Is Khaby Lame Muslim? (Most Followed Tiktoker Star)

Khaby "Khabane" Lame is one of the most followed TikToker stars in the world. With over 160 million followers and over 2.4 billion likes on his videos, he's taken over the world with his hilarious "life hacks" skits.

But given his Senegalese and Italian heritage, the most asked question is whether Khaby is a Muslim and whether he is a practising Muslim.

Who is TikToker Khaby Lame?

Khaby was born in Senegal, West Africa on 9th March 2000. His family decided to move homes and resided in a public housing complex in Chivasso in Italy until he was one.

Khaby has 3 siblings and studied in Italy until he was sent to study in Dakar at an Islamic school at the age of fourteen.

Lame then returned to Italy with his Italian citizenship where he worked as a CNC machine operator and factory worker in Turin before being laid off before the global pandemic in March 2020.

How did Khaby Lame become famous on social media?

Khaby began posting regularly on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic and his funny videos quickly became viral as a result of his duets or stitch features with other famous TikTokers. In these he parodied 'life hack' videos by performing the same task in a simple way with a hand gesture that quickly became a meme.

He quickly surpassed American TikToker Charlie D'Amelio and Addison Rae by number of followers and in June 2022, he officially became TikTok's most followed person in the world and entered the main stream.

In July 2022, Khaby Lame and Juventus F.C.'s announcement broadcasted the most followed Tik Toker's affiliation with the popular Italian football club. In a video posted to their official Twitter account, it showed Lame appearing in the new Juventus away shirt.

Khaby's fame as a TikTok star has inevitably sparked the most frequently asked questions about his personal life, particularly regarding his upbringing in a devout Muslim family and his current practices as a Muslim.

Does Khaby practice Islam?

Despite his colossal fame, Khaby Lame used to maintain a certain level of privacy about his family life and personal beliefs. However, the occasional glimpse into his world, like Khaby's confession about his journey and struggles, resonates deeply with his fans.

In July 2022 last year, Khaby Lame finally opened up to an Italian media outlet and Italian news channel and said:

"Yes, I am Muslim, a practising Muslim. I don't know what else to say."

Social media sensation Khaby Lame also continued to say that he was sent to a Quranic school near Dakar, Senegal to learn the Qur'an or do Hifz e Quran to become Hafiz e Quran when he was fourteen.

As the world's most-followed TikToker, every aspect of his life, from his friendships with people like Zaira Nucci, his best friend, to his thoughts on current issues affecting the Palestinian people, becomes part of the larger story that his audience follows keenly.

Which other social media stars are Muslim?

As the world's most-followed TikToker and well-known social media personality, taking the reigns from Charli D'Amelio, every aspect of his life, from his friendships with people like Zaira Nucci, his best friend, to his thoughts on current issues affecting the Palestinian people, becomes part of the larger story that his audience follows keenly.

Muslim influencers have effectively used platforms like TikTok to promote their faith, including our own TikTok channel Crescent Days, which talks about the benefits of ingredients mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah.

These platforms allow influencers to share insights into the life of a practicing Muslim, offering a glimpse into their daily routines, celebrations, and the holy Quran's teachings. They engage with a diverse Muslim population, Muslim audience and social media users worldwide, answering questions and debunking myths about their faith.

By doing so, they foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for all users, illustrating the power of social media to bridge gaps between different communities, like highlighting the Palestinian struggle.

Other famous social media Muslim stars include popstar Sza and fellow Muslim boxer Mike Tyson.

How the Qur'an has become popular on TikTok

The Quran became a popular topic on TikTok as Muslim creators started sharing their recitations, interpretations, and experiences with the holy text, especially during significant Islamic events and months.

This surge is partly attributed to young Muslims, many of whom attended Islamic schools or were part of a Quranic school, seeking to connect with their faith and share it with others. These TikTok videos provide a platform for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to learn about the Quran, its teachings, and its relevance in today's world, making it one of the most-followed topics related to faith on the platform.

The media plays a critical role in shaping public perceptions of Muslims. For years, the portrayal was often monolithic and negative. However, with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and the presence of well-known social media personalities like Khaby Lame, there's been a shift toward more nuanced and positive portrayals.

Lame, as a 22-year old TikToker, is often seen as a Muslim inspiration by many in his home country's Italian schools, challenging stereotypes and presenting a more relatable and human side of Muslims to the world. This shift in media portrayal can significantly impact how Muslims are viewed and treated globally.