While many around the globe will bask themselves in Christmas cheer today, not everyone, Hollywood included, will partake in holiday festivities. In fact, many popular celebs will be sitting this one out as they are Muslim. Those celebs include the likes of Janet Jackson, who was raised a Jehovah’s Witness, but reportedly converted to Islam after marrying her billionaire hubby Wissam Al Mana in 2013.
Hoop star Shaquille O’Neal also joins our list of stars you might not know are Muslim. Although he was raised by a Baptist mother, his stepfather was a Muslim. In fact, his middle name, Rashaun, means “little warrior” in Arabic. However, in the past, he has been quoted saying, “I’m Muslim, I’m Jewish, I’m Buddhist, I’m everybody ’cause I’m a people person.”
Icon Malcolm X also explored many denominations of the Muslim faith. He first joined the Nation of Islam in the late 1940s before exploring Sunni Islam. In 1965, he denounced the Nation of Islam, and was assassinated by several of the organization’s members. Needless to say, Muslims come from all walks of life. They are activists, athletes, and entertainers. For a look at more celebrities you may not know are Muslim, hit the flip below.
