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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 about it publicly.
Click through the following gallery and find out which celebrities are proud Muslims.
The legendary Lakers player was raised Roman Catholic, but converted to Islam at the age of 24. "Part of my conversion to Islam is accepting the responsibility to teach others about my religion, not to convert them but to co-exist with them through mutual respect, support and peace. One world does not have to mean one religion, just one belief in living in peace," he said.
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."
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.
Born Cassius Clay, the late boxing legend converted to Islam in 1964 and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. A devout Muslim, he spoke out against extremism in Islam. "True Muslims know that the ruthless violence of so called Islamic Jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion," said Ali in 2015.
Mahershala Ali converted to Islam in 2000. In 2017, he became the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
The rapper, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, is also a Muslim. He has spoken out about stereotypes in Islam: "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."
"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.
The late actor found success in both Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Khan was born in India and raised in a Muslim family.
The former One Direction singer was raised in a Muslim household in Bradford, England. His father is a Muslim Pakistani, and his mother, of English and Irish descent, converted to Islam. Malik has, however, said that he's not a practicing Muslim.
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.
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.
The star of the show 'Ramy' explores the Muslim identity in young Americans in his show. "You sit in contradictions," he said about the Hulu series, which is loosely based on his experience.
The 'Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj' host identifies himself as Muslim but has no problem in incorporating elements of other cultures and religions into his life. "Like, just 'cause I'm Muslim–that doesn't mean I can't do yoga, even though that's, like, a Hindu practice," he said.
The British actor has spoken out about the difficulties in being a Muslim in a Western country. "It's really scary to be a Muslim right now, super scary," said Ahmed.
'The Daily Show' star is a proud Muslim. "I feel like there's a moment in the history of this country, and American Muslims do need to speak out. It's a privilege in a way to be an American Muslim speaking in whatever way I can at this time in history, when it's so crucial," he said.
The late Egyptian actor was born Michel Dimitri Chalhoub. He converted to Islam in 1955 to marry Faten Hamama, and changed his name to Omar Sharif.
The former NBA player, who is considered one of the greatest centers in the history of the sport, is also a Muslim.
The rapper and producer, best known as being a member of the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, converted to Islam in 1990.
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.
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.
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.
The Iranian-American actress was born into a Muslim household. According to Aghdashloo, her identity cost her a role in the 2011 movie 'The Adjustment Bureau.'
The Pakistani-American actor is a Muslim. He is known for starring in movies such as 'Iron Man' (2008), but also for playing Muslim characters.
Sources: (CBS News)
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LIFESTYLE Religion
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 about it publicly.
Click through the following gallery and find out which celebrities are proud Muslims.