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.

Khalid Saifullah Rahmani: Islamic Scholar, Academic  

Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani (born in 1956) is a prominent Islamic scholar, jurist, and author known for his profound contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and thought. Born on July 15, 1956, in Phulwari Sharif, Bihar, India, Maulana Rahmani hails from a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship. He is a descendant of the renowned Sufi saint, Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri, which significantly influenced his early upbringing and spiritual outlook.

Maulana Rahmani pursued his Islamic education at Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most prestigious Islamic seminaries in the world. There, he excelled in his studies, specializing in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Arabic literature. His intellectual rigor and deep understanding of Islamic law soon distinguished him as a scholar of repute.

Throughout his career, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani has held several key positions in the Islamic scholarly community. He is the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), an influential body that addresses issues related to Muslim personal laws in India. In this role, he has been at the forefront of advocating for the protection of Muslim personal law and has played a critical role in engaging with contemporary legal and social challenges facing the Muslim community in India.

Maulana Rahmani is also the founder and rector of Al-Mahad Al-Ali Al-Islami, a higher Islamic educational institution that aims to produce scholars equipped to address modern challenges within an Islamic framework. He has authored numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics, including Islamic jurisprudence, social issues, and contemporary challenges faced by Muslims.

His writings, lectures, and legal opinions (fatwas) are highly regarded for their clarity, depth, and relevance to modern contexts. Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani continues to be a guiding light for scholars, students, and the Muslim community at large, contributing to the preservation and development of Islamic thought in the contemporary world.

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.

Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz:  Islamic Scholar/ Academic

Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, an eminent academic and administrator, is widely recognized for his contributions to education and science communication. He served as the Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) from 2015 to 2020, where he played a pivotal role in promoting Urdu education and integrating modern scientific thought into traditional learning systems.

Born in 1954 in Delhi, Dr. Parvaiz pursued his early education in science and later specialized in plant physiology, earning a Ph.D. from Aligarh Muslim University. His academic journey reflects a rare blend of scientific expertise and deep engagement with Urdu, a language he passionately advocates for as a medium of modern education.

Dr. Parvaiz’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of MANUU was marked by significant reforms aimed at expanding access to quality education, particularly for marginalized communities. He emphasized the need for skill-based training and introduced several programs to enhance students’ employability. Under his leadership, MANUU saw increased collaborations with other institutions and a notable expansion of its academic infrastructure.

Beyond his administrative roles, Dr. Parvaiz is a prolific writer and speaker. He has authored numerous books and articles, many of which focus on the relationship between Islam and science. His notable works include Islam and Science: Religious Orthodoxy and the Battle for Rationality, which addresses the compatibility of faith and scientific inquiry.

Dr. Parvaiz has been a strong advocate for scientific temper and the need to dispel misconceptions about science in religious contexts. Through his initiatives, such as workshops and public lectures, he has inspired a generation of students and educators to think critically and embrace a holistic approach to knowledge.

Respected for his vision and dedication, Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz remains a significant figure in academia and public discourse, bridging traditional and modern educational paradigms.

Obaidullah Khan Azmi:Politician, Islamic Scholar 

Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi is an Indian politician and Islamic scholar and vice president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board. On March 13, 2023, he joined the Janata Dal (Secular). Azmi served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, from 1990 to 2008. He represented Uttar Pradesh from 1990 to 1996 and Jharkhand from 1996 to 2002, as a member of the Janata Dal. During 1992–1996, he held the position of General Secretary of the Janata Dal and later became its Senior Vice-President. From 2002 to 2008, he represented Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha as a member of the Indian National Congress.

A founding member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) since its establishment in 1973, Azmi later parted ways to co-found the All India Muslim Personal Law Conference (AIMPLC) with Arshadul Qadri in 1986. However, the AIMPLC was short-lived, and Azmi eventually rejoined AIMPLB as a board member.

Azmi gained national prominence through his fiery speeches opposing the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Shah Bano case. His speeches, recorded and widely distributed as audio cassettes, made him a sought-after orator at anti-Shah Bano case gatherings, particularly in Mumbai. However, his speeches were deemed inflammatory by the Mumbai police, leading to a case being filed against him and his expulsion from the city.

Obaidullah Khan Azmi remains a significant figure in Indian politics and Islamic scholarship, known for his vocal advocacy on issues concerning Muslim personal laws and his active participation in socio-religious discourse.

Rashid Shaz: Islamic Scholar, Intellectual and Academic

Rashid Shaz (born 1963) is a distinguished Indian Islamic scholar, author, and professor at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), known for his profound contributions to Islamic philosophy, interfaith dialogue, and contemporary Muslim thought. As an ISESCO Ambassador for Dialogue among Civilizations, he has dedicated his career to fostering mutual understanding and addressing the challenges faced by the global Muslim community.

Shaaz’s literary works reflect his innovative approach to Islamic scholarship, focusing on the revival of Muslim intellectual traditions and the intersection of faith and modernity. His acclaimed books, including Idrak Zawal-e-Ummat, Lastam Pokh, Kitabul Urooj, and Manifesto of United Islam, delve into the challenges and prospects of Islamic civilization in a rapidly changing world. His pivotal 2008 document, Calling for a New Dialogue between Islam and Christianity, released in Monaco, underscores his commitment to interfaith harmony.

In 1992, during the Oslo Peace Accord discussions, Shaaz embarked on a peace mission to London and Washington, advocating for Muslim sentiments on Jerusalem. Two years later, he launched the Milli Times International, a weekly newspaper from New Delhi, which ran until 2001, providing a platform for critical issues affecting Muslims globally.

Shaaz’s activism extends to bridging intellectual gaps. His work on shibh-Ahle-Kitab builds on the legacies of Al-Bairuni and Shahrastani, motivating enlightened Abrahamic intellectuals through platforms like FutureIslam.com.

Beyond his global engagements, Professor Shaz has remained a vocal critic of social injustices, including his condemnation of Aligarh’s silence on lynching incidents in India. He advocates for reform within the Muslim world, urging introspection and the revival of the progressive ethos of early Islamic civilization.

A mentor, thought leader, and reformist, Rashid Shaz’s legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to knowledge, justice, and the harmonious coexistence of humanity.

Syed Salman Husaini Nadwi: Islamic scholar

Salman Husaini Nadwi (born 1952) is a renowned Indian scholar and professor specializing in Islamic sciences. He has authored numerous scholarly works in Arabic and Urdu and has served as the Dean of the Faculty of Dawah at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, a prominent Islamic seminary in Lucknow. In addition to his academic contributions, Nadwi holds various leadership roles, including Chairman of the Dr. Abdul Ali Unani Medical College and Hospital, Chancellor of Darul Uloom Syed Ahmad Shaheed in Katoli, and President of Jamiat Shabaab ul Islam. He is also a founding member of several medical, IT, and engineering colleges across India. Furthermore, he edits and co-edits 13 periodicals in multiple languages, including English, Urdu, Persian, and Arabic.

Born in 1954 in Lucknow, Salman Nadwi traces his lineage to Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. His mother was the niece of Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi, a prominent Islamic scholar who greatly influenced him. Salman Nadwi began his education at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, where he memorized the Qur’an and pursued Islamic studies. He completed his master's degree in Hadith at Nadwa in 1976, later advancing his studies at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University under the mentorship of prominent scholars like Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah.

Nadwi’s career includes founding the Jam’iat Shabaab al-Islam, now one of India’s most active Islamic organizations, and contributing to the establishment of Madrasat al-Imam Ahmad ibn Irfan al-Shahid al-Islamiyyah. However, his proposal in 2014 to the Saudi government for raising a 500,000-strong Sunni militia stirred controversy, as it called for global Islamic military collaboration.

A prolific author and educator, Nadwi remains a significant figure in Islamic scholarship and community leadership.