslim reformers.
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid: The Mother of the Believers and First Muslim
personKhadijah bint Khuwaylid (555-619 CE) was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, the first person to accept Islam, and a pillar of support during the early years of the Islamic message. Known as the 'Mother of the Believers,' she was a successful businesswoman who provided crucial emotional and financial support to the Prophet during the most challenging period of his mission.
Khalid ibn al-Walid
personKhalid ibn al-Walid (592-638 CE), known as 'Sayf Allah al-Maslul' (The Drawn Sword of Allah), the greatest military tactician in Islamic history who never lost a battle, leading the Muslim conquests in Arabia, Iraq, and Syria with unparalleled strategic brilliance.
Khalid ibn al-Walid: The Sword of Allah
personKhalid ibn al-Walid (592-642 CE) was one of the greatest military commanders in Islamic history, earning the title 'Sword of Allah' from Prophet Muhammad. His tactical genius led Muslim forces to victory in over 100 battles, including the conquest of Arabia, Iraq, and Syria, remaining undefeated throughout his military career.
Mansa Musa - The Golden King of Mali
personMansa Musa I (c. 1280-1337 CE / 679-738 AH) was the tenth mansa of the Mali Empire and one of the wealthiest individuals in human history. His legendary pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325 CE, during which he distributed vast quantities of gold, brought Mali to the attention of the Islamic world and Europe. Under his rule, the Mali Empire reached its zenith of power, wealth, and cultural achievement, with Timbuktu becoming a major center of Islamic learning.
Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan: Founder of the Umayyad Caliphate
personMuawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (602-680 CE / 20 BH-60 AH) was the founder and first caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate, serving as governor of Syria for twenty years before establishing the first hereditary Islamic dynasty. His reign marked a pivotal transformation in Islamic governance and sparked debates about leadership that continue to shape Islamic history.
Muhammad Abduh: Pioneer of Islamic Modernism
personMuhammad Abduh (1849-1905 CE) was an Egyptian Islamic scholar, jurist, and reformer who pioneered Islamic modernism. As Grand Mufti of Egypt, he worked to reconcile Islamic teachings with modern thought, reformed Islamic education, and influenced generations of Muslim intellectuals seeking to revitalize Islam in the modern world.
Muhammad Ali Pasha - Founder of Modern Egypt
personMuhammad Ali Pasha (1769-1849 CE) was an Ottoman Albanian commander who rose from humble origins to become the Wali of Egypt and Sudan, transforming Egypt into a regional power through comprehensive military, economic, educational, and administrative reforms. Considered the founder of modern Egypt, he established a dynasty that ruled until 1952 and created the institutional foundations of the Egyptian state. His ambitious modernization program, inspired by European models but adapted to local conditions, made Egypt the most powerful state in the eastern Mediterranean and established him as one of the most significant figures in Middle Eastern history.
Nizam al-Mulk - The Master Statesman of the Seljuk Empire
personNizam al-Mulk (1018-1092 CE / 408-485 AH) was one of the greatest statesmen and political thinkers in Islamic history, serving as vizier to the Seljuk sultans Alp Arslan and Malik Shah for nearly thirty years. He established the famous Nizamiyya schools that revolutionized Islamic education, wrote the influential Siyasatnama on political philosophy, implemented comprehensive administrative reforms, and shaped the Seljuk Empire during its golden age before his assassination by the Assassins in 1092 CE.
Nusaybah bint Ka'ab: The Warrior Woman Who Defended the Prophet
personNusaybah bint Ka'ab (رضي الله عنها), also known as Umm Amarah, was a courageous female companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who fought valiantly at the Battle of Uhud, defended the Prophet with her own body, and participated in multiple military campaigns, becoming one of the most celebrated women warriors in Islamic history.
Omar al-Mukhtar: The Lion of the Desert
personOmar al-Mukhtar (1858-1931) was a Libyan resistance leader who fought Italian colonization for over twenty years. Known as the 'Lion of the Desert,' he became a symbol of anti-colonial resistance and Islamic steadfastness, leading guerrilla warfare until his capture and execution at age 73.
Prophet Aaron (Harun ibn Imran)
personKnown as Harun in Arabic, Aaron was the brother and companion of Prophet Moses, blessed with eloquent speech and appointed as a prophet to assist Moses in his mission to Pharaoh and the Israelites.
Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim)
personKnown as Ibrahim in Arabic, Abraham is revered as the 'Friend of Allah' and the father of monotheism. He is considered the patriarch of the Abrahamic faiths and is particularly honored in Islam for his unwavering faith, his role in building the Kaaba, and his willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
Prophet Adam (AS)
personThe first human being and the first Prophet in Islam, created by Allah as His khalifah (vicegerent) on Earth. Father of humanity, Adam's story encompasses creation, paradise, the fall, repentance, and the beginning of human civilization.
Prophet David (Dawud ibn Isha)
personKnown as Dawud in Arabic, David was both a prophet and king of Israel, blessed with the Zabur (Psalms), renowned for his beautiful voice in worship, his victory over Goliath, and his just rule over the Israelites.
Prophet Dhul-Kifl (Ezekiel)
personDhul-Kifl is a prophet mentioned in the Quran, traditionally identified with the biblical prophet Ezekiel. Known for his patience, righteousness, and dedication to worship, he is praised in the Quran alongside other righteous prophets for his steadfastness in faith and his role in guiding his people.
Prophet Elijah (Ilyas ibn Yasin)
personKnown as Ilyas in Arabic, Elijah was a powerful prophet sent to the Israelites during the reign of King Ahab, famous for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal and his miraculous ascension to heaven.
Prophet Elisha (Al-Yasa ibn Akhtub)
personKnown as Al-Yasa in Arabic, Elisha was the successor of Prophet Elijah, blessed with a double portion of his spirit and known for numerous miracles of healing, provision, and resurrection during his ministry to Israel.
Prophet Hud (Eber)
personKnown as Hud in Arabic, he was a prophet sent to the people of Ad in ancient Arabia, calling them away from arrogance and idol worship to humble submission to Allah, ultimately witnessing their destruction by a devastating wind.
Prophet Idris (Enoch ibn Yarid)
personKnown as Idris in Arabic, Enoch was one of the earliest prophets, blessed with divine knowledge of writing, astronomy, and mathematics, and honored with ascension to heaven while still alive.
Prophet Isaac (Ishaq ibn Ibrahim)
personKnown as Ishaq in Arabic, Isaac was the second son of Abraham, born to Sarah in her old age, a prophet who continued the Abrahamic covenant and became the father of Jacob and grandfather of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Prophet Ishmael (Ismail ibn Ibrahim)
personKnown as Ismail in Arabic, Ishmael was the firstborn son of Abraham, a prophet who helped build the Kaaba, established the settlement of Mecca, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples and Prophet Muhammad.
Prophet Jacob (Yaqub ibn Ishaq)
personKnown as Yaqub in Arabic, Jacob was the son of Isaac, father of the twelve tribes of Israel including Joseph, a prophet who endured great trials with patience and maintained unwavering faith in Allah's promises.
Prophet Jesus (Isa ibn Maryam)
personKnown as Isa ibn Maryam in Arabic, Jesus is one of the most revered prophets in Islam. Born miraculously to the Virgin Mary, he performed numerous miracles and preached the message of monotheism to the Children of Israel. Muslims believe he was not crucified but was raised alive to heaven and will return before the Day of Judgment.
Prophet Job (Ayyub ibn Razah)
personKnown as Ayyub in Arabic, Job is renowned as the epitome of patience and perseverance in the face of severe trials, maintaining unwavering faith in Allah despite losing his wealth, health, and family.
Prophet John the Baptist (Yahya ibn Zakariya)
personKnown as Yahya in Arabic, John the Baptist was a righteous prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, known for his ascetic lifestyle, powerful preaching, and martyrdom for truth.
Prophet Jonah (Yunus ibn Matta)
personKnown as Yunus in Arabic, Jonah is famous for being swallowed by a great whale after initially fleeing from his prophetic mission to Nineveh, demonstrating Allah's mercy and the power of sincere repentance.
Prophet Joseph (Yusuf ibn Yaqub)
personKnown as Yusuf in Arabic, Joseph is one of the most beloved prophets in Islam, whose complete story is narrated in Surah Yusuf. His life exemplifies patience, forgiveness, and trust in Allah through trials of jealousy, slavery, false accusation, imprisonment, and ultimate triumph as a ruler in Egypt.
Prophet Lot (Lut ibn Haran)
personKnown as Lut in Arabic, Lot was the nephew of Abraham, a prophet sent to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah to call them away from their immoral practices, ultimately saved by Allah when divine punishment destroyed the corrupt cities.
Prophet Moses (Musa AS)
personOne of the greatest prophets in Islam, sent to the Children of Israel with the Torah. Known for his confrontation with Pharaoh, the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt, and receiving divine revelation on Mount Sinai. His story is the most frequently mentioned in the Quran.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
personThe final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (570-632 CE) received the divine revelation of the Quran and established Islam as a complete way of life. His exemplary character, teachings, and leadership transformed Arabian society and laid the foundation for Islamic civilization that would influence the world for centuries to come.
Prophet Noah (Nuh)
personKnown as Nuh in Arabic, Noah was one of the earliest prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity back to monotheism. He preached for 950 years to his people, warning them of divine punishment. When they persisted in their disbelief, Allah commanded him to build an ark and saved him along with the believers and pairs of animals from the great flood.
Prophet Salih (Shelah)
personKnown as Salih in Arabic, he was a prophet sent to the people of Thamud in northern Arabia, famous for the miracle of the she-camel that emerged from a rock, ultimately witnessing their destruction for killing the sacred animal.
Prophet Shuaib (Jethro)
personKnown as Shuaib in Arabic, he was a prophet sent to the people of Midian, calling them to worship Allah alone and practice honesty in their commercial dealings, later becoming the father-in-law and mentor of Moses.
Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman ibn Dawud)
personKnown as Sulaiman in Arabic, Solomon was blessed with unprecedented wisdom, the ability to communicate with animals and jinn, control over the wind, and ruled the greatest kingdom in history, building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem.
Prophet Zechariah (Zakariya ibn Adhan)
personKnown as Zakariya in Arabic, Zechariah was a righteous prophet and priest who served in the Temple of Jerusalem, guardian of Mary, and father of John the Baptist, blessed with a miraculous son in his old age.
Rabia al-Adawiyya: The Mystic Saint of Divine Love
personRabia al-Adawiyya (717-801 CE) was one of the most influential Sufi mystics in Islamic history, renowned for her teachings on divine love and her rejection of worship motivated by fear or reward. Born into slavery in Basra, she became a spiritual teacher whose emphasis on pure, selfless love of God transformed Islamic mysticism and inspired generations of Sufis across the Muslim world.
Razia Sultana: The First Female Sultan of Delhi
personRazia Sultana (1205-1240 CE) was the first and only female Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, ruling from 1236 to 1240 CE. Breaking gender barriers in medieval Islamic India, she demonstrated exceptional administrative skill and military leadership, though her reign was cut short by opposition from nobles who could not accept a woman as their sovereign.
Roxelana: The Slave Girl Who Became the Most Powerful Woman in the Ottoman Empire
personRoxelana (c. 1502-1558), known in Ottoman Turkish as Hürrem Sultan, was a woman of Ruthenian origin who rose from slavery to become the legal wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and the most powerful woman in Ottoman history, wielding unprecedented political influence and establishing a new model of female power in the imperial court.
Rumi
personJalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207-1273 CE), the renowned Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic whose profound spiritual poetry and teachings on divine love have made him one of the most widely read and beloved poets in history, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas
personSa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (595-674 CE), one of the ten companions promised Paradise, the conqueror of Persia, and the last of the ten to die, renowned for his archery skills, military leadership, and his role in establishing Islam in China as the first Muslim to set foot there.
Safiyya bint Huyayy: From Jewish Princess to Mother of the Believers
personSafiyya bint Huyayy (c. 610-670 CE) was a wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, a Jewish woman of noble lineage who embraced Islam and became one of the Mothers of the Believers, known for her dignity, intelligence, and contributions to early Islamic society.
Saladin (Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi) - Liberator of Jerusalem
personSalah al-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, known in the West as Saladin, was a Kurdish Muslim military commander and statesman who founded the Ayyubid dynasty and served as the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria. Born in 1137 CE in Tikrit, Saladin rose from relatively modest origins to become one of the most celebrated figures in Islamic history. He is best known for uniting the Muslim territories of Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia under his rule and for his decisive victory over the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin in 1187 CE, which led to the recapture of Jerusalem after 88 years of Crusader occupation. Renowned for his military genius, political acumen, and chivalrous conduct toward both allies and enemies, Saladin became a legendary figure respected by Muslims and Christians alike. His legacy as a just ruler, skilled commander, and defender of Islam has endured for more than eight centuries, making him a symbol of Islamic resistance, unity, and ethical leadership.
Salman al-Farsi
personSalman al-Farsi (568-656 CE), known as 'Salman the Persian,' a former Zoroastrian priest who became one of Prophet Muhammad's most beloved companions, famous for suggesting the trench strategy at the Battle of Khandaq and representing the universal nature of Islam beyond Arab ethnicity.
Shah Waliullah Dehlawi
personShah Waliullah Dehlawi (1703-1762 CE), the pioneering Indian Islamic scholar, reformer, and philosopher who revitalized Islamic thought in the Indian subcontinent through his synthesis of Islamic sciences, emphasis on ijtihad, and efforts to bridge sectarian divisions, profoundly influencing subsequent reform movements across the Muslim world.
Shajarat al-Durr: The Slave Who Became Sultan of Egypt
personShajarat al-Durr (died 1257 CE) was a remarkable woman who rose from slavery to become the Sultan of Egypt, ruling during a critical period when the Mamluk state was being established. Her political acumen and leadership during the Seventh Crusade helped save Egypt from Crusader invasion, and her brief but significant reign marked a pivotal moment in Egyptian and Islamic history.
Sitt al-Mulk: The Powerful Regent of the Fatimid Caliphate
personSitt al-Mulk (970-1023 CE) was a Fatimid princess who served as regent and de facto ruler of the Fatimid Caliphate, known for her political acumen, administrative skills, and role in stabilizing the empire during a turbulent period.
Suleiman the Magnificent: The Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire
personSuleiman I (r. 1520-1566), known as 'the Magnificent' in the West and 'the Lawgiver' in the Islamic world, presided over the Ottoman Empire at its zenith. His reign marked the peak of Ottoman military, political, and cultural power, transforming the empire into a dominant force spanning three continents.
Talha ibn Ubaydullah: The Generous Companion
personTalha ibn Ubaydullah (594-656 CE) was one of the earliest converts to Islam and one of the Ten Promised Paradise. Known for his generosity and bravery, he played a crucial role in early Islamic history but died fighting against Ali ibn Abi Talib at the Battle of the Camel.
Timur (Tamerlane): The Iron Conqueror
personTimur (1336-1405 CE), known in the West as Tamerlane, was a Turco-Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire, creating one of the largest empires in history through his military campaigns across Central Asia, Persia, and India.
Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore
personThe life and reign of Tipu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore, who continued his father Hyder Ali's resistance against British colonialism and became one of the most celebrated figures in Indian history for his courage, innovations, and ultimate sacrifice for independence.
Ulugh Beg: The Astronomer Prince
personUlugh Beg (1394-1449 CE) was a Timurid prince, astronomer, and mathematician who ruled Samarkand and built one of the world's most advanced observatories, making groundbreaking contributions to astronomy and science.
Umar ibn al-Khattab
personThe second Rashidun Caliph (634-644 CE), known as 'Al-Faruq' (The Criterion). Under his leadership, the Islamic empire expanded dramatically, conquering the Sassanian Empire and much of the Byzantine Empire, while establishing sophisticated administrative and legal systems.
Umm Salama: The Wise Mother of the Believers
personUmm Salama (Hind bint Abi Umayyah, 580-680 CE) was one of the most respected wives of Prophet Muhammad, known for her wisdom, intelligence, and sound judgment. A Mother of the Believers who transmitted 378 hadiths, she served as an advisor to the Prophet and played a crucial role in Islamic history, particularly during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the early civil conflicts.
Uthman ibn Affan
personThe third Rashidun Caliph (644-656 CE), known for standardizing the Quran and expanding the Islamic navy. A wealthy merchant from the Umayyad clan, he was one of the earliest converts to Islam and married two daughters of Prophet Muhammad.
Yazid ibn Muawiyah: The Controversial Second Umayyad Caliph
personYazid ibn Muawiyah (647-683 CE / 26-64 AH) was the second caliph of the Umayyad dynasty, whose reign was marked by the tragedy of Karbala, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, and widespread rebellions. His controversial succession and rule deepened the divisions within the Muslim community and shaped Islamic sectarian identity.
Zainab bint Ali: The Eloquent Voice of Karbala
personZainab bint Ali (626-682 CE), granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and Ali ibn Abi Talib, witnessed the tragedy of Karbala and became the eloquent voice preserving her brother Imam Hussain's message. Her courage, eloquence, and unwavering faith made her a symbol of resistance and spiritual strength.
Zayd ibn Harithah
personZayd ibn Harithah (581-629 CE), the beloved adopted son of Prophet Muhammad and the only companion mentioned by name in the Quran, known for his unwavering loyalty, his role in breaking pre-Islamic adoption customs, and his martyrdom as commander at the Battle of Muta.
Zaynab bint Ali: The Eloquent Voice of Karbala
personZaynab bint Ali (626-682 CE) was the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad, daughter of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatimah, and sister of Hasan and Husayn. Known for her eloquence, courage, and unwavering faith, she played a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Karbala through her powerful speeches and steadfast leadership during one of Islam's most tragic events.
Zubayr ibn al-Awwam: The Disciple of the Prophet
personZubayr ibn al-Awwam (594-656 CE) was one of the earliest converts to Islam, one of the Ten Promised Paradise, and the Prophet's cousin. Known for his exceptional bravery and loyalty, he died at the Battle of the Camel fighting against Ali ibn Abi Talib.