Mohammed VI Drops to 14th in Ranking of World’s Most Influential Muslims

The decline continues for Mohammed VI, who still ranked tenth in 2024 and 2025. The drop is more pronounced over an eight-year period: in 2018, the monarch was in the global Top 5. He has since fallen nine places in the annual ranking published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, based in Jordan.

On Bladi.net : The Muslim 500": the King of Morocco confirms his spiritual and political influence

In the new ranking, the king of Morocco is behind Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in thirteenth place, and just ahead of Saudi preacher Salman Al-Ouda, in fifteenth. The president of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed, is in twelfth place, while Jordan’s King Abdullah II ranks fifth.

The Moroccan monarch nevertheless retains ninth place in the specific category of leaders and political figures. His influence stems from his roles as head of state and Commander of the Faithful, a religious authority that extends beyond Morocco’s borders, particularly in Africa.

Morocco’s religious influence in Africa

Since ascending to the throne in July 1999, Mohammed VI has strengthened the kingdom’s religious ties with several African countries. The training of imams and mourchidates, as well as the reach of the Maliki rite, are among the tools of this influence. Fez is central to this effort, notably through Al Quaraouiyine University and the mausoleum of Ahmed Tijani, founder of the Tijaniyya order, which has a strong presence in West Africa.

Morocco’s diplomatic efforts also contribute to its presence in the Muslim world. Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. On the Palestinian issue, Rabat supports a two-state solution while maintaining the diplomatic relations restored with Israel in December 2020, a policy that prompted major protests in Morocco during the war in Gaza.

Football also contributes to the kingdom’s international profile. After the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and their bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Morocco is preparing to host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

The top of the 2027 ranking has also been reshuffled, with first place shared among three groups of leaders: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir; and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The previous edition’s top spot was held by Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.