His Name Is Not Mike Tyson It’s Malik Abdul Aziz: 9 Celebs that Converted to Muslim

Muslim culture is very popular in Hollywood. Here are prominent figures that were born into Muslim families or have converted over the years.

Mara Brock Akil & Salim Akil

Writer and producer known for show’s like Girlfriends (2000-08), Moesha (1996-2001), The Game (2006-14), and Being Mary Jane (2013-14), Mara Brock Akil as well as her husband Salim are known for many of their shared titles and his director debut in Jumping the Broom (2011), are Muslim. Kansas City, MO native Mara and former mortuary businessman Salim have been married since 1999 and have two children.

 Dave Chappelle 

This comedic legend, known for putting some of the world’s most intense issues in his jokes to expose them is also Muslim. The 40 year-old converted back in 1998. When he saw that juggling his religion and being the star of his hit show, Chappelle’s Show (2003-06) was too much, he chose his faith and walked away from the fame.

 Janet Jackson

The younger sister of the “King of Pop” grew up in a house full of Christians, but when the 48 year old singer/actress wed billionaire, Wissam Al Mana in 2012, she also married into the Muslim religion.

 Jermaine Jackson

Janet may have also been inspired by older brother, Jermaine. He stated in a previous interview that back in 1989 on a tour of the Middle East with one of his sisters is where he first found an interest in the Islamic culture and religion. In 2004, the 59 year-old met his wife, a wealthy young woman from Afghanistan in line at Starbucks. The rest is history.

 Mike Tyson

The “ear biting” ex-boxer converted after being released from prison after the controversial rape charge back in 1992. The 48 year-old also adopted a new name to match, Malik Abdul Aziz.

 Akon

This singer is originally from Senegal, even though he grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Aliaune Damala Akon Thiam, or Akon has been a Muslim all his life.

 Iman

This woman has been considered one of the most beautiful living people on the planet. Iman Adbulmajid (58) was born in Somalia and identifies as a Muslim woman. The producer of the show Project Runway has been married to music legend, David Bowie since 1992, but he is not Muslim. Iman means “faith” in Arabic.

T-PainNappy Boy, or Faheem Rashad Najm (T-Pain) grew up in a Muslim family but married a non-Muslim woman. The rapper that is know for auto-tune and popular dance (club) music still claims to be Muslim.

 Shaquille O’Neal

Shaq (42) is a convert, but he did not speak out about it until he decided to go on a pilgrimage to Hajj in 2010. Both his first and middle names (Shaquille Rashaun) have Arabic origin. He named his sons Arabic names as well.

Author: The Reel Network