2 Singaporeans named in book on 500 most influential Muslims
Former Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed was listed in the book, The Muslim 500, as being a prominent political figure in Singapore. (Photo: Safhras Khan / Yahoo Newsroom)
Two prominent Singaporeans have made it into a book listing the world’s 500 most influential Muslims.
Habib Hassan al-Attas, imam of Ba’alwie Mosque, and Zainul Abidin Rasheed, former Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, were named in the 2017 edition of The Muslim 500, which features Muslims from around the world, ranging from politicians and social activists to musicians.
Other prominent names in this year’s list include Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud, Singapore-based Taiwanese scientist Jacki Yi-Ru Ying and Muhammad Ali, the late boxing champion.
The book, started in 2009 and published by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan, is produced together with the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding.
Influential figures
Habib Hassan, who is listed as a preacher and spiritual guide, is known for his role in promoting racial and religious harmony in Singapore. This is the first time that he has been featured in the book.
Meanwhile, Zainul is listed as one of Singapore’s prominent political figures. This is the second consecutive time that the former Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC has been featured in the book.
Past editions of the book have included two other Singaporeans: current Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and master potter Iskandar Jalil.
When contacted on Thursday (27 October), Zainul told Yahoo Singapore that he was unaware that he had made it to the list for the second time.
“I would like to see more Singaporean Muslims featured in the book. I think I was featured because of my work in promoting and sharing racial harmony at the community level.
“I am happy that Habib Hassan is also featured. He is a leading figure in promoting religious harmony in Singapore,” he said.
Muslim community leaders in Singapore reacted positively to the news with Free Food For All (FFFA) founder Nizar Mohd Shariff saying that thanks to the likes of Habib Hassan, more people have been made aware of the inclusive nature Muslims should employ and to put humanity before religiosity.
“This is a vital concept that needs to be promoted in such times. I, for one, would like to shake his hand and personally thank him for the wonderful work he has done,” he added.
Ridjal Noor, board director for the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SMCCI), said that Zainul has contributed tremendously to the Malay-Muslim Business community in the multiple roles he plays, including as an advisor to SMCCI.
“His influence cuts across many domains, both local for his leadership he lends to businesses as well as in the international arena, leading the way for exploration into Muslim countries in his work as Ambassador to the State of Kuwait and the Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Middle East.
“Even in such an influential position, he is ever so approachable,” said Ridjal.
