Several Pakistani celebrities have left the entertainment industry to pursue their religious beliefs and to devote themselves to promoting Islamic values and teachings. These individuals come from various fields within the entertainment industry, including acting, singing, and modeling.
Junaid Jamshed
After leaving the music industry in 2001, Junaid Jamshed devoted himself to religious studies and became a prominent figure in the religious community in Pakistan. He founded a clothing brand, “J.”, which became quite successful in the country, and used the profits to support charitable causes. Junaid Jamshed passed away tragically in a plane crash in 2016, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved musician, a devout Muslim, and a philanthropist.
Noor Bukhari
In many interviews, Noor Bukhari has stated that her decision to leave the industry was based on her growing disillusionment with the entertainment world and her desire to pursue a more spiritual path. She felt that the work she was doing was not in line with her religious beliefs and values, and that she needed to make a change in her life. After leaving the industry in 2017, Noor Bukhari has become a prominent figure in the religious community in Pakistan, and has used her platform to raise awareness about Islamic teachings and promote religious causes. She has also been seen actively participating in religious events and programs, and has been praised for her efforts to raise awareness about social issues in the country.
Ali Afzal
The heart-throb of the 90’s Ali Afzal left entertainment industry for Islam in 2004. Since then he’s been seen on many platforms lecturing and preaching the way of Islam. The former actor was not only known for his acting skills but for his colored eyes as well.
Sara Chaudhary
Sara Chaudhary was known for her performances in popular dramas such as “Tere Pehlu Mein” and “Doraha”. In 2011, Sara Chaudhry announced that she would be leaving the entertainment industry to focus on her personal life and her religious beliefs. She had been contemplating leaving the industry for some time, and her decision was influenced by her desire to devote herself to her family and her religious values.
Sanam Chauhdry
Sanam Chauhdry was at the peak of her career when she decided to leave industry. She has given many Pakistani drama hits including “Mere Mehebaan” and “Tere Mere Beech”. In 2019, she announced on social media that she would be taking a break from the entertainment industry to focus more on her personal life and religious beliefs. And, since then there’s been no turning back from her except that of in religious shows.
Najam Sheraz
After bidding farewell to music industry in 2914, Najam Sheraz has explained in many interviews that his decision to leave the industry was influenced by his desire to devote himself to Islam and to lead a more spiritual life. He had been contemplating leaving the industry for some time, and his decision was further reinforced by personal events in his life, including the loss of his father and brother.
Zarnish Khan
Former actress Zarnish Khan was one of the best Pakistani celebrities who left showbiz industry for Islam. She was known for his variety of styles and the energy she used to entertain crowds. After ruling the world of acting for many years, Zarnish Khan recently left it. She announced on her social media after coming back from Umrah, that she left Showbiz so that she could spend the rest of her life in the service of Islam.
Anum Fayyaz
Known both for her negative roles as well as positive ones, Anum Fayyaz had earned a good and reputable name for herself in the hearts of Pakistani television fans. However, post her marriage, Anum decided to quit the industry. She took to her social media and announced her decision.
Abdullah Qureshi
After giving amazing music gigs, Abdullah bid farewell to music industry in 2022. His announcement came after the singer went on a break when he was accused of harassing women over Instagram DMs. Abdullah admitted to those allegations and apologized for his behavior. He, however, on the other hand also mentioned that he’d be open to have media and public appearances to promote issues that fall within the folds of Islam.
Feroze Khan
In the year 2021, he stated on his social media account that he is going to take a break from entertainment industry so that he could focus on his personal growth and spiritual journey. Ever since then, he has become more vocal on social and political issues, using his social media accounts to share his opinions and views on various topics. It’s still unclear if he plans to return to the entertainment industry in the future.
Hamza Ali Abbasi
In 2020, Hamza shocked his fans after he revealed in a long YouTube video that he was taking a leave from the entertainment industry. “My perspective of life has been changed since I realised that I have to meet my God. With this realisation, what I decided to do is that I now wish to talk to people”. This change came into his life after he was last seen in drama ‘Alif’. Rumours have been circling that Abbasi is going to make a come back on television screens real soon. Hamza has recently endorsed and promoted the two acting projects he did before he made the decision of quitting acting and he even appeared in the 2023 version of Peshawar Zalmi’s anthem too.
Sataesh Khan
Sataesh Khan was at the peak of her career when she left media left. In 2012, Sataesh Khan explained that her decision to leave the industry was based on her desire to prioritize her personal life and religious beliefs and the her biggest motivation behind leaving industry was Sara Chaudhary. Ever since her departure, Sateaesh Khan is associated with religious organization Al-Huda.
Urooj Nasir
Urooj Nasir is a notable actress from the nineties era. Landa Bazaar and NaJaane Kyun are the most reputable work of her. But she also left her flourishing career in showbiz to practice Islam. She has been seen in many television shows after that promoting her religious views and beliefs.
Rabi Pirzada
In 2019, Rabi Pirzada announced her departure from the entertainment industry. This announcement came after her private pictures and videos were leaked online. Rabi took to her official Twitter account and wrote, “I, Rabi Pirzada, am quitting showbiz. May Allah forgive my sins. And soften the hearts of people in my favour.”
