The Muslim 100

In trying to propagate Islam, he and his followers were persecuted by other Meccans. The Muslims then migrated to Medina, where he established the Constitution of Medina, with 300 ill-equipped and unprepared Muslims they defeated 1,000 well-equipped Meccans at the Battle of Badr, and later signed the peace Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. He eventually led the Muslims back to Mecca before his Farewell Pilgrimage and death.

He turned Medina into a civil society, united the Arabian tribes and transformed the Arabian Peninsula into a centre of learning, culture, commerce and civilisation. He is arguably the most influential person in history, as 1,400 years after his death, his message and teaching continues to influence mankind. He is regarded by 1.62 billion Muslims as a prophet of God and the last messenger.

Reforms during his era as Caliph (634–644) include developing an Islamic democracy, established a rule of law, and ensured equality of freedom and freedom of expression. He also devised the Islamic calendar. He transformed the Islamic state into a powerful empire consisting of the whole of Arabia during the conquests in; Syria, Armenia and Egypt, and significant parts of Persia and the Byzantine Empire.

He was appointed the fourth Caliph of Islam by the Sahaba (companions of Muhammad) and is considered the first Imam of Shia Islam. As Caliph (656–661) he worked with different groups to maintain Islamic unity and solidarity, and avoided wars in the Islamic state.

He succeeded Muhammad and became the first Caliph of Islam (632–634). He ruled with a democratic administration with a stance against political rebellion and social unrest. He compiled the Qur'an in the form of one book. Leading Sufi tariqas such as Naqshbandi trace their spiritual affiliation back to Muhammad through him.

He was elected as the third Caliph of the Muslim Empire (644–656). He reformed and strengthened administrative base, and political structure of the Islamic dominion. He led military campaigns including the Muslim army conquering territories including Cyprus, Persia and Armenia. He also defended Alexandria against Byzantine Emperor Constantine's attack. He codified and standardised the Qur'an. His attempts to appease Abdullah ibn Saba' and his followers led to his assassination.

She contributed to the development of Islamic thought and culture especially in relation to Muhammad's personal and private life. She was an expert in Fiqh (jurisprudence), Tafsir (Qur'anic scholarship) and Hadith (prophetic tradition). She memorised over 2,000 ahadith of Muhammad and taught males and females.

She was the first person to embrace Islam, Muhammad's greatest supporter and his foremost benefactor. She spent her wealth and dedicated her energy for the cause of Islam. Her reputation, status in Mecca and commercial influence meant the Makkan oligarchy did not compromise the safety and security of Muhammad.

He led 3,000 Muslims to victory over a 50,000 Byzantine army in the Battle of Yarmouk. He led an under strength Muslim army to victory over the Persian Army in the conquest of Persia. He also played a pivotal role in ending the subversive activities of the claimants of prophethood (Musaylimah, Tulayha and Sajah), who caused mischief in Arabia.

He disagreed with Yazid ibn Muawiyah as ruler of the Islamic state and refused to recognise Yazid as caliph. His refusal to pledge allegiance to Yazid led to the Battle of Karbala, where Hussein and his followers were attacked and martyred. His fight against injustice, brutality and oppression is commemorated by Muslims on the Day of Ashura, which is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims.

With an enquiring mind he learned, mastered and memorised Islamic teachings, Islamic practises, Muhammad's sayings and deeds under his guidance. According to historian and traditionist Abd al-Rahman ibn Ali ibn Abu'l-Faraj ibn al-Jawzi, Abu Hurairah narrated 5,374 ahadith in total.