What is the Nobel Prize?
The Nobel Prize, named after Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, is a globally recognized award that acknowledges remarkable achievements in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine or Physiology, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. Since 1901, individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to humanity have been honored with this prestigious award. The selection process involves a committee of experts in each category, and the prize is considered a symbol of excellence in the respective fields. Nobel Laureates are viewed as exemplary figures, inspiring future generations with their pioneering work and dedication to society, and their accomplishments have served as a source of motivation for researchers, writers, and peace advocates.
Nobel Prize Winners from the Muslim World
Muslim Nobel Laureates have had a significant impact, beyond their own accomplishments. Their work has inspired future generations, challenged stereotypes, and contributed to important issues such as human rights, peace, and scientific research. Their legacy continues to influence their respective fields, and they have helped to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Muslim cultures and traditions. Their impact can be seen in the continued advancements made in their fields and the betterment of society as a whole.
list of Top 10 Muslims who won Nobel Prize
- Abdulrazak Gurnah
- Aziz Sancar
- Malala Yousafzai
- Tawakkol Karman
- Orhan Pamuk
- Muhammad Yunus
- Mohamed Mostafa ElBaradei
- Shirin Ebadi
- Ahmed Zewail
- Yasser Arafat
Abdulrazak Gurnah
Specific Achievement: Literature
Country: Tanzania
Year: 2021
In 2021, Abdulrazak Gurnah won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work as an author and academic. He is known for his insightful and powerful writings that explore themes of displacement, migration, and cultural identity. Born in 1948 in Zanzibar, Gurnah moved to the UK in the 1960s and went on to become a professor of English and postcolonial literature at the University of Kent. Among his many novels, “Paradise” and “By the Sea” have been praised for their poetic language and nuanced exploration of human experience. Gurnah’s writing demonstrates the legacy of colonialism, the nature of identity, and the importance of empathy and understanding in our globalized society.
Aziz Sancar
Specific Achievement: Noteworthy Achievements in Chemistry
Country: Turkey
Year: 2015
Aziz Sancar works as a molecular biologist and biochemist in the U.S. In 2015, Aziz Sancar was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering research on the DNA repair process, which has enhanced our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms and opened new possibilities for treating cancer. Beyond his contributions to DNA repair, Sancar has also made significant advancements in the study of circadian rhythms, the natural biological cycles that impact our health and well-being. By investigating the importance of maintaining a proper sleep-wake cycle, Sancar’s research has far-reaching implications for human health. His innovative work has garnered widespread recognition and admiration within the scientific community, positioning him as a leading figure and an inspiration to aspiring researchers worldwide.
Malala Yousafzai
Specific Achievement: Social activism and awareness have a global impact and can spark change across the world.
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2014
The youngest Nobel Prize laureate of all time, Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education. She gained global recognition in 2012 after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban due to her fearless activism for girls’ education. Despite the incident, Malala’s unwavering commitment to her cause intensified, and she emerged as a powerful voice advocating for the education of girls and women worldwide. In recognition of her remarkable bravery, Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Since then, she has continued to champion the importance of education for all and has become a prominent advocate for human rights and social justice. Malala’s relentless efforts have made her a source of inspiration for people worldwide and cemented her position as a global icon for peace and equality.
Tawakkol Karman
Specific Achievement: Organizing a group of women journalists in journalism called “Women Journalists Without Chains.”
Country: Yemani
Year: 2011
An activist, politician, and journalist, Tawakkol Karman represent Yemen’s human rights movement. In 2011, Tawakkol Karman became the first Arab woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and women’s rights in Yemen. She is renowned for her leadership of “Women Journalists Without Chains,” an organization that advocates for freedom of expression and human rights in Yemen. Karman’s activism has shed light on the struggles faced by marginalized groups and women in Yemen and has played a vital role in promoting social justice and peace in the region. Her unwavering dedication to these causes has earned her widespread respect and admiration both within Yemen and on the global stage.
Orhan Pamuk
Specific Achievement: His significant contributions to Turkish and world literature
Country: Turkey
Year: 2006
The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Turkish novelist and academic Orhan Pamuk in 2006. As well as exploring Turkish identity and history, he writes about broader themes such as love, death, and politics. In addition to being an academic critic of the Turkish government’s treatment of free speech, Pamuk is also a respected writer. His contributions to Turkish and world literature have been immense, and he continues to write and publish today.
Muhammad Yunus
Specific Achievement: Taking part in entrepreneurial activities.
Country: Bangladesh
Year: 2006
In 2006, Muhammad Yunus, an economist and social entrepreneur from Bangladesh, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering efforts in microfinance and microcredit. Yunus has created an innovative banking system to provide financial services and the ability to do business with millions of impoverished people, particularly women. In addition to challenging traditional banking systems, Yunus’ work has also paved the way for new approaches to tackling poverty and inequality. His story and dedication to improving the lives of others have made him a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs and social activists worldwide.
Mohamed Mostafa ElBaradei
Specific Achievement: Promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear technology and prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation
Country: Egypt
Year: 2005
ElBaradei, an Egyptian lawyer, and diplomat were honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for his role at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Following his studies at the University of Cairo and New York University, he began his diplomatic career in 1964 and held several high-ranking positions within the Egyptian government before joining the IAEA in 1984. As head of the UN’s nuclear disarmament program during ElBaradei’s tenure, he was committed to ensuring that nuclear technologies were used only for peaceful purposes and promoting nuclear disarmament. In 2005, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his peace-promoting efforts following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. After departing from the IAEA in 2009, he played an active role in the pro-democracy movement in Egypt and was instrumental in the protests that resulted in the removal of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
Shirin Ebadi
Specific Achievement: Democratic and human rights work she has done.
Country: Iran
Year: 2003
As the first Muslim woman and Iranian to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist. Her activism has focused on advancing the rights of women, children, and political prisoners, especially in regard to the Iranian government’s treatment of its citizens. Despite being dismissed from her position as a judge following the Islamic Revolution, Ebadi continued to fight for justice and equality, authoring several books on human rights and the law. Her work and unwavering commitment to human dignity have inspired others to join her in the fight for a better world.
Ahmed Zewail
Specific Achievement: In chemistry the use of femtosecond spectroscopy to study chemical transition states.
Country: Egypt
Year: 1999
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded in 1999 to Egyptian-American scientist Ahmed Zewail for pioneering research on femtochemistry, the study of chemical reactions on extremely short timescales. In 1976, Zewail became a professor at the California Institute of Technology after moving to the United States to pursue his education. He developed femtochemistry techniques that have had a positive impact on fields such as materials science and drug discovery due to his groundbreaking research. Throughout his career, Zewail was recognized for his scientific achievements and contributions to society, as well as a passionate advocate for science education.
Yasser Arafat
Specific Achievement: In recognition of their efforts to bring peace to the Middle East
Country: Palestine
Year: 1994
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 along with Israeli leaders Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres for bringing peace to the Middle East through the Oslo Accords. From 1994 to 2004, Arafat served as president of the Palestinian National Authority and as the founder and longtime chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). In the fight for Palestinian independence, he was both revered and criticized for using violent tactics. Although Arafat won the Nobel Peace Prize for his peace efforts, his legacy remains controversial and contested.
