Michael Hart's book "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History" attempts to rank historical figures based on their impact on human civilization, and places Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at the very top. (1) Unparalleled religious influence: founder of Islam, one of the world's major religions with over a billion followers; the Qur'an revealed to him guides Muslims globally.
(2) Social and political leadership: unlike many religious founders, he was also a statesman who united the fragmented, often warring tribes of Arabia into a cohesive and just society based on justice, consultation (shura) and welfare. (3) Cultural and legal legacy: the Shariah, derived from his sayings and the Qur'an, shaped legal systems in many countries; his emphasis on education, charity, family values and human rights contributed to a rich cultural heritage.
(4) Enduring global impact: Islam spread beyond Arabia to Africa, Asia and Europe, shaping diverse peoples. (5) Transformational leadership: he combined spiritual guidance with practical leadership - moral exemplar, military strategist, lawgiver and community builder - effecting profound and lasting change. His influence, spanning over 1,400 years, sets him apart as a singular figure in human history. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our noble Prophet.
