Syed Abu-Al-Ala Maudoodi

Syed Abul A'la Maududi (25 September 1903 – 22 September 1979) was a renowned Islamic scholar, philosopher, jurist, and political thinker, whose work profoundly influenced modern Islamic thought in British India and later Pakistan. Described by Wilfred Cantwell Smith as "the most systematic thinker of modern Islam," Maududi's writings, covering Qur'anic exegesis, hadith, law, and history, were originally in Urdu and later translated into numerous languages.

Maududi sought to revive and promote what he believed to be the true essence of Islam, advocating for its integration into politics and governance. He called for the implementation of Sharia and the preservation of Islamic culture, viewing secularism, nationalism, and socialism as corrupt ideologies stemming from Western imperialism.

As the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, Maududi played a key role in shaping the political discourse in Pakistan, especially in the push for Islamization under General Zia-ul-Haq. He was awarded the first King Faisal International Award in 1979 for his service to Islam and also contributed to the establishment of the Islamic University of Madinah.