Celebrities you didn’t know are Muslims
Islam is not the dominant religion in the West, but many celebrities follow it and are indeed proud Muslims. Some famous people were born into Muslim households, while others converted to Islam later in life. Not every star has been vocal about their religion, but some are happy to talk about it publicly.
Ice Cube
The famous rapper converted to Islam in the 1990s, though it’s not clear if the former N.W.A member practices his religion. “I mean, what I call myself is a natural Muslim, ’cause it’s just me and God. You know, going to the mosque, the ritual and the tradition, it’s just not in me to do. So I don’t do it,” he said in an interview.
Dave Chappelle
The comedian converted to Islam in 1998, but likes to keep his religious beliefs to himself. “I don’t normally talk about my religion publicly because I don’t want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing. And I believe it is beautiful if you learn it the right way.”
Akon
The R&B singer, whose full name is Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, is also a Muslim. “There has always been a debate about Islam and music […] if you look at the daily prayers in Islam, we pray in melody. When we hear the call to prayer in any part of the world, it is also done with melody. So, no one can tell me that music is haram (forbidden),” he said.
Mike Tyson
The boxing icon is said to have converted to Islam in 1992, while doing time in prison. Though it may have been before he was arrested. Tyson visited Mecca to perform Umrah in 2022.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali converted to Islam in 2000. In 2017, he became the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award.
Busta Rhymes
The rapper is a devout Muslim. “I try to really just understand every aspect about the most high. For me, the most high is Allah… And I live my life by Islam,” he said.
Iman
The former supermodel grew up as a Muslim in Egypt. “I’m Muslim and Egypt was a very progressive place. Girls like me could go to school. I completely fell in love with the people and the cultural legacy that goes far beyond the pyramids,” she said.
Shaquille O’Neal
The former NBA star has said that he doesn’t identify as being part of just one religion, but claimed in an interview that he’d like to make Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
French Montana
The rapper, born Karim Kharbouch, has said that his religion plays a big role in his success. “It’s just about doing positive … You fear not doing the right the thing,” he added.
Jermaine Jackson
This member of the Jackson family was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, but accepted Islam as his faith after a trip to Bahrain in 1989.
Dr. Oz
Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Öz has Turkish heritage and is a Muslim. His father was from the country’s Quran Belt and had more conservative Islamic values than his mother, who was a secular Turk.
Mos Def/Yasiin Bey
“You’re either devoted to your job, or to your desires. So the best way to spend your life is to try to be devoted to prayer, to Allah,” said the Muslim rapper and actor.
Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam
The British singer-songwriter formerly known as Cat Stevens became a Muslim in 1977, after which he went on hiatus. Yusuf Islam returned to music in 2001.
DJ Khaled
The American DJ and award-winning music producer takes great pride in his faith. “It’s life for me. I was born Muslim, my family raised me Muslim. It’s beautiful, it’s amazing, it’s incredible and it has put so many blessings upon me and my family,” he said.
Raekwon
The Wu-Tang Clan founding member has been a Muslim since 2009. “Allah… he’s going to let it be what it be, and whenever he wants to fix it, he’s going to fix it,” the rapper said.
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