Business

Muslim Firsts in Business & Finance

From sovereign wealth to self-made fortunes, these business leaders built enterprises that reshaped industries.

3 firsts documented

business 1988 Who Was the First Muslim Billionaire? Sultan of Brunei / Prince Alwaleed The question of the first Muslim billionaire depends on definition: sovereign wealth vs. self-made. Both stories matter. business 2012 Who Was the First Muslim to Own an NFL Team? Shahid Khan Pakistani-American Shahid Khan arrived in the US with $500 in 1967 and bought the Jacksonville Jaguars for $770 million in 2012, becoming the first Muslim and first ethnic minority NFL owner. business 2006 Who Pioneered Microfinance? Muhammad Yunus Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus proved the poor were bankable, founding Grameen Bank on a $27 loan to 42 villagers and winning the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for microfinance.