From athletes and actors to musicians and models, many of the world’s most prominent celebrities proudly identify as Muslims. Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with over 1.9 billion followers. Among these followers are some of the most successful and beloved public figures in the entertainment, sports, and political arenas. Here’s a look at some notable Muslim celebrities and how their faith has shaped their lives and careers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the famous cardiothoracic surgeon, television personality, and host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” is proud of his Muslim heritage. Born to Turkish parents, Dr. Oz’s father hails from the Quran Belt in Turkey, and his mother, though secular, was also of Turkish descent. In an interview with PBS, Dr. Oz shared that growing up in the United States with one religious parent and one secular, he struggled with balancing these two aspects of his identity. Despite this internal tug, Dr. Oz turned to the spiritual side of Islam. “I found myself tugged more and more towards the spiritual side of the religion, rather than the legal side,” he said.
Zayn Malik
Former One Direction member Zayn Malik has been vocal about his experiences with Islam. Raised in a Muslim household by his Pakistani father and British mother, Malik attended mosque and studied Islam as a child. However, in 2018, Malik told Vogue that he no longer considers himself a practicing Muslim. Despite his personal journey away from religious practice, Malik has always emphasized that he was given the freedom to choose his own path when it came to faith, a privilege his parents offered him growing up.
Bella Hadid
Model Bella Hadid, who has achieved international fame, proudly embraces her Muslim heritage. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, was a Palestinian refugee who came to the United States and made a name for himself as a real estate developer. In 2017, Hadid marched in a protest against President Trump’s refugee ban, an act she later explained was deeply personal. “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,” Hadid shared in an interview. She added that her father was always religious and that the Hadid family practices Islam. “I am proud to be a Muslim,” she said, demonstrating her commitment to her heritage.
Ramy Youssef
Ramy Youssef, the creator and star of the Hulu series Ramy, is another Muslim celebrity who explores the complexities of identity in America. Youssef’s show, which tackles the intersection of his Egyptian heritage and American life, has resonated with many Muslim viewers. In interviews, Youssef has shared that his life feels like a balancing act between two worlds. “You sit in contradictions,” he explained. “That has been the space that I’m trying to navigate.” The comedian and actor has earned praise for portraying the nuanced experiences of Muslim Americans, and his Golden Globe award in 2020 solidified his role as a trailblazer.
DJ Khaled
Grammy Award-winning music producer DJ Khaled is a proud Muslim who frequently discusses the importance of his faith in shaping his life and career. Khaled, born in New Orleans to Palestinian parents, has consistently expressed how his Islamic beliefs help him stay grounded amidst his success. “My faith has helped make me the man I am right now, with the love and the respect that I put out there,” Khaled said in an interview with Esquire in 2018. “I love anybody that loves God. That’s what I am about.” Khaled’s unwavering commitment to his faith is a central part of his public persona.
Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj, known for his Netflix show Patriot Act, is another Muslim celebrity who blends his faith with his career in a unique way. Minhaj has spoken about how his Muslim identity is just one aspect of who he is, and he embraces other practices and philosophies that resonate with him. “Like, just ‘cause I’m Muslim – that doesn’t mean I can’t do yoga, even though that’s, like, a Hindu practice,” he joked in an interview. Minhaj continues to use his platform to discuss political and cultural issues, showing that faith does not limit his ability to engage with diverse perspectives.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali, the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award, is another celebrity who has consistently spoken about the role Islam plays in his life. Ali converted to Islam in 2000 and has used his platform to discuss how his faith shapes his personal and professional life. In his acceptance speech at the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Ali spoke about love and acceptance in the face of differences, referencing his own relationship with his mother, a Christian minister, who accepted his conversion to Islam. Ali’s example of faith and love has resonated with many fans and continues to inspire.
Shaquille O’Neal
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has also embraced Islam, and his faith has influenced his life both on and off the court. O’Neal was introduced to Islam by a former teammate, and in an interview, he confirmed his plans to visit Mecca, the birthplace of Islam, for the Hajj pilgrimage. Though it’s unclear if O’Neal is still actively practicing, his acknowledgment of his faith has always been an important part of his identity.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali, one of the most iconic athletes of all time, converted to Islam in the 1960s, a decision that defined much of his personal and public life. Ali spoke out against extremism and violence in Islam, advocating for a peaceful understanding of the faith. In a statement in 2015, Ali emphasized that the violence of extremists goes against the very teachings of Islam. Ali’s commitment to both his sport and his faith left a lasting legacy, showing the world the true face of Islam through his actions and words.
Malala Yousafzai
The youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai, has been a powerful advocate for girls’ education and gender equality. Yousafzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls’ education, has frequently spoken about her Islamic beliefs and how they inform her work as an activist. In a 2015 interview, Yousafzai explained that her Muslim faith aligned with her feminist views. “Islam is about equality,” she said, “and calling myself feminist would have no position from the religion.” Her powerful voice continues to make an impact worldwide.
Conclusion
These celebrities highlight the diversity and richness of the Muslim faith, showing that one’s religion can coexist with a variety of personal identities and career paths. Whether they’re actors, athletes, musicians, or activists, these Muslim celebrities are not only shaping their industries but also fostering a deeper understanding of Islam and its role in the modern world. Their stories remind us that faith, identity, and success can go hand in hand, breaking stereotypes and empowering future generations.
