10 A-list celebs who you didn't know are Muslim

Celebrities might not be apparent role models of their religion or culture, yet they do change the world using their schools of thought. 

Today, we are exploring a diverse portfolio of Muslim public figures, who have nudged the ceiling to make a difference. 

These people have not only openly accepted their faith, but have let everyone know that philosophies can’t be generalized by names!

Zayn Malik

As a former member of the world's leading boy band, One Direction, Malik hasn't been particularly vocal about his religious beliefs, although his upbringing reflects a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Raised by his mother, who embraced Islam, and his British-Pakistani father, his roots do lie in the Islamic faith.

This came to notice when a trending hashtag, #respectforZayn, swept across social platforms, stemming from a controversial comparison made by Bill Maher, who linked Zayn to the Boston Marathon bomber.

Bella Hadid 

One must be living with their eyes closed if they do not know who Bella Hadid is. 

Bella began her successful career in 2014, walking for Desigual at the New York Fashion Week. In 2017, she was witnessed marching in protest against President Trump's executive order aimed at restricting refugees and visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

She told Porter Magazine that she stood in honour of her heritage and her religion.

"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.

Hasan Minhaj

You won't believe what Hasan Minhaj, the host of Patriot Act, shared in an interview with NPR back in 2020! He talked about his identity and how it's shaped by various influences. It's really interesting how he mentioned being Muslim but also being open to different practices and beliefs.

Hasan said, "Just because I'm Muslim doesn't mean I can't do yoga, even though it originates from Hinduism." He believes that if something resonates with him, regardless of its cultural or religious background, he's all for it.

 It's like he's comparing himself to a PlayStation 3, you know how it's backwards compatible and can play games from different generations? Well, he's like that with embracing different cultural practices and beliefs.

Malala Yousafzai

Did you know that Malala Yousafzai, at the young age of 17, became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate? It's incredible! She's such an inspiring figure, especially for her tireless advocacy of education rights for girls.

 In fact, Time magazine recognized her as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" for three consecutive years: 2013, 2014, and 2015.

In an interview with British TV Network Channel 4 in 2015, Malala spoke about an interesting perspective she holds. She firmly believes that being Muslim doesn't conflict with her feminist views.

According to her, Islam is all about equality, and she sees no contradiction in calling herself a feminist from a religious standpoint. It's a powerful statement she made, emphasizing that her faith and her commitment to gender equality can coexist harmoniously.

Ramy Youssef

Another multifaceted Muslim celebrity comedian on our list is Ramy Youssef. Viewers of 'Hulu' know him best for his outstanding comedy series Ramy, which is based on his life as a first-generation Muslim American millennial who struggles balancing identities. 

Besides earning rave reviews, the comedy-drama also won him the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and the Peabody Award in 2020.

DJ Khaled

You might know DJ Khaled from his rap hits and numerous collaborations with other acclaimed artists, but did you know he was born and raised a Muslim? 

"It's beautiful, it's amazing, it's incredible and it has put so many blessings upon me and my family," he told Esquire Middle East in 2018.

During a conversation with Larry King, Khaled openly identified himself as a follower of Islam, "I consider myself a Muslim, and while I strive to practice it, I recognize there's room for improvement."

Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo, an incredibly talented actress, had an amazing career in Iran before she decided to take Hollywood by storm! She's not just any actress though – she made history by becoming the first Iranian actress to earn an Oscar nomination.

Her remarkable performance in House of Sand and Fog brought her this well-deserved recognition.

Despite all her achievements, she has been very vocal about the challenges she has faced in her career because of being a Muslim. 

She hasn't shied away from speaking out about the limitations and obstacles she's encountered along the way. 

Muhammad Ali

The legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali, originally known as Cassius Clay, hailed from Louisville, Kentucky. 

In the 1960s, he embraced Islam, becoming a devout follower of the faith.

Ali made a poignant statement in December 2015, speaking out against extremism and denouncing the ruthless violence propagated by self-proclaimed Islamic Jihadists. 

He fervently emphasized, "True Muslims understand that such brutality contradicts the very essence of our religion." 

The now-deceased Ali had cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with. He had over 100 amateur wins, and let’s take some time here to remember the pulsating heavyweight rematch of 1965 where he knocked Sonny Liston out in less than 2 minutes during the first round!

Many questions arose that day because no one could confidently say that they saw the lightning punch that ended the game, hence came the title 'Phantom Punch.'

Akon

Not only did Akon draw inspiration for his hit songs from real-life experiences, but he also holds a deep connection to Senegal, considering it his home country due to the significant time he spent there during his childhood.

In a captivating interview with The National newspaper in Abu Dhabi before his performance in Morocco, Akon openly discussed his career and the influence of his faith. 

Being born into a Muslim family, he shared, "I was born a Muslim... and there has always been a debate about Islam and music. 

I never looked at the performing aspect of the music itself, but on the intention." 

Well, we agree! One can surely say, it’s because of these pure intentions that the world still grooves to the sound of ‘Smack That,’ and the singer’s good heart is exactly why we love him.

Riz Ahmed 

This man is an incredibly talented actor with an Asian-Muslim background, who just made history by winning an Oscar for "best live-action short film!" 

The movie, named The Long Goodbye, was even co-written with some music contributions by him... now, that's what you call multi-talented!

During his acceptance speech, Riz Ahmed delivered a powerful message that resonated with so many. He said, "This is for everyone who feels like they don't belong. Anyone who feels like they're stuck in no man's land. You're not alone. We'll meet you there. That's where the future is. Peace."

Riz didn't shy away from addressing the harsh realities faced by Muslims in Western countries, shedding light on the fears and concerns that many individuals are put through. 

These words carried such significance, touching on the feelings of exclusion and isolation experienced by many people that the audience couldn't help but cheer. 

He added, "I'm basically here to ask for your help because it's really scary to be a Muslim right now, super scary."