It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that Muslim Mirror announces the second edition of “The 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2025,” in collaboration with the Minorities Media Foundation. Building on the extraordinary impact of last year’s initiative, this list is not merely a celebration—it is a necessary intervention in the national discourse.

The inaugural 2024 edition of “The 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims” witnessed an unprecedented response, drawing over one million readers within a single week and receiving wide coverage across digital and social media platforms. Several individuals featured in the list were subsequently documented on Wikipedia, reflecting the project’s credibility, authenticity, and lasting public relevance. More importantly, the initiative succeeded in reclaiming narratives by foregrounding achievement, service, and leadership at a time when Indian Muslims are often misrepresented or rendered invisible.

This annual exercise is an assertion of presence. It documents the indispensable contributions of Indian Muslims across education, healthcare, law, journalism, entrepreneurship, social reform, arts, sports, and grassroots activism. In an increasingly polarized environment, recognizing such influence is both an act of truth-telling and a reaffirmation of constitutional values, pluralism, and social justice.

The 2025 edition consciously amplifies young changemakers and emerging leaders who are shaping India’s future through innovation, courage, and community engagement. At the same time, it honors veteran voices and institution-builders whose decades of service laid the foundations upon which today’s generation stands—figures whose contributions deserve greater public recognition.

We are fully aware that influence cannot be confined to a finite list. While it is impossible to include every deserving name, our editorial team has undertaken a rigorous and transparent process to identify individuals whose work has measurably and positively impacted society.

This list is not the final word—it is an ongoing conversation. We invite our readers, scholars, activists, and community members to propose names that merit recognition. Your engagement strengthens this initiative and ensures that future editions continue to reflect the depth, diversity, and dynamism of Indian Muslim life.

Syed Zubair Ahmad

Founding Editor Muslim Mirror