Baba Ali

Baba Ali (Persian: بابا علی‎; born Ali Ardekani in 1975) is the co-founder (along with Mahdi Ahmad) of UmmahFilms, a Muslim film company that has produced a web series including the "Reminder" series and "Ask Baba Ali" series. Though of Muslim heritage, he was originally irreligious and accepted Islam after studying many religions, including wicca.

A worker in the IT field by profession in California, Ardekani quickly rose to prominence within the online Muslim community with Ummah films that claim Islam is the best religion in the West and discuss various Islamic topics. Using humor, Baba Ali's work has found its way to television on the Islam Channel (Broadcast in the UK) and he has become a frequent guest at various Muslim conferences and events (Including the ICNA-MAS convention and Evening of Inspiration) and the Global Peace and Unity Event.^[1] His efforts have been featured in The New York Times and USA Today. Baba Ali recently launched his latest project, Half Our Deen, to help Muslims get married. Currently writing the screenplay for a full length film. His films have grown widely popular on Youtube, gaining over 10 million views.^[2]

Ali has also designed two board games, Mecca to Medina (a game about trading and negotiating, invented by Ali as an Islamic-themed game that can be played by all religions) and Kalimaat.

Conversion

Baba Ali converted to Islam when he was 20 years old after attending an Islamic event. He belonged to a wealthy family in Iran who didn't accept it when he converted and subsequently disinherited him. His studio is the second bedroom of the apartment he shares with his wife and two small children.

Videography

Ask Baba Ali Series

• My Brother Has a Girlfriend
• Worrying & Ageing Sister
• Little Backbiter
• Randomly Checked
• Racism & Pride
• Escaping the Holiday Party
• We're Just Friends with benefits
• The Art of Complaining

The Reminder Videos

References

1. ^ Global Peace & Unity Event - Performers
2. ^ YouTube - ummahfilms's Channel

• NyTimes
• Video Blog
• Home Page

See also

• Islamic humour

External links

• Ummah Films Youtube Channel
• Muslim Comedian Baba Ali Standup
• Ummah Films Official Website
• Kalimaat Official Website
• Muslim Marriage - Half Our Deen Website