Jakarta, UIN Online - Three UIN professors are entered as the 500 most influential Muslim figures in the world. They are the Professor of Islamic political thought Prof Dr Din Syamsuddin, Professor of history Prof Dr Azyumardi Azra, and Professor of exegesis Prof Dr Nasaruddin Umar. The information was acquired from the book entitled The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World, published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in Jordan, Thursday (19/11).

In this 222-page book, Din Syamsuddin was ranked 35^th of the top 50 most influential men. Other figures in Indonesia that was included in the top 50 list are the Chairman of the Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Hasyim Muzadi (18) and the famous preacher KH Abdullah Gymnastiar (48). Din who also served as General Chairman of Muhammadiyah Central Board was mentioned as a figure that brings Muhammadiyah to a more conservative route by asserting ijtihad and hadith. He also referred to as a reformist figure.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Graduate School UIN Jakarta Prof Dr Azyumardi Azra, was mentioned as an academic leader who has published numerous books and articles. He also referred to as the Indonesian scholar who has taught at various universities in the world. In addition, Azra is regarded as informal Indonesian diplomat who delivered the experience of Islam and democracy in Indonesia in various conferences worldwide.

Meanwhile, Prof Dr Umar Nasaruddin entered the ranks of Muslim leaders who work in the field of administration. This former Vice Rector of Student Affairs was elected as Director General of the Islamic Guidance Ministry of Religious Affairs. In addition, Nasaruddin is also mentioned as Rector of College Sciences of the Qur'an (PTIQ).

Some other Indonesian leaders who are considered as the 500 most influential Muslim figures are Tutty Alawiyah, Syafii Anwar, Haidar Bagir, Syafii Maarif, Siti Musdah Mulia, Luly Zakiyah Munir, Helvy Tiana Rosa, Hajjah Maria Ulfah, KH Abdurrahman Wahid, and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono .

The 500 figures book which is edited by Prof John Esposito and Prof Ibrahim Kalin is divided in 15 categories. Among them are clerics, political, administrative, preachers, women, philanthropy, science and technology. Publishing a book this year is the first and is scheduled to become an annual event. The book is expected to provide valuable insight about various ways how Islam influence the world. (Irma/hanifuddin)