Top 10 Famous Islamic Scholars of 2025: Influential Leaders and Thinkers

Islamic scholars play a crucial role in shaping the thoughts and understanding of millions of Muslims worldwide. They contribute through their deep knowledge, strong leadership, and community outreach. Here’s a look at the top 10 most influential and well-known Islamic scholars in 2025.

These scholars are shaping Islamic thought and guiding the next generation through their teachings and activism. Their work bridges cultural gaps and provides a deeper understanding of Islamic principles.

Profiles of the Top 10 Most Influential Islamic Scholars of 2025

Hamza Yusuf

Born Mark Hanson in 1960 in Walla Walla, Washington, Hamza Yusuf converted to Islam in 1977. He co-founded Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California, the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the United States. Yusuf is known for his scholarly works on Islamic jurisprudence and theology, as well as his efforts to promote peace and understanding between diverse communities.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Hamza Yusuf Hanson
Birth Year	1960
Place of Birth	Walla Walla, Washington, USA
Religion	Islam
Conversion to Islam	1977
Education	Islamic Studies in the Middle East
Notable Position	Co-Founder of Zaytuna College, California
Specialization	Islamic Theology, Jurisprudence, and Ethics
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“The Purification of the Heart,” “Agenda to Change Our Condition”
Key Contributions	Promoting classical Islamic teachings in Western society

Yasir Qadhi

Yasir Qadhi, born in Houston, Texas in 1975, is a well-known Islamic scholar and dean of academic affairs at the Islamic Seminary of America. He earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Yale University. Qadhi is respected for his deep understanding of Islamic theology and history, and he has authored several books on Islam.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Yasir Qadhi
Birth Year	1975
Place of Birth	Houston, Texas, USA
Religion	Islam
Education	Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Yale University
Current Position	Dean of Academic Affairs at the Islamic Seminary of America
Specialization	Islamic Theology, History, and Creed
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“Introduction to the Sciences of the Quran,” “Fundamentals of Hadith Studies”
Key Contributions	Bridging traditional Islamic knowledge with modern issues

Nouman Ali Khan

Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and founder of the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies. Born in 1978 in Germany, he moved to the U.S. during his teens. Khan is celebrated for his approachable and dynamic teachings of the Quran, which have reached a global audience through online platforms.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Nouman Ali Khan
Birth Year	1978
Place of Birth	Berlin, Germany
Religion	Islam
Education	Arabic and Quranic Studies
Current Position	Founder and CEO of Bayyinah Institute
Specialization	Quranic Interpretation, Arabic Language
Languages Spoken	English, Urdu, Arabic
Books Written	“Revive Your Heart,” “Divine Speech”
Key Contributions	Making Quranic teachings accessible to English-speaking audiences

Tariq Ramadan

Born in 1962 in Geneva, Switzerland, Tariq Ramadan is the grandson of Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood. He is a prominent academic and philosopher with a focus on Islamic studies and the integration of Muslims in Western societies. Ramadan has faced controversies but remains influential in academic and Islamic circles.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Tariq Ramadan
Birth Year	1962
Place of Birth	Geneva, Switzerland
Religion	Islam
Education	Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the University of Geneva
Current Position	Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies
Specialization	Islamic Ethics, Interfaith Dialogue, and Philosophy
Languages Spoken	English, French, Arabic
Books Written	“Western Muslims and the Future of Islam,” “In the Footsteps of the Prophet”
Key Contributions	Promoting integration of Islam in the West and advocating social justice

Omar Suleiman

Omar Suleiman is an American Muslim scholar, civil rights leader, and founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. Born in 1986 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he is renowned for his advocacy work, especially in areas of social justice, human rights, and interfaith dialogue.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Omar Suleiman
Birth Year	1986
Place of Birth	New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Religion	Islam
Education	Master’s in Islamic Studies, Political Science, and Middle Eastern Studies
Current Position	Founder and President of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
Specialization	Islamic Ethics, Social Justice, and Interfaith Dialogue
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“Allah Loves,” “Prayers of the Pious”
Key Contributions	Advocacy for civil rights, social justice, and countering Islamophobia

Suhaib Webb

Suhaib Webb, from Oklahoma, USA, is an Islamic scholar known for his progressive approach to Islam. Born William Webb in 1972, he converted to Islam in 1992. Webb has been actively involved in youth outreach and interfaith dialogue, using social media as a platform to engage a wider audience.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Suhaib Webb
Birth Year	1972
Place of Birth	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Religion	Islam
Conversion to Islam	1992
Education	Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt (Islamic Law)
Current Position	Founder of SWISS (Suhaib Webb Institute of Sacred Sciences)
Specialization	Islamic Law, Youth Counseling, and Community Engagement
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“Essentials of Islamic Faith”
Key Contributions	Promoting a balanced approach to Islam and engaging youth through modern platforms

Zaid Shakir

Born in Berkeley, California in 1956, Zaid Shakir converted to Islam in 1977. He co-founded Zaytuna College with Hamza Yusuf. Shakir is known for his teachings on Islamic spirituality and ethics, and he is a frequent speaker at major Muslim conventions and interfaith events.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Zaid Shakir
Birth Year	1956
Place of Birth	Berkeley, California, USA
Religion	Islam
Conversion to Islam	1977
Education	Master’s in Political Science from Rutgers University; Islamic Studies in Syria and Morocco
Current Position	Co-Founder and Senior Faculty at Zaytuna College
Specialization	Islamic Spirituality, Social Justice, and Ethics
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“Scattered Pictures,” “Treatise for the Seekers of Guidance”
Key Contributions	Leading Islamic education initiatives and bridging the gap between Islamic traditions and contemporary issues

Abdal Hakim Murad (Tim Winter)

Born in 1960 in London, Tim Winter, also known as Abdal Hakim Murad, is a British Islamic scholar at the University of Cambridge. He has written extensively on the interaction between Islam and the secular West and is a leading figure in English-speaking Islamic scholarship.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Abdal Hakim Murad (Timothy John Winter)
Birth Year	1960
Place of Birth	London, England
Religion	Islam
Conversion to Islam	1979
Education	University of Cambridge, Al-Azhar University (Cairo, Egypt)
Current Position	Dean of the Cambridge Muslim College
Specialization	Islamic Theology, Sufism, and Western-Muslim Relations
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“Travelling Home,” “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology”
Key Contributions	Leading figure in modern Islamic thought and bridging Islamic tradition with Western academic perspectives

Mohamed Magid

Born in Sudan in 1965, Mohamed Magid came to the U.S. in the 1980s. He served as the president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and is the Imam of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center in Virginia. Magid is an advocate for community development and interfaith cooperation.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Mohamed Hagmagid Ali
Birth Year	1965
Place of Birth	Sudan
Religion	Islam
Education	Islamic Studies in Sudan; Leadership Programs in the USA
Current Position	Imam and Executive Director of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center
Specialization	Community Development, Interfaith Dialogue, and Social Justice
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“Before You Tie the Knot,” “Reflections on the Qur’an”
Key Contributions	Advocacy for religious freedom, community building, and fostering interfaith understanding

Bilal Philips

Born in Jamaica in 1947 and raised in Canada, Bilal Philips converted to Islam in 1972. He founded the Islamic Online University, an online institution offering accredited Islamic education. Philips is known for his conservative views and has been a controversial figure in discussions about Islam in the West.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Birth Year	1947
Place of Birth	Kingston, Jamaica
Religion	Islam
Conversion to Islam	1972
Education	Master’s Degree in Islamic Theology from King Saud University; Ph.D. in Islamic Theology from the University of Wales
Current Position	Founder and Chancellor of Islamic Online University (IOU)
Specialization	Islamic Theology, Comparative Religion, and Education
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Books Written	“The Fundamentals of Tawheed,” “Evolution of Fiqh”
Key Contributions	Establishing accessible online Islamic education for students globally

Final Thoughts

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The impact of these top 10 Islamic scholars extends beyond religious teachings. They are educators, leaders, and advocates for positive change. Each has a unique approach, making Islamic knowledge accessible and relatable.

Their influence inspires millions and bridges cultural divides, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and unity. As they continue to engage with contemporary issues, their role in shaping Islamic discourse will remain vital for generations to come. Stay tuned for more inspiring voices in the Islamic world.