Passion or Profession: Muslim Scholar

Period: 810–870

Al-Bukhari gained an early interest in religious studies. Even as a young child he began memorizing the sayings of Mohammed. After making an important pilgrimage to Mecca at age 16, he began compiling a record of the sayings and acts of Mohammed. Today, this compilation is one of the most widely accepted in the Muslim world. In addition, it is considered one of the most holy books in Islam, next to the Qu’ran.