Ten Famous People You Didn’t Know Were ‪‎Muslims

 

Islam is the fastest-growing religion globally and it is not surprising to see many celebrities who are Muslims. Some of them on our list may be popularly so, but a majority will no doubt leave readers scratching their heads, thinking: “I didn’t know!” 

Janet Jackson

The superstar converted to Islam in 2012 after marrying her husband, billionaire Wissam al Mana. Brother Jermaine also converted to Islam years ago, and speculation was also rife about Michael Jackson being a Muslim prior to his death also.

Mike Tyson

The heavyweight boxing champion changed his name to Malik Abdul Aziz and converted to Islam while in jail.

Akon

The singer’s real name is Aliaune Damala Akon Thiam, and he is a self-proclaimed Muslim. The entertainer is from Senegal originally.

Busta Rhymes

The rapper is also a convert, but his song “Arab Money” got a lot of negative attention from Muslims around the world.

Shaquille O’Neal

The basketball player is a convert whose first and middle name, Shaquille Rashaun, have origins in Arabic. In 2010, he made his faith public when he announced that he was embarking on Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj.

Iman Abdulmajid

Formerly a world-famous fashion icon, the svelte beauty was born in Somalia and speaks five languages. She has married non-Muslim men, even though she identifies as a Muslim woman.

T-Pain

Born Faheem Rashad Najm, the singer who made Auto-Tune famous, was raised in a Muslim household prior to becoming an international star. Although his religious views have been criticized, he vehemently claims to be a Muslim.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Probably one of the best basketball centers in history, he is also a devout Muslim. He changed his name from Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. after converting to Islam.

Dave Chappelle

In 1998, the famous comedian converted to Islam and his struggle to balance religion and his career in comedy led to his resting the mega-successful ‘Dave Chapelle Show’ on TV and stage.

Dr. Oz

Known in full as Mehmet Cengiz Oz, the TV star not only gives viewers practical medical advice to apply to daily lives, but is also a Turkish-American Muslim.