Who is considered the greatest person of all time?

Who Shaped History the Most? Muhammad Tops the List

When we ask who the greatest person of all time might be, answers often depend on values—spiritual, political, or cultural. But in one of the most widely referenced rankings, Muhammad takes the top spot, not for popularity alone, but for lasting influence across centuries.

This conclusion comes from Michael H. Hart’s influential 1977 book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. Hart’s criteria weren’t based on morality or religious belief, but on impact: who changed the course of human events the most? Surprisingly to some, Muhammad outranked figures like Jesus, Einstein, and Marx—not because of faith alone, but because of his dual role as both spiritual leader and transformative political force.

“Most of the biographies are accompanied by photographs or sketches,” Hart notes, though Muhammad’s image isn’t depicted, in line with Islamic tradition. Instead, his legacy is illustrated through words and influence. Within a single generation, Muhammad inspired a movement that reshaped the Arabian Peninsula and laid the foundation for a civilization that spanned continents.

His impact isn’t limited to religion. The spread of Islam under his example led to advances in science, law, and culture throughout the medieval world. From the preservation of classical knowledge to the development of early universities, the ripple effect of his life is hard to overstate.

Hart’s list may raise eyebrows—placing Muhammad above more familiar Western icons—but it invites reflection: influence isn’t always about who we admire most, but who altered the trajectory of history most profoundly. In that light, Muhammad’s unification of faith, society, and governance makes a compelling case.