From Akon to Zayn Malik: Meet the Hollywood's famous Muslims

Did you know notable faces either musician, actors, models in Hollywood are Muslims?

Here’s a list of six celebrities in Hollywood who are Muslims:

1. Akon

Akon, whose full name is Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, spoke with The National newspaper about his career and his faith.

The Smack That singer said, “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.”

“Even if you look at the daily prayers in Islam, we pray in melody. When we hear the call to prayer in any part of the world, it is also done with melody. So, no one can tell me that music is haram, or forbidden,” Akon noted.

2. Hadid sisters

Both Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid are Muslims and have always expressed pride in their Muslim heritage, though they were raised in a secular environment by their Dutch mother and Palestinian Muslim father.

3. Zayn Malik

The former One Direction band member is indeed a Muslim, growing up in London.

However, in 2018, Malik told Vogue that he no longer considers himself to be a follower of the Islamic faith.

4. Hasan Minhaj

The Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj host has said that he identifies as Muslim and is married to Beena Patel, a Hindu.

Born to Indian Muslim parents from Uttar Pradesh, Minhaj describes himself as a "non-dogmatic" Muslim.

5.Riz Ahmed

Ahmed is born Wembley, London, to British-Pakistani parents and has acted in TV series such as The OA, The Night Of and Girls.

The actor been vocal about his faith and its impact on his identity, often incorporating themes of Islamophobia, identity, and cultural belonging into his work as an actor, rapper, and activist.

6. DJ Khaled

DJ Khaled, whose real name is Khaled Mohamed Khaled, proud to be Muslim as the Grammy Award-winner told Esquire in 2018, "It's life for me. I was born Muslim, my family raised me Muslim. It's beautiful, it's amazing, it's incredible and it has put so many blessings upon me and my family."