Famous Muslim Celebrities To Admire

After Christianity, Islam is the second largest religion, with 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. Islam is often misunderstood in North America, while critics point to Muslim-majority countries’ human rights abuses. Several of the world’s most famous actors, musicians, and comedians practice the religion.

Recently we took a look at the most prominent Catholic celebrities in Hollywood and are now going to shine a light on those who praise Allah. Many Muslim actors and comedians play a vital role in breaking the stereotypes involving Islam, with some of history’s most iconic figures openly discussing and practicing the faith. So read on and discover some of the most famous Muslim celebrities. 

1. Muhammad Ali

Few celebrities compare with the iconic Muhammad Ali. Dubbed “the greatest,” he’s a legendary sports figure in the boxing world. Born Cassius Clay and raised as a Baptist, Ali converted to Islam in 1961. As he ruled the sport as the heavyweight champion, he denounced his name, renaming himself Muhammad Ali. Initially, Ali joined the Nation of Islam, although he denounced them, becoming Sunni Muslim. He then refused to go be part of the draft for the Vietnam War, citing his religion. Because of this, he was banned from the ring for four years. 

Ali eventually was allowed back and in 1970 fought in one of the most famous matches of all time, nicknamed the “Fight of the Century,” against Joe Frazier. Although Ali would lose, he went on to win the rematch and eventually dethrone George Foreman in “The Rumble in the Jungle” to clinch his second heavyweight championship reign and turn himself into one of the most iconic sports figures in history.

2. Bella Hadid

Model Bella Hadid has discussed her spiritual and religious background openly on several occasions. She grew up with a Muslim father and a Christian mother, giving her a diverse upbringing. In 2017, Hadid spoke out against then-President Donald Trump’s highly publicized Muslim country travel ban. She proudly participated in a march to protest the ban.

Hadid told Time magazine, “My dad was a refugee when he first came to America, so it’s actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me. He was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim.”

3. Mohamed Salah

Fans and experts regard Mohamed Salah as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Egyptian superstar plays forward for Liverpool in the Premier League and captains the Egypt national team. Better known as Mo Salah, he’s a proud Muslim and even incorporated his religion into his career.

For instance, Salah often performs the sujud as his goal celebration. He said to CNN, “It’s something like praying or thanking God for what I have received, but yeah, it’s just praying and praying for a win. I’ve always done that since I was young, everywhere.”

4. Riz Ahmed

Academy Award-winning actor and Rapper Riz Ahmed is best known for his roles in Nightcrawler, Rogue One: A Stars Wars Story, and The Night Of. He’s a proud Muslim who often fights for equality and is constantly breaking down Muslim stereotypes.

Ahmed grew up in a Muslim household in Brent, a borough of London. In the 1970s, Ahmed’s British Pakistani parents left Karachi, Pakistan, for England. Ahmed’s a distant relative of the first Muslim Chief Justice in the Allahabad High Court during British rule. Ahmed is also an activist who helped start a fund for Syrian refugees.

Ahmed spoke out against Donald Trump and his policies at a diversity leadership event in California during Donald Trump’s Presidency. He stated, “I’ve often wondered, is this going to be the year when they round us up? If this is going to be the year they put Trump’s registry into action. If this is going to be the year they ship us all off.” Ahmed continues to advocate for Muslim equality. 

5. Mahershala Ali

Born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore in Oakland, California, Mahershala Ali’s mother and grandmother were ordained Baptist ministers. He grew up in a devout Baptist household but in the year 2000, he converted to Islam, changing his last name to Ali. He became the first Muslim actor to win two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in Moonlight and Green Book. 

6. Amal Clooney

Lebanese and British lawyer Amal Clooney was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1978. Her father was a Lebanese Druze, while her mother was a Sunni Muslim. When Amal was two years old, her family moved to South East London to escape the Lebanese Civil War.

Amal is now one of the top lawyers in the world with a long list of clients. In 2014, she married actor George Clooney, who grew up in a strict Roman Catholic household. Despite their different faiths, the two have a successful marriage that has gifted them, twins.  

7. Hasan Minhaj

Comedian and writer Hasan Minhaj gained widespread fame as a Daily Show correspondent from 2014 to 2018. He later went on to host The Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj. Minhaj is a practicing Muslim but is open to other beliefs and faiths.

His Indian Muslim parents immigrated from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, to the United States in the 80s. Minhaj’s wife is also a second-generation Indian American but is a practicing Hindu of Gujarati descent. 

8. Dave Chappelle

Born in Washington, DC, in 1973, stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle’s mother is a Unitarian Universalist minister and a university professor. Around the time Chappelle began his comedy career, he converted to Islam at the age of 17.

Chappelle rarely discusses his religious beliefs, but in an interview with Time magazine he had this to say about his faith; “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.”

9. Ramy Youssef

Actor and stand-up comedian Ramy Youssef is best known for his performance as Ramy Hassan on the Hulu series Ramy. He received universal praise for his role in the series, including winning the Best Actor award at the Golden Globes. The series follows a Muslim American trying to balance his two cultures.

His Egyptian parents moved to the United States and raised Ramy in New Jersey. He grew up in a devout Muslim household and continues to practice Islam. He observes all Islamic holidays as his faith is critical to him and his career. 

10. Mos Def

Born Dante Terrell Smith in Brooklyn, New York, Yasiin Bey gained worldwide fame under the stage name Mos Def. While Bey first learned about Islam at 13, his father was a member of the Nation of Islam. The rapper would go on to become a devout follower of Sunni Islam and Warith Deen Mohammed.

Bey had a long and illustrious career as a rapper and actor, owing much of his success to his faith. “You’re either devoted to your job or your desires. So the best way to spend your life is to try to be devoted to prayer, to Allah,” he said in an interview.

11. Yusuf Islam

Yusuf Islam first gained fame under the stage name Cat Stevens. He released several popular singles that still receive airplay on the radio. Born Steven Demetre Georgiou, his mother was Baptist, and his father was Greek Orthodox. In the 1970s, his brother visited Jerusalem and brought back a Quran. The rock legend consumed the content quickly, converting to Islam in 1977.

The following year, he changed his name to Yusuf Islam, sold his guitars, and retired from the music industry. After 9/11, Islam picked up his guitar again to help change the negative perception of Muslims. In 2006, he returned to music full-time, releasing his first album since the 70s and touring internationally.

12. Lupe Fiasco

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco grew up in a Muslim household on the west side of Chicago. Better known as Lupe Fiasco, he’s had a hugely successful career releasing chart-topping albums. Jaco has maintained a deep connection to his religion and beliefs throughout his career. He is proud of breaking the stereotype of Muslim followers only being of Middle Eastern descent.

He elaborated on Muslim stereotypes in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. “I think you’ve got a lot of people who want to represent and show the world that Islam is not just some Arab dude with a full gown and a long beard. I’m Muslim, and I’m standing right next to you. Islam comes in every form and every color.”

12. DJ Khaled

DJ Khaled is best known for producing the hit singles “Wild Thoughts” and “I’m The One.” The world-famous American DJ grew up in a Muslim household and would listen to Arabic music as a child, although his parents also supported his interest in soul, R&B, and hip hop.

Even though he is now one of the biggest stars in music, Khaled continues to practice Islam and considers himself a devout Muslim. 

13. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., Kareem Abdul Jabbar became a household name in the NBA playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. After leading the Bucks to their first NBA Championship in 1971, he converted to Islam and changed his name from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul Jabbar. He cites Malcolm X as a significant influence on his religious faith. 

14. Busta Rhymes

In the early 90s, Busta Rhymes created a buzz in the hip-hop scene with his incredible freestyle raps. In 1996, he dropped his groundbreaking album, The Coming, to universal praise, kickstarting his now 35+ year career.

Born Trevor George Smith Jr., he grew up in Uniondale, Long Island, where he briefly attended high school with Jay-Z and the Notorious BIG. Rhymes converted to Islam during his youth and identities as a member of the Five-Percent Nation. Rhymes credits his faith and religion with helping steer him through Hollywood. He once said, “For me, the most high is Allah… And I live my life by Islam.”

15. Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine Jackson is best known as a member of the Jackson family. He was the bassist and second lead vocalist after his younger brother, Michael Jackson, in the Jackson 5. Jermaine and his siblings grew up in a strict devout Jehovah’s Witness family.

When Jackson embarked on a singles career, his life changed in 1989 when he traveled to Bahrain. He was so impressed and inspired by by the children’s devotion to Islam that he converted to the religion on the same trip and has practiced it ever since. Jackson hopes to help change the negative perception surrounding Islam in the West.

16. Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari broke through thanks to his roles in the popular NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation and the Netflix series Master of None. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, he was raised Muslim by his Indian parents. Despite his religious upbringing, Ansari identifies as non-religious, although as plenty of time for those who follow the Islamic religion. 

17. Mike Tyson

Few fighters compare with the near-invincible Mike Tyson. “The Baddest Man on the Planet” was one of the most dominant, famous, and controversial boxers in the history of the sport. But he also had his problems and spent three years in prison for rape and later bit Evander Holyfield’s ear off during a fight.

Also known as Malik Abdul Aziz, Tyson grew up in a devout Christian household but converted to Islam in the 1990s. In 2013, he admitted that his faith and belief In Islam helped him quit drinking and become a better person. 

18. Janet Jackson

As a member of the famous Jackson family, Janet Jackson grew up a Jehovah’s Witness. She rose to fame in the 80s and 90s but didn’t practice an organized religion until 2006. That’s when Jackson met Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana. The two married in 2012 and had one son before divorcing in 2017.

During her marriage, Jackson reportedly practiced Islam. She started dressing more conservatively instead of wearing the revealing and sexy attire she used to. After the couple separated, rumors suggested they split partly because Wissam wanted a more traditional wife.