When Steve Harvey stood in front of a mosque in Dubai bearing the name “Mary, Mother of Jesus,” something shifted. The famous comedian, television host, and self-described man of faith found himself face to face with a truth that billions of Muslims have always known: Islam honors Jesus and his blessed mother Mary in ways that often surprise those outside the faith. This moment, captured on video and shared widely, opens a powerful door for dawah and honest conversation about what Islam truly teaches.
Steve Harvey at the Mary Mother of Jesus Mosque
Steve Harvey visited a mosque in Dubai alongside his wife, who was seen beautifully wearing the hijab. The mosque itself carries a name that stops many non-Muslims in their tracks: Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque. What many people do not realize is that the Quran dedicates an entire chapter, Surah Maryam, to the mother of Jesus, peace be upon him. In Islam, Mary is regarded as one of the most honored women in all of creation. Her modesty, devotion, and obedience to God are a model for every believer. When you see a Muslim woman wearing hijab, she is following the same tradition of modesty that Mary herself practiced. Steve Harvey recognized this connection, and it clearly moved him.
A mosque with the name Jesus on it… the world could use a little bit more of that. When I look at this name and it says Mary the Mother of Jesus Mosque, it kind of gives me a little bit more understanding. It’s starting to make a whole lot more sense.
Why Steve Harvey Named His Son Ali
Beyond visiting the mosque, Steve Harvey revealed something deeply significant about his personal life. Of his three sons, two carry traditional Christian names, but one he named Ali — a distinctly Muslim name rooted in Islamic heritage. Harvey explained that he chose the name Ali out of respect and appreciation for Muslim culture. This is the same name carried by the great companion of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and by the legendary Muhammad Ali, who inspired millions. For African Americans especially, Islam represents a return to authentic roots, a faith embraced by icons like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and countless others who found truth and dignity through submission to the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
If I could make myself successful, I would have done it a long time ago. I would have skipped so many of the lessons I had to learn. But in this process, I was very aware of the amount of faith that was needed.
Islam: The Clear Path to the Creator
- Islam means peace through submission — true peace is acquired by submitting your will to the Creator of the heavens and the earth, not by following personal desires
- Muslims love Jesus — not as God or a literal son of God, but as one of the mightiest messengers sent to guide humanity
- Mary is deeply honored in the Quran — an entire chapter is named after her, and her example of hijab and devotion is followed by Muslim women worldwide
- Islam is the completion of the same message — every prophet from Abraham to Moses to Jesus called people to worship One God alone, and Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, delivered the final revelation
- The door is open for everyone — Islam is not restricted by race, culture, or background; anyone can submit their will to God and find guidance
- Success comes from God alone — as Steve Harvey himself acknowledged, no amount of personal effort replaces the need for faith and reliance on the Creator
An Invitation to Learn More About Islam
Steve Harvey’s experience is a reminder that when people visit a mosque, sit with Muslims, and ask sincere questions, walls of misconception come crumbling down. The Quran invites every human being to reflect, to seek truth, and to ask God directly for guidance. If Steve Harvey’s journey resonates with you, take that next step: pick up a translation of the Quran, visit your local mosque, and ask the Creator of the heavens and the earth to guide you to the straight path. As we always say on The Deen Show, share the deen — because caring is sharing, and the truth of Islam deserves to be known by every soul searching for real peace and purpose in this life.