Friday, May 26 marked the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting in the Islamic religion to mark the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. Here are 15 celebrities you might not have known were Muslim.
Zayn Malik
The former One Direction singer hasn’t been too vocal about his religion. He garnered a worldwide trending topic #respectforZayn when Bill Maher compared him to the Boston Marathon bomber.
Ice Cube
The former N.W.A rapper has said, “What I call myself is a natural Muslim, because 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.”
Ellen Burstyn
Burstyn was raised Catholic and then began her journey to Islam by practicing Sufi Islam. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.”
Mehmet Oz
Better known as Dr. Oz, the TV personality hosts a talk show that discusses popular health concerns. Oz was named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in 2009 by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, a leading Muslim group.
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid
The Somali supermodel (and widow of the late David Bowie) most commonly known as Iman is Muslim. Her name means “faith” in Arabic. She’s said she considers herself Muslim even though she doesn’t practice.
DJ Khaled
In an interview with Larry King, Khaled described himself as a Muslim and then said “I practice it, but I could do a better job.”
Aasif Mandvi
The actor-comedian, best known as a former correspondent on “The Daily Show,” has openly criticized the fact that he has to spend so much time defending his religion instead of engaging in open dialogue about it: “I have a complicated relationship with my own faith.”
Lupe Fiasco
The Chicago native isn’t one to be quiet about his beliefs, but the fact that he’s Muslim is something many might not be aware of. In an interview with Katie Couric in 2014, he addressed the struggles of being Muslim while in the entertainment industry.
Mike Tyson
Muhammad Ali wasn’t the only boxer who is Muslim. In an interview with Fox News, Tyson says “I’m very grateful to be a Muslim.” He has also said “Praise be to Allah,” in an interview following a fight.
Dave Chappelle
One of the most well-known comedians, Chappelle told Time Magazine in 2005, “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 a beautiful religion if you learn it the right way.”
Fareed Zakaria
The host of CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS” says he is neither a practicing Muslim nor is he very religious, but he self-identifies as Muslim nonetheless.
Zinedane Zidane
The legendary soccer star most known for exiting his career with an infamous headbutt heard around the world, is Muslim.
Busta Rhymes
The Grammy-nominated artist is probably best known for rapping a mile a minute on some tracks. He has stated “I live my life by Islam and at the end of the day I think that’s pretty much what grounds me.”
Cat Stevens
Better known now as Yusuf Islam, converted to Islam in the 1970s. Islam went on a pretty long musical hiatus after his conversion.
Omar Sy
The French actor, best known for his role as Bishop in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” is Muslim. He was also listed in the World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims publication in 2016.
