9 Famous Americans You Probably Didn't Know Were Muslim
Getty Images
Still, there are over 2.5 million American Muslims, making it the third largest religion in the country.
While Muslims only account for 0.8% of the population, they have faced rising discrimination and prejudice since the 9/11 attacks 13 years ago. With the rise of groups like ISIS now seeking to promote their brand of violent extremism, that may be unlikely to end anytime soon.
A recent poll reported that 62% of American's didn't personally know a Muslim, so here's a list of 10 Muslim Americans you probably will know.
Dr. Oz
Jason Kempin/Getty
Shaquille O'Neal
Getty Images
Fareed Zakaria
The Indian-born journalist Fareed Zakaria hosts his own show on CNN, is an editor at large for Time Magazine, and writes a foreign affairs column for The Washington Post. Zakaria was raised by Muslim parents, though he has stated he doesn't consider himself "a particularly religious person."Ellen Burstyn
Frazer Harrison/Getty
Emmy-winning actor Ellen Burstyn appears to follow a loose form of Sufi Islam, the Wall Street Journal has reported. Burstyn, known for "The Exorcist," "Requiem For A Dream," and "Political Animals," says she believes in aspects from many major religions.
Aasif Mandvi
Reuters / Jonathan Ernst
Mandvi told the Tampa Bay Times, "My experience on 'The Daily Show' is that ... sometimes you get the thing that you want, but in a way that you never expected to get it."
"Like an important time to say something as a Muslim-American, as a brown person, as an immigrant. I feel like a lot of my work is about (exploring) that gap between cultures ... I just want to keep building on that," he said.
Akon
Getty Images / Leonard Adam
Dave Chappelle
Joshua Roberts / Getty Images
In a later interview, the comedian said a trip to Africa had crystallized his beliefs. "I'm a Muslim, I don't necessarily practice the way a good Muslim is supposed to practice but I believe in these tenants," Chapelle said.
Ice Cube
Getty Images / Christopher Polk
T-Pain
William Wei, Business Insider
He says most people aren't aware that he was raised a Muslim. "People don't even know. Me, Busta Rhymes, Lupe Fiasco - they don't even know we are Muslim. People think a Muslim has to have a turban or a big beard. It's stupid," T-Pain said.
However, T-Pain has also expressed broad beliefs in aspects of many religions, and has also stated that he doesn't like that religion separates people.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
- India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
- New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
- Gold plunges ₹1,450 to ₹72,200, silver prices dive by ₹2,300
- Strong domestic demand supporting India's growth: Morgan Stanley