Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi: Religious Leader/Spiritual Leader

Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi ((born 1965) is an Indian Muslim preacher, leading the Nizamuddin Markaz faction of the Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic revival movement. He is the great-grandson of Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi, the founder of the Tablighi Jamaat, and the grandson of former leader Muhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi. Saad Kandhlawi was born in Kandhla, Shamli District, Uttar Pradesh, and completed his Islamic studies (Dars-e-Nizami) at Madrasa Kashiful Uloom, Nizamuddin Markaz, in Delhi in 1987.

After the death of Tablighi Jamaat’s former chief, Inamul Hasan Kandhlawi, a shura (council) was formed to elect a new leader. Though the council failed to appoint a single leader, Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi eventually emerged as the head of the movement, particularly after the passing of the other shura members. He was officially recognized as the leader of the Tablighi Jamaat during the All India Jod and the Tongi Ijtema in 2017.

Despite his leadership, Saad Kandhlawi's tenure has not been without controversy. Some of his statements have prompted fatwas from Deobandi scholars. South African scholar Mufti Ebrahim Desai issued a fatwa against him, as did India’s Darul Uloom Deoband, raising concerns about his leadership. Zaid Mazahiri of Nadwatul Ulama also penned treatises on the internal disputes within the Tablighi Jamaat. However, British scholar Yusuf Motala defended Kandhlawi.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saad faced further scrutiny when a religious event organized at the Nizamuddin Markaz resulted in a COVID-19 outbreak. This led to an FIR against him. In 2021, the Delhi High Court ordered the police to open his house following its closure.

Saad was also criticized when media reports exposed his ownership of a luxurious farmhouse, contrasting with the simple lifestyle he promotes to his followers. Despite these revelations, his family defended him, stating he rarely visited the property.

Sabah Qadri: Activist/Social Worker

At the heart of Help Hyderabad’s remarkable journey is Sabah Quadri, the treasurer of the organization and a driving force behind its success. A graduate in English Literature from St. Francis College, Secunderabad, Sabah is often described as the “de facto life support system” of the NGO. Her leadership and unwavering dedication have helped shape the organization’s mission and expand its impact across diverse communities.

Since its establishment in 2001, Help Hyderabad has been committed to addressing a wide range of social and humanitarian issues. The organization’s efforts include pivotal involvement in Rohingya relief, where it provided essential support in the form of shelter, food, and healthcare to displaced communities.

Healthcare is a cornerstone of Help Hyderabad’s work, with the NGO operating three medical clinics in Hyderabad that collectively treated over200000 patients to date. These clinics provide critical care to underprivileged individuals who lack access to quality medical services.

The organization also emphasizes fostering peace and unity through interfaith harmony meetings, bringing together individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to promote understanding, mutual respect, and coexistence.

Help Hyderabad’s impact extends beyond India’s borders. It demonstrated its commitment to global humanitarian efforts by delivering aid during the Turkey earthquake, assisting communities in distress.

Closer to home, the NGO runs widow pension programs, ensuring financial stability for women facing economic hardships. It also invests in education by offering student scholarships, empowering young minds to pursue their academic aspirations and build brighter futures.

Additionally, Help Hyderabad has been at the forefront of disaster relief programs in India, responding swiftly to natural calamities with food, medical aid, and rehabilitation support to affected regions.

Under the guidance of dedicated individuals like Sabah Quadri and its committed team, Help Hyderabad continues to transform lives, foster unity, inspire hope, and create a better future for countless individuals and communities.

Syed Sadatullah Husaini: Islamic Scholar/ Community Leader

Syed Sadatullah Husaini (born in 1973) is a prominent Indian leader serving as the President (Amir) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) and Vice President of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Formerly, he led the Students' Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) as National President for two consecutive terms (1999–2003) and directed JIH’s Study and Research Department. He regularly contributes columns to major publications, addressing socio-political and contemporary issues.

Husaini graduated in electronics and telecommunication engineering from Nanded, Maharashtra. As a student, he was deeply involved with SIO and later became the youngest member of JIH’s Central Advisory Council (Markazi Majlis-e-Shura). Over the years, he has participated in various social and academic organizations across India.

Husaini critiques modern globalization for perpetuating economic and cultural inequality, advocating instead for Islam’s emphasis on universal brotherhood. On feminism, he highlights shortcomings in both traditional Muslim societies and the West, urging a balanced approach that preserves women's dignity and rights as prescribed by Islam.

In Indian Muslim politics, Husaini calls for constructive dialogue with the majority community, promoting nation-building while rejecting divisive narratives. His critique of postmodernism centers on its contradictions, asserting that Islam provides a balanced framework of absolute divine truths and relative human understanding.

Husaini has also voiced concerns over the Right to Education Act (RTE), arguing that it undermines the constitutional rights of minorities, particularly affecting their ability to manage religious educational institutions.

Through his intellectual contributions and leadership, Husaini plays a vital role in fostering social harmony and addressing contemporary challenges while upholding Islamic values.

Saeed Naqvi:  Journalist, Author and Commentator

Saeed Naqvi is a distinguished Indian journalist, television commentator, and interviewer, known for his extensive work in journalism over several decades. He began his career as a staff reporter with The Statesman in 1964 before moving on to become editor of the Sunday Magazine. He gained international recognition for his reporting during The Beatles' visit to India, capturing insights from their stay at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh.

Throughout his career, Naqvi has interviewed numerous global leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, and Gorbachev, and has served as the editor of World Report, focusing on foreign affairs. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. He played a key role in producing television content, notably for Doordarshan and Star TV, and was pivotal in creating programs that highlighted international affairs and India's diverse culture.

As an author, Naqvi's most recent work, titled "The Muslim Vanishes," explores themes of identity and societal issues, sparking discussion among scholars. He has participated in various prestigious lecture events, such as a TEDx Talk at Jamia Millia Islamia and has delivered talks at institutions like Columbia University.

Born and raised in Lucknow, Naqvi has a strong educational background, having attended La Martinière College. He is married to Aruna Naqvi and has three daughters, including journalist Saba Naqvi and writer Farah Naqvi. Over the years, Saeed Naqvi has established himself as a crucial voice in Indian journalism and remains influential in discussions about social and political issues in India and beyond.

Salman Azhari: Islamic Scholar and Orator

Salman Azhari, a distinguished Islamic scholar and orator, is renowned for his profound knowledge, eloquent speeches, and dedication to the propagation of Islamic teachings. Born into a family with deep-rooted Islamic scholarship, he hails from the lineage of respected ulema and has carried forward this legacy with remarkable dedication.

Mufti Salman completed his early Islamic education in India before advancing his studies at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his degree in Islamic Jurisprudence and Theology. Al-Azhar, a beacon of Islamic learning for over a millennium, honed his understanding of traditional Islamic sciences, equipping him to address contemporary issues with a balanced and informed perspective.

A multilingual scholar fluent in Arabic, Urdu, and English, Mufti Salman Azhari has reached diverse audiences worldwide. His sermons and lectures often focus on fostering unity, interfaith harmony, and adherence to the core values of Islam, such as compassion, justice, and service to humanity. He is particularly known for his ability to explain complex theological concepts in a relatable and accessible manner, making him a beloved figure among both scholars and laypersons.

Mufti Salman has traveled extensively, delivering lectures and attending conferences across countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. His contributions extend beyond the pulpit; he actively engages in social welfare initiatives, emphasizing education and empowerment as tools for uplifting communities.

A staunch advocate for peace and coexistence, Mufti Salman Azhari continues to inspire countless individuals with his scholarship, humility, and unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Islam as a religion of peace and universal brotherhood.

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.

Salman Khan is one of the most prominent and influential actors in the Indian film industry. Born on December 27, 1965, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, he is the eldest son of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan. With a career spanning over three decades, Salman has established himself as a leading figure in Bollywood, known for his charismatic screen presence, mass appeal, and philanthropic work.

Salman made his acting debut in a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), but it was his breakthrough role in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) that catapulted him to stardom. Over the years, he has delivered numerous blockbusters, including Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Karan Arjun, Wanted, Dabangg, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Sultan. Known for his action-packed roles and signature dance moves, Salman enjoys a massive fan following across India and internationally.

In addition to acting, Salman is a successful film producer under his banner Salman Khan Films. He has also hosted several seasons of the popular television reality show Bigg Boss, further solidifying his position as a household name.

Beyond cinema, Salman Khan is widely recognized for his humanitarian efforts. In 2007, he founded the charitable organization Being Human, which supports education and healthcare initiatives for the underprivileged.

Despite facing several legal controversies throughout his career, Salman’s popularity has remained largely unaffected. He continues to be a dominant force in Bollywood, known for his generosity, larger-than-life image, and strong box-office draw.

With a blend of stardom, resilience, and social impact, Salman Khan remains an enduring icon in Indian cinema, influencing generations of actors and audiences alike. His contribution to entertainment and charity makes him one of the most complex and fascinating figures in contemporary Bollywood.

Salman Khurshid Alam Khan (politician)

Salman Khurshid Alam Khan (born 1 January 1953) is an Indian politician, senior advocate, author, and law teacher. A member of the Indian National Congress, he served as the Cabinet Minister for External Affairs. Khurshid has represented Farrukhabad in the Lok Sabha, first from 1991–1996 and later in 2009. His political career began in 1981 as an Officer on Special Duty in the Prime Minister’s Office under Indira Gandhi. He later held roles as Deputy Minister of Commerce and Minister of State for External Affairs.

Born to Khurshed Alam Khan, a former Union Minister, and the grandson of Zakir Husain, India’s third President, Khurshid has Pathan ancestry linked to the Afridi and Kheshgi tribes. He was educated at St. Xavier’s High School, Delhi Public School, and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He earned his M.A. and Bachelor of Civil Law from St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, and taught law at Trinity College, Oxford.

Khurshid has held significant political roles, including President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee and Delhi Public School Society. He was instrumental in managing portfolios for Minority Affairs, Corporate Affairs, and Law and Justice during his tenure as a Union Minister. Despite losing elections in 2014 and 2019, his political influence remains notable.

As a writer, Khurshid has authored the play Sons of Babur and books like Sunrise over Ayodhya, which sparked controversy for its critique of Hindutva, leading to his house being vandalized. He has also edited The Contemporary Conservative: Selected Writings of Dhiren Bhagat.

Khurshid and his wife Louise run the Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, which faced allegations of financial mismanagement in 2012. Although they denied the charges, the controversy, dubbed "Operation Dhritrashtra," led to extensive investigations and public scrutiny. Despite challenges, Khurshid continues to be a prominent voice in Indian politics and intellectual circles.

Sania Mirza: Sports Person

Sania Mirza is a former Indian professional tennis player who made history with her impressive career. Born on November 15, 1986, Mirza rose to become a doubles world No. 1, winning six major titles in women's and mixed doubles.

Throughout her career, Mirza established herself as one of India's most renowned, highest-paid, and influential athletes. She achieved numerous milestones, including being the highest-ranked Indian female player ever, peaking at world No. 27 in 2007.

Mirza's impressive singles career included wins over notable players like Svetlana Kuznetsova, Vera Zvonareva, and Marion Bartoli. However, a major wrist injury led her to shift her focus to doubles, where she achieved immense success.

Mirza's numerous accolades include being crowned the WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2005 and the Doubles Team of the Year in 2015, alongside Martina Hingis. She was also named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.

After retiring from professional tennis in February 2023, Mirza left behind a legacy as one of India's greatest tennis players. Her achievements have inspired a generation of young athletes, and her influence extends beyond the tennis court, making her a true icon in Indian sports.

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.