They were listed in the 7th edition of the annual "The Muslim 500: The Worlds's 500 Most Influencial Muslims" 2015/16 formally released on Saturday.
The publication revealed that there are 1.7 billion Muslims in the world today, making up approximately 23 percent of the world’s population, or one-fifth of mankind. It said that apart from being citizens of their respective countries, those recognised also have a sense of belonging to Muslim community worldwide.
It among others measured influence to include; any person who has the power (be it cultural, ideological, financial, political or otherwise) to make a change that will have a significant impact on the Muslim world.
It however, added that the impact can be either positive or negative, depending on one’s point of view. "The first two examples also point to the fact that the lists, and especially the Top 50, are dominated by religious scholars and heads of state.
Their dominant and lasting influence cannot be denied, especially the rulers, who in many cases also appoint religious scholars to their respective positions," it said.
While President Buhari was listed as number 20, even as a first timer in the rankings, the Sultan and Sheikh Saleh are listed as numbers 24 and 38 respectively.
The Sultan dropped three positions from being 21 in 2015, while his highest ranking was in 2009 at number 16. The publication list King Abdullah Al-Hussein of Jordan as number one.