Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas: Activist, Community leader

Dr.Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas is the official spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a leading umbrella organization advocating for the protection and promotion of Muslim personal laws and religious freedoms in India. Known for his articulate communication skills and deep understanding of socio-political issues, he has emerged as a prominent voice for the Muslim community in the country.

Born in 1955 in a family with a strong intellectual and socio-religious background, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas pursued his education in science and journalism. He is widely regarded for his nuanced perspectives on contemporary challenges facing Indian Muslims. Over the years, he has been an active participant in various initiatives to safeguard the constitutional rights of minorities, emphasizing the importance of unity, dialogue, and democratic engagement.

As the spokesperson of AIMPLB, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas has played a critical role in presenting the Board’s stance on pivotal issues such as the triple talaq legislation, the Uniform Civil Code, and masjid-mandir disputes. His ability to articulate the Muslim community’s concerns and aspirations on national platforms has earned him respect across ideological spectrums.

Beyond his role in AIMPLB, he has been actively involved in various socio-political and educational initiatives. He is a founding member of the Welfare Party of India and has consistently advocated for justice, equality, and communal harmony.

Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas combines his deep-rooted Islamic scholarship with a pragmatic approach to addressing modern challenges. His balanced and well-reasoned views make him a key figure in fostering understanding between communities while advocating for the rights and dignity of the Muslim populace in India.

Syed Sarwar Chishty: Religious Leader/ Community leader/Spiritual Leader

Maulana Syed Sarwar Chishty serves as the khadim (caretaker) of Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one of India’s most sacred and revered Sufi Muslim shrines. He is a direct descendant and successor caretaker of the holy shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Moinuddin Chishti.

The Dargah, located in the heart of Rajasthan, is the final resting place of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, also known as Gharib Nawaz. This sacred site welcomes millions of devotees from diverse faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, who visit to offer prayers, seek blessings, and make wishes. Upon the fulfillment of their wishes, devotees present offerings such as langar (community meals), niaz (charitable donations), flowers, and chadars (sacred cloth).

As a direct descendant and member of the Syed Khadim Chishty family, Syed Sarwar Chishty is honored to have a bloodline connection with Hazrat Gharib Nawaz (RA). By his divine blessings, the family holds the sacred responsibility of performing noble works associated with the Darbar Sharif and receiving the offerings (nazrana) made to the shrine.

Devotees from around the world are warmly invited to visit Darbar Sharif in person to experience its spiritual ambiance. For assistance with taweezats (amulets), duas (prayers), or fulfillment of vows (mannat), devotees may contact Syed Sarwar Chishty directly. Additionally, for those facing challenges such as black magic or other difficulties, the khadims at the Dargah are available to provide spiritual guidance and assistance.

To support pilgrims, the khadims offer free accommodations and ensure that visitors have a comfortable and fulfilling experience. Together, the khuddam (servants of the Dargah) dedicate themselves to human welfare and spiritual betterment under the blessings of Hazrat Gharib Nawaz.

Syed Zafar Mahmood: Community leader/Former Bureaucrat

Syed Zafar Mahmood is a distinguished Indian civil servant and former 'Officer on Special Duty' for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He gained prominence for his role in the Sachar Committee, established on March 9, 2005, to assess the socioeconomic and educational status of India's Muslim community. The committee submitted its comprehensive report on November 17, 2006, highlighting critical disparities, which Mahmood has since discussed extensively in various forums, including notable institutions like Case Western Reserve University and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, to advocate for bridging the gaps faced by Indian Muslims.

Mahmood's educational background includes a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics, an M.S. in Political Science, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Aligarh Muslim University. Apart from his civil service, he is the founder of several non-profit organizations, including the Zakat Foundation of India, the Interfaith Coalition for Peace, and God's Grace Foundation. The Zakat Foundation, established in 1997, is particularly notable for operating an orphanage for children affected by the 2002 Gujarat riots, in collaboration with the USA's One World Children's Fund. His efforts in philanthropy and social justice have garnered attention from media outlets like CNN and NPR.

Mahmood has actively participated in interfaith dialogues and was a representative of Indian Muslims during President George W. Bush's 2006 visit to India. He has been vocal about highlighting the challenges faced by Muslims, notably challenging Gujarat's Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, on issues affecting Muslim communities. His advocacy emphasizes the need for policies that can foster better relations between the Indian government and its Muslim citizens, particularly in light of the Sachar Committee's findings and recommendations.

Tauqeer Raza Khan: Religious Leader

Tauqeer Raza Khan is an Indian Islamic scholar and politician, known as the founder of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, a political party based in Uttar Pradesh, and a prominent figure among Barelvi Sunni Muslims. He is a great-grandson of Ahmad Raza Khan, the founder of the Barelvi movement. Khan has served as the head of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (Jadeed), which he established to address perceived discrimination by the Deobandi faction of the board. His political career began in 2001, and he has garnered support from various parties throughout his political journey, including the Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party, often calling for communal solidarity among Muslims.

Khan's career has not been without controversy. In 2016, he sought unity with Deobandi scholars but faced backlash from Barelvi clerics, resulting in an apology after a religious ruling deemed his actions sinful. He has also been accused of inciting hatred against Hindus. His political activism often aligns with religious undertones, as seen in his calls for Muslims to vote based on their faith. He has made headlines for several incidents, including issuing a reward for the head of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin and being arrested during riots in Bareilly in 2010.

On a more contemporary note, in 2024, he condemned government actions during the Haldwani violence, urging self-defense for his community and criticizing the ruling authorities. Khan's rhetoric has repeatedly sparked polarization along religious lines, reflecting the complexity of religious and political interactions in India today. His controversial statements and actions highlight the intertwining of communal identity and politics in his advocacy for the Muslim community in India.

Wali Rahmani: Activist, Motivational Speaker 

Wali Rahmani, at just 26 years old, is a lawyer, activist, and one of India's youngest social entrepreneurs. He is the founder of Umeed Global School, a residential institution dedicated to educating orphans, destitute, and underprivileged children.

Rahmani began his journey in public discourse at the age of 19, becoming the youngest Indian panelist to appear on national TV debates. Today, he is also a noted motivational speaker and a social media influencer with over a million followers.

In late 2023, Rahmani achieved a historic milestone by raising ₹7 crore in just seven days through crowdfunding for his school's construction. His campaign, which collected contributions of ₹100 each from lakhs of donors, showcased the trust he has earned through his honest and impactful work. In just seven months, the funds were utilized to successfully erect a state-of-the-art school building.

Rahmani’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that serving the community is not charity but a social duty. He aspires to nurture leaders from underprivileged sections of society, emphasizing that leadership is cultivated through character and actions. For Rahmani, education goes beyond academics—it is about "Tarbiyah" (character building).

Umeed Global School stands as a beacon of hope, bridging the educational gap between rich and poor. The school boasts an internationally recognized curriculum and has recently partnered with the World Trade Centre, Pune, to introduce STEM education.

Rahmani’s groundbreaking work has been featured in Times of India, The Telegraph, Indian Express, Brut India, Logical Indian, and other notable platforms, cementing his reputation as a changemaker committed to transforming lives through education.

Yusuf Khwaja Hamied: Businessman

Yusuf Khwaja Hamied, born on July 25, 1936, in Vilnius, Poland (now Lithuania), is a renowned Indian scientist and billionaire businessman, known for his role as the chairman of Cipla, a leading generic pharmaceuticals company founded by his father, Khwaja Abdul Hamied, in 1935. He grew up in Mumbai and pursued his education in chemistry at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he earned both a BA and a PhD.

Hamied is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in making life-saving medicines, particularly antiretroviral drugs for AIDS, accessible to people in developing countries at affordable prices, defying large Western pharmaceutical companies. His commitment to eradicating AIDS and other health crises in impoverished regions earned him recognition as a modern-day Robin Hood. In 2001, he announced that Cipla could produce cocktail treatments for $1 per day, significantly reducing costs and expanding access to over six million patients by the time of a 2011 New York Times feature.

Under Hamied's leadership, Cipla pioneered the development of fixed-dose combination drugs and pediatric formulations, greatly enhancing drug safety and compatibility. He has made substantial contributions to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing in India, strengthening the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

A notable philanthropist, Hamied has generously supported educational initiatives, particularly at Cambridge University, establishing the Yusuf Hamied Centre and funding various academic programs. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award in 2012, Hamied has been a key figure in discussions about global health and access to essential medications. 

Despite planning for retirement in 2013, he remains influential in the pharmaceutical industry. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $5.7 billion, making him one of India's wealthiest individuals.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Entrepreneur /Philanthropist

M.A. Yusuff Ali, born on November 15, 1955, in Nattika, Thrissur, Kerala, is the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International. A billionaire entrepreneur, he has transformed the retail landscape in the Middle East and India. The LuLu Group, with an annual turnover of $8.4 billion, operates over 100 hypermarkets and malls globally, employing over 65,000 people, including more than 30,000 Indians.

After completing his schooling at St. Xavier's High School, Thrissur, and earning a diploma in Business Management, Yusuff Ali moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to join his uncle's business. He diversified the family venture, expanding it into food processing, wholesale distribution, and retail. In the 1990s, he launched the LuLu Hypermarket chain, revolutionizing the retail sector in the UAE.

In India, Yusuff Ali has invested significantly in infrastructure, banking, and retail. His first retail venture, the LuLu International Shopping Mall in Kochi, opened in 2013 and remains one of the largest in the country. Since then, the LuLu Group has established malls in Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Hyderabad. He has also acquired stakes in several Indian banks, including the Federal Bank and South Indian Bank.

A committed philanthropist, Yusuff Ali supports numerous charitable initiatives. He contributed ₹9.5 crores for Kerala flood relief in 2018 and pledged ₹50 million during the 2019 floods. His global CSR efforts include adopting schools in Gaza and Nepal and establishing a multi-faith funeral center in Sharjah.

Recognized as one of Forbes’ top Indian business leaders in the Arab world, Yusuff Ali was ranked 39th on Forbes India’s 100 Richest Tycoons list in 2024, with a net worth of $7.4 billion. Beyond his business success, he is deeply involved in social and economic welfare, particularly for the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, showcasing his enduring commitment to humanity and progress.

Islam Khan: Journalist, Author/Community Leader

Dr Zafar ul Islam Khan (born1948) is a prominent Indian author and journalist known for his advocacy for the Muslim community. He serves as the editor and publisher of The Milli Gazette, a fortnightly focused on issues relevant to Muslims, and is the founder and chairman of Charity Alliance, an organization dedicated to relief and welfare work in India.

Khan's educational journey began at Madrasa-tul-Islah and Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, followed by studies at Al-Azhar and Cairo University from 1966 to 1973. He earned a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Manchester in 1987. His career spans several decades, including roles with the Libyan Foreign Ministry and the London-based Muslim Institute, where he managed a news service and publications. He has authored and translated over 50 books and written articles for the Encyclopaedia of Islam.

Khan was elected president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, the umbrella body for Muslim organizations in India, for multiple terms. In July 2017, he was appointed Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, where he formed a fact-finding committee in response to the 2020 Delhi riots.

In October 2023, he released "The Glorious Quran," a translation of the holy text. However, Khan faced controversy following a Facebook post in April 2020 asserting that Muslims were subject to hate campaigns and violence. He was subsequently charged with sedition under the Indian Penal Code. The resultant petitions against him were dismissed in court. Khan's contributions and viewpoints have sparked discussions on minority rights, social justice, and the role of the Muslim community in India.

Zahir Ishaq Kazi: Community leader/ Educationist

Dr. Zahir Ishaq Kazi (born1954) is a prominent figure in education, literature, and medicine, serving as the President of Anjuman-I-Islam, the largest educational conglomerate catering to minorities in India, founded in 1874. He earned his MBBS from Goa Medical College and pursued advanced medical training in Radiology, with fellowships at prestigious institutions in the U.S. Dr. Kazi's extensive medical career includes significant roles in renowned hospitals in Mumbai and an international assignment at King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

His association with Anjuman-I-Islam spans over 30 years, where he has held various leadership positions, ultimately becoming its president for the last 15 years. Under his leadership, the organization has experienced substantial growth, introducing new institutions and programs while ensuring accreditation and financial stability. Notably, Dr. Kazi championed women's empowerment by appointing over 85% of women as heads of institutions and transforming orphanages into compliant and graded homes for women.

Dr. Kazi's impact extends beyond education into governance, where he has served on multiple committees in Maharashtra and Goa, influenced national education policy as Chair of the National Monitoring Committee of Minority Education, and held significant roles in the Government of India. He also supports various educational trusts and has served as a Senate member at the University of Mumbai.

His contributions have been recognized through numerous national and international awards, including the “Life Time Achievement Award” from the Ministry of AYUSH and the Sir Syed Excellence National Award from Aligarh Muslim University. Dr. Kazi's visionary leadership has solidified Anjuman-I-Islam's status as a leading institution at both national and international levels.

Ziya Us Salam: Journalist/ Author

Ziya Us Salam (born in 1970) is a distinguished Indian author, literary critic, journalist, and social commentator. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Salam has become a prominent voice on sociocultural issues, literature, and the challenges faced by India's Muslim community.

Born into a family with an Islamic scholarly lineage, Salam’s father, Mufti Abdul Dayem Sahab, was a renowned Islamic scholar and hadith translator. After his father’s demise in 1983, Salam, his mother, and his sister moved to Delhi, where he pursued his education. He studied at Bluebells School International and later attended a convent school. Salam’s intellectual journey continued at St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, where he earned a degree in History.

From an early age, Salam exhibited a passion for writing and journalism. By grade seven, his first article was published, and his early initiative of compiling and distributing handwritten notes foreshadowed his future career. In 1995, he officially began his journey as a journalist, working with leading publications such as The Statesman, The Times of India, and The Pioneer. Before joining The Hindu he  was  Associate Editor of Frontline 

Salam is also a prolific author. His book Till Talaq Do Us Part: Understanding Talaq, Triple Talaq and Khula (2018) received acclaim for its clarity and depth in addressing misconceptions about Islamic marital laws. In the same year, he authored Of Saffron Flags and Skullcaps: Hindutva, Muslim Identity and the Idea of India, critically exploring discrimination against Muslims in India.

Salam's latest book Being Muslim in Hindu India   is painstakingly researched, that  talks of the constant 'othering' of Muslims, using tactics of both peace and violence.