Jakarta, NU Online

General Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Said Aqil Siroj (Kiai Said) is again listed in The Top 50 ranks of the world's most influential figures according to The Muslim 500: The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims 2022. Kiai Said Aqil is in 19th place. One level above the Grand Mufti of Egypt, HE Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa.

 

This is not the first time Kiai Said named as the world's most influential Muslim figure. In previous years, he also ranked  ranked in the top 20 of the list.

 

Since 2010, Kiai Said Aqil has always been in the top 20 most influential Muslims in the world. In 2010 and 2012, Said Aqil was in 19th place. Then in 2011, 2014, and 2015, he was ranked in 17th place. In 2013 and 2014 became his highest rank of 15th.

 

Meanwhile, in 2016, Kiai Said was ranked 18th. While in 2017, Kiai Said was in 20th place. Kiai Said was outside the top 20 in 2018, where he was in 22nd place.

 

Several other national figures who received the same award were the President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Ir Joko Widodo in 13th place, and Ra'is 'Aam Jam'iyah Ahlu Tariqah al Mu'tabarah an-Nahdiyah (JATMAN) Habib Luthfi bin Yahya in 32nd place.

 

Many think that the coronation of the PBNU General Chairman also proves that the world needs a friendly, inclusive, and peaceful Islam having long practiced by the country's largest Muslim organization so far.

 

Kiai Said is referred to as a figure who has great attention to issues of moderation and human rights. He is considered a person who has contributed to protecting minority groups in Indonesia. Kiai Said was also appreciated for his understanding in the field of Islamic scholarship as a means of building civilization.

 

The Muslim 500: The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims is an annual survey conducted by the Jordanian Islamic Kingdom's Strategic Learning Center based in Amman. This ranking has been held for the 9th time with award recipients including state leaders, religious leaders, political, social, cultural figures, academic, businessmen, scientists, artists, and athletes.

 

Contributor: Syifa Arrahmah
 

Editor: Sudarto Murtaufiq