18 Years After Converting To Islam, Mahershala Ali Becomes the First Muslim Actor To Win An Oscar

The 43-year-old claimed the Best Supporting Actor trophy for his performance in Moonlight, at the 89th Academy Awards (Oscar Awards) 2017 took place yesterday, February 26, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood in Los Angeles.

8 years after converting to Islam, Mahershala Ali becomes the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar
Mahershala Ali

Ali converted to Islam in 1999 and recently compared the discrimination he faces as a Muslim to the discrimination he faces as a black man living in America.

Named after a biblical prophet and raised by his mum, Willicia, who is an ordained minister in the church of God, no one knew Ali would change his religion. He however converted to Ahmadiyya Islam, changing his surname from Gilmore to Ali, and joined the Ahmadiyya Community.

8 years after converting to Islam, Mahershala Ali becomes the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar
Mahershala Ali and wife
Ali is married to Amatus Sami-Karim. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Bari Najma on February 22, 2017.

Congrats to the Muslim actor!

Source: NAIJ.com