31 May 1935 – 27 May 2022

Country: Indonesia

Maarif was one of Indonesia’s most famous scholars whose political comments regularly attracted significant attention. This former president (1998-2005) of the Muhammadiyah organization was actively involved in interfaith and peace movements both domestically and internationally, largely through his Maarif Institute for Culture and Humanity. In 2008 he was awarded the prestigious Magsaysay Award for guiding Muslims to embrace tolerance and pluralism. He was also recognized for his role in promoting interfaith dialogue and religious harmony at the Habibie Awards. Maarif was also a Prof of history at the National University of Yogyakarta and a productive author and columnist.