Ahmad Bukhari: Religious Leader

Ahmad Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, is a prominent religious leader and influential figure in India's Muslim community. Born into the prestigious Bukhari family, known for its long lineage of religious leaders, Ahmad Bukhari has carried forward the legacy of his forefathers with a strong commitment to Islamic principles and community service.

Ahmad Bukhari's role as the Shahi Imam places him at the helm of one of the largest and most historic mosques in India. The Jama Masjid, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Islamic heritage and culture in India. As the Shahi Imam, Bukhari leads Friday prayers, delivers sermons, and oversees the mosque's administration. His position demands not only religious leadership but also a deep understanding of social and political issues affecting Muslims in India.

Throughout his tenure, Ahmad Bukhari has been an outspoken advocate for the rights and welfare of Muslims. He has often used his platform to address issues of social justice, communal harmony, and the protection of minority rights. Bukhari's sermons and public statements frequently emphasize the importance of peace, unity, and adherence to Islamic values in the face of contemporary challenges.

Bukhari's leadership extends beyond the confines of the mosque. He has engaged with political leaders, participated in interfaith dialogues, and worked towards fostering better understanding between different religious communities. His efforts to promote education, social welfare, and economic empowerment among Muslims have been widely recognized and appreciated.

Despite facing criticism and controversies, Ahmad Bukhari remains a steadfast figure in Indian religious and political spheres. His influence and actions continue to shape the discourse around Muslim identity and rights in India. As the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Ahmad Bukhari embodies the responsibility of preserving Islamic traditions while navigating the complexities of modern society. His leadership serves as a beacon for many, inspiring a commitment to faith, justice, and community service.

Syed Muhammad Ameen Mian Qadri: Religious Leader/ Spiritual Leader

Syed Muhammad Ameen Mian Qadri is a distinguished Indian Sufi leader and scholar, serving as the Sajjada Nashin of Khanqah-e-Barkatiya Marehra Shareef, a prominent center of the Qadri Order and part of the Indian Sufi Barelvi movement. He is also the founder of Jamia Al Barkaat Aligarh, an institution serving over 50 million adherents worldwide.

Ameen Mian Qadri has had an illustrious academic career as a senior professor and Chairman of the Department of Urdu at the esteemed Aligarh Muslim University. His influence extends beyond academia; he was ranked 44th among the 500 Most Influential Muslims globally by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in collaboration with Georgetown University's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center. He was the sole Indian Muslim recognized in this prestigious list.

In 2006, Hindustan Times referred to him as the leading figure of the Ahle Sunnah sect. His spiritual lineage, Barkatiya, traces its roots to the revered Qadiriyya silsila of Baghdad and is followed by an estimated two million adherents in India and abroad. As a spiritual leader, he has presided over numerous gatherings both domestically and internationally, further strengthening his influence.

Ameen Mian Qadri has dedicated significant efforts to the educational empowerment of Indian Muslims. He established a network of institutions under the Al-Barkaat banner, including Al Barkaat Institute of Management Studies and Research, Al Barkaat Public Schools (for boys and girls), Al Barkaat Department of Education, Al Barkaat Institute of Graduate Studies, Al Barkaat Vocational Studies College, Al Barkaat Play and Learn Centre, and Jamia Ahsanul Barkaat. These institutions have played a transformative role in enhancing access to quality education and fostering socio-economic development within the Muslim community.

Arshad Madani: Islamic Scholar, Community Leader

Maulana Arshad Madani (born in 1941) a distinguished Islamic scholar and influential community leader, serves as the president of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH), one of India's oldest and most significant Islamic organizations. Born in 1941 in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, he belongs to a lineage deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship and has dedicated his life to the religious and social upliftment of Muslims in India.

Arshad Madani's education and early life were heavily influenced by his family's legacy of Islamic learning. He studied at the Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most prestigious Islamic seminaries in the world, where he was deeply immersed in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy. His profound knowledge and understanding of Islamic sciences earned him respect and recognition within the Muslim community.

As a leader of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Arshad Madani has played a crucial role in addressing the social, educational, and economic challenges faced by Muslims in India. He has been a vocal advocate for minority rights and has worked tirelessly to promote communal harmony and national integration. Under his leadership, JUH has been actively involved in various humanitarian and relief efforts, providing aid and support to communities affected by natural disasters and social unrest.

Madani is also known for his efforts in promoting education among Muslims. He has been instrumental in establishing and supporting numerous educational institutions, including madrasas and modern schools, aimed at providing quality education to Muslim youth. His vision for an educated and empowered Muslim community has been a driving force behind many initiatives that seek to bridge the gap between traditional and modern education.

A staunch advocate for justice and equality, Arshad Madani has often spoken out against policies and practices that he perceives as discriminatory towards Muslims. His outspoken stance on various socio-political issues has made him a prominent figure in national debates on minority rights and secularism.

Maulana Arshad Madani's contributions to Islamic scholarship, community leadership, and advocacy for minority rights make him a pivotal figure in contemporary Indian society. His enduring dedication to education, social justice, and communal harmony stands as a testament to his impactful legacy.

Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kichhouchhwi: Spiritual Leader

Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kichhouchhwi (born 5 July 1966) is a prominent Indian Sufi leader and spiritual master from Kichchouchcha Sharif, home to the renowned shrine of Ashraf Jahangir Semnani in Uttar Pradesh. He is an advocate for Sufi Sunni Muslims and the founder and National President of the All India Ulema and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), a movement aimed at promoting Sufi values and countering extremism in India.

As the leader of AIUMB, Kichhouchhwi has rallied Sufi clerics and Muslim leaders to address terrorism and extremism. In 2015, he led a delegation that met the Indian Prime Minister to express concerns about rising extremism. He emphasized that groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda do not represent Islam, advocating for greater awareness and promoting Sufi traditions through initiatives like a "Sufi circuit" to rejuvenate shrines and boost tourism.

Kichhouchhwi has organized large-scale gatherings, known as "Muslim Maha Panchayats," to assert Sufi independence from Wahhabi influences. He has also led protests against controversial Islamic televangelists, including Zakir Naik, for their divisive rhetoric, emphasizing the need for religious harmony.

On the international stage, Kichhouchhwi represented Indian Sufis at the First Asia & Pacific Countries Muslim Religious Leaders' Summit in Turkey, where he called for united action against radicalism. He condemned terrorism as a threat to humanity and highlighted the historical values of Islam rooted in compassion and coexistence.

Following the Paris attacks in 2015, Kichhouchhwi denounced ISIS, stating that their actions violate Islamic principles and history. He has consistently opposed extremist ideologies, asserting that terrorism has no place in any religion, and continues to work toward fostering peace and unity among diverse communities.

Kalbe Jawad: Islamic Scholar, Community leader

Maulana Kalbe Jawad (borne in 1956) is a prominent Shia cleric, scholar, and community leader in India, known for his influential role in religious, social, and political spheres. Born on January 15, 1956, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, he comes from a distinguished family of scholars, including his father, Ayatollah Maulana Kalbe Abid, a revered figure in the Shia Muslim community.

Maulana Kalbe Jawad received his early religious education in Lucknow, a city renowned for its rich Islamic heritage, particularly within the Shia community. He furthered his studies in Islamic theology and jurisprudence at the prestigious Hawza Ilmiyya in Qom, Iran, where he deepened his understanding of Shia thought and philosophy. His education and background have made him a key religious authority for Shia Muslims, both in India and abroad.

As the Imam of the Asafi Mosque in Lucknow, Maulana Kalbe Jawad has been a vocal advocate for the rights and welfare of the Shia community. He has led numerous initiatives to promote social justice, education, and healthcare among his followers. His leadership extends beyond religious duties; he has been actively involved in addressing issues like communal harmony, sectarian violence, and the preservation of religious freedom in India.

Maulana Kalbe Jawad is also known for his participation in interfaith dialogues, where he promotes unity among different religious communities. His efforts to foster understanding between Shia and Sunni Muslims have been particularly noteworthy, as he consistently advocates for peace and cooperation within the broader Muslim Ummah.

In addition to his religious and social activism, Maulana Kalbe Jawad has been a strong voice against the persecution of Shia Muslims and other minority groups in India. He has organized and led protests, raising awareness about the challenges faced by his community and advocating for their rights.

Maulana Kalbe Jawad’s influence extends to the global Shia community, where he is respected for his wisdom, leadership, and commitment to justice. His work continues to inspire millions, making him one of the most important religious figures in contemporary India.

Kaleem Siddiqui: Islamic Scholar and Preacher)
Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui (born in 1957) in Phulat village, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, is an Indian Islamic scholar, preacher, and educationist. A disciple of Muhammad Zakariyya al-Kandhlawi and Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi, Siddiqui is also associated with the Tablighi Jamaat. He was raised in a family of devout Muslims; his father, Haji Muhammad Amin, was a zamindar and follower of Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. Siddiqui received early education at Faizul Islam Madrasa (now Jamia Imam Waliullah), memorizing portions of the Quran during his schooling. He completed his B.Sc. from Meerut College and was ranked 57th in the All India Pre-Medical Test but chose to pursue Islamic studies at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama instead of a medical career.

Since the 1980s, Siddiqui has served as the administrator of Jamia Imam Waliullah Islamia in Phulat. He is also the president of the Global Peace Center and Jamia Waliullah Trust. In 2014, Siddiqui remarked on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's shift in rhetoric, describing him as "more mellowed and responsible."
In September 2021, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Siddiqui, accusing him of leading a large-scale religious conversion network. Authorities alleged that the network, funded by Gulf countries and the UK, was responsible for converting around 500,000 people to Islam. Siddiqui denied the allegations, asserting that he only facilitated legal formalities for willing converts. His arrest drew widespread criticism from the Muslim community, with protests erupting at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and demands for his release by various organizations. However, Hindu nationalist groups praised the arrest as a necessary step against forced conversions.

In April 2023, the Allahabad High Court granted Siddiqui bail after 18 months in custody.On September 10, 2024, a special NIA court convicted him and others, including Umar Gautam, for their involvement in a pan-India illegal conversion network. The following day, an NIA-ATS court sentenced Siddiqui and 11 others to life imprisonment. However his lawyer has announced plans to challenge the verdict, citing weak evidence and legal inconsistencies.

Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani: Islamic Scholar, Academic and Preacher  

Maulana Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani (born in 1955) is a highly respected Islamic scholar, author, and speaker known for his extensive contributions to Islamic education and thought. Born into a scholarly family in 1955 in Lucknow, India, he is the son of the renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Manzoor Nomani. This lineage of scholarship deeply influenced Maulana Sajjad Nomani, who has become a leading figure in the Indian and global Muslim community.

Maulana Sajjad Nomani received his early education at Nadwatul Ulama in Lucknow, one of India’s most esteemed Islamic seminaries, where he studied under some of the most prominent scholars of the time. He later pursued higher Islamic studies at Darul Uloom Deoband and then traveled to Medina, Saudi Arabia, to further his knowledge. His education is marked by a strong foundation in traditional Islamic sciences, combined with an understanding of contemporary issues, which has made his scholarship particularly relevant.

He is best known for his efforts in promoting Islamic education, unity among Muslims, and his advocacy for the rights of Muslims in India. Maulana Sajjad Nomani has been actively involved with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), where he serves as a spokesperson, addressing issues related to Muslim personal law and the preservation of Islamic identity in the face of modern challenges.

A prolific author, Maulana Sajjad Nomani has written numerous books and articles on a variety of topics, including Islamic jurisprudence, spirituality, and social issues. His works are widely read and respected for their clarity, depth, and practical relevance. He is also a sought-after speaker, known for his eloquence and ability to connect with audiences across different backgrounds.

Maulana Sajjad Nomani is deeply committed to the educational and spiritual upliftment of the Muslim community. He regularly delivers lectures and conducts workshops across India and internationally, focusing on youth empowerment, interfaith dialogue, and the importance of maintaining a strong Islamic identity in the modern world.

Through his tireless efforts, Maulana Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani has become a guiding force in contemporary Islamic thought, advocating for unity, justice, and the spiritual development of Muslims. His work continues to inspire and guide the Muslim community in navigating the complexities of the modern world while staying true to their faith.

Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq: Politician/ Religious Leader

Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq (born 1973) is a prominent Kashmiri separatist leader and Islamic cleric with significant influence in the Kashmir Valley. As the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir and chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), he holds both political and spiritual authority over the region's Muslim population. He has led a faction of the APHC since 2004, advocating for Kashmiri self-determination and peaceful dialogue with India and Pakistan.

Born into a politically active family, Farooq became the Mirwaiz at 17, following the assassination of his father, Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq, in 1990. His father’s death, along with the subsequent violence during the funeral procession, galvanized public sentiment and marked the beginning of his political journey. Mirwaiz Umar united 23 pro-freedom organizations into the APHC, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.

Educated at Burn Hall School in Srinagar, Farooq initially aspired to be a software engineer but later pursued religious and political studies. He holds a PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia, focusing on the politico-Islamic role of Shah-e-Hamdan, a 14th-century Islamic scholar who introduced Islam to Kashmir.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has consistently pushed for international recognition of the Kashmir issue, appearing as one of Time magazine’s Asian Heroes. However, his political activism led to his house arrest on August 4, 2019, ahead of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the Indian government. After over four years in detention, he was briefly released in September 2023, only to be re-arrested in October, preventing him from leading Friday prayers once again.

Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi: Religious Leader

Maulana Muhammad Usman Rahmani Ladhiyani is a prominent Muslim religious leader in Punjab, having assumed the role of Shahi Imam in September 2021 after the passing of his father, Hazrat Maulana Habib-ur-Rahman Sani Ladhiyani. His appointment reflects a significant continuity in leadership within the community, being made in accordance with his father's will and Islamic traditions. The official announcement of his new role took place during a solemn ceremony at the historic Jamia Masjid in Ludhiana, an event that drew the attention of a large number of scholars, community leaders, and political figures.

Usman Ladhiyani has distinguished himself not only as the son of an esteemed religious figure but also as a dedicated leader in his own right. Over the years, he has made substantial contributions to the religious, social, and political landscape of the region. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing the interests and welfare of the Muslim community in Punjab, earning him respect and admiration beyond religious circles.

His leadership is characterized by a commitment to integrity, compassion, and social justice. Usman has vowed to uphold the values instilled in him by his father while addressing contemporary issues faced by the community. In his role as Shahi Imam, he aims to bridge gaps and foster understanding among various segments of society.

Furthermore, Usman Rahmani’s vision includes enhancing community cohesion and promoting educational initiatives, which he views as essential for the growth and empowerment of Muslims in Punjab. His ascension to this prestigious title has been met with optimism, as many look to him to guide them in faith and to advocate for the rights of the underprivileged. As Shahi Imam, Maulana Muhammad Usman Rahmani Ladhiyani exemplifies a blend of tradition and a forward-thinking approach, critical for addressing the challenges faced by his community today.

Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi: Religious Leader/Spiritual Leader

Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi ((born 1965) is an Indian Muslim preacher, leading the Nizamuddin Markaz faction of the Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic revival movement. He is the great-grandson of Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi, the founder of the Tablighi Jamaat, and the grandson of former leader Muhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi. Saad Kandhlawi was born in Kandhla, Shamli District, Uttar Pradesh, and completed his Islamic studies (Dars-e-Nizami) at Madrasa Kashiful Uloom, Nizamuddin Markaz, in Delhi in 1987.

After the death of Tablighi Jamaat’s former chief, Inamul Hasan Kandhlawi, a shura (council) was formed to elect a new leader. Though the council failed to appoint a single leader, Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi eventually emerged as the head of the movement, particularly after the passing of the other shura members. He was officially recognized as the leader of the Tablighi Jamaat during the All India Jod and the Tongi Ijtema in 2017.

Despite his leadership, Saad Kandhlawi's tenure has not been without controversy. Some of his statements have prompted fatwas from Deobandi scholars. South African scholar Mufti Ebrahim Desai issued a fatwa against him, as did India’s Darul Uloom Deoband, raising concerns about his leadership. Zaid Mazahiri of Nadwatul Ulama also penned treatises on the internal disputes within the Tablighi Jamaat. However, British scholar Yusuf Motala defended Kandhlawi.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saad faced further scrutiny when a religious event organized at the Nizamuddin Markaz resulted in a COVID-19 outbreak. This led to an FIR against him. In 2021, the Delhi High Court ordered the police to open his house following its closure.

Saad was also criticized when media reports exposed his ownership of a luxurious farmhouse, contrasting with the simple lifestyle he promotes to his followers. Despite these revelations, his family defended him, stating he rarely visited the property.