Madonna Practicing Islam? Singer Reveals She's Studying Muslim Holy Text

Madonna made waves in the mid-1990s when she began studying the Kabbalah, a Jewish esoteric tradition that draws from the mystical and prophetic visions described throughout the Torah. Now she's causing uproar with the news that she's begun studying the Koran, the sacred text of Islam, joining celebs like Janet Jackson, Dave Chappelle, and Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), who reportedly also practice Islam. Is this a Madonna-worthy publicity stunt or an earnest attempt to deepen her spirituality?

Madonna is no stranger to scandal, from her famous cone bra to the Britney Spears kiss to her highly sexualized music and performances. It's little wonder her religious beliefs would catch the public's attention too, but perhaps Madonna's fame isn't the only ingredient in this buzz. Sure, she's a mega celebrity and her every move will be of interest to the media. But religion is a divisive topic, and, unfortunately in a post-9/11 U.S., Islam is a particularly sensitive faith to discuss.

Observers might criticize Madonna for having a casual relationship to her faith or they might say her interest is inspired more by romance than by belief (her boyfriend, Brahim Zaibat, apparently practices Islam, as well). But viewed in a more forgiving light, Madonna's statement might be an important step toward religious literacy and tolerance.

In an article for Harper's Bazaar, Madonna writes:

I am building schools for girls in Islamic countries and studying the Qur'an. I think it is important to study all the holy books. As my friend Yaman always tells me, a good Muslim is a good Jew, and a good Jew is a good Christian, and so forth. I couldn't agree more. To some people this is a very daring thought.

She goes on to say the "idea of being daring has become the norm for me," which suggests that, a) Madonna believes Islam is inherently "daring" or b) she knows any major life change or conversion she undergoes will naturally seem daring to her audience. Either way, it's a bold statement that we hope Madonna carries through with the utmost tact and respect for the 1.5 billion practitioners of Islam worldwide.

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Johnny Depp honored at makeup and hair awards

Johnny Depp honored at makeup and hair awards

In an awards season that seems to have a ceremony for every facet of filmmaking, the Make-up and Hair Stylists Guild awards returned after a 10-year hiatus with an award forJohnny Depp.

The actor received the first ever distinguished artisan award for his work in films like "Edward Scissorhands," ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Alice in Wonderland."

Depp's honor was presented by his long-time collaborator and makeup artist Joel Harlow, who is nominated for an Academy Award this year for makeup in "The Lone Ranger." Depp also starred in the film.

"This is a great honor, but glancing up at the screen I realize what a ridiculous thing I've done," joked Depp while accepting his trophy after clips of his work were shown at Paramount Studios theatre on Saturday evening.

"I mean seriously, why do they still give me jobs?" he added. "I've done a lot of things...I should probably apologize for a few, but I won't."

Praising the work of the makeup artists who've helped him "find the root of each character," the soft-spoken actor said he liked when his face was molded in "A Nightmare on Elm Street."

"I found, oddly, that I liked being encased in all of that stuff," he said. "I try something different each time as an actor with the amazing help of makeup artists who have made my whole career."

Resembling the boozy party that is the Golden Globes rather than the formal Oscars, the makeup and hair stylists awards, which honors the best in the business from film to television, was a reunion for the behind-the-scenes artists. Squeals echoed throughout the auditorium as artists with multi-colored hair and thick cat-eye style makeup hugged and kissed.

"It's our circle or little family's time to celebrate," said Harlow prior to the ceremony.

As an ode to visual effects, a woman painted white and dressed in white stood in the lobby balancing a large headpiece made of flowers as she was lit by green lights. Host Tom Arnold later joked she looked "edible, like a big white cake."

There to present the award for best contemporary hair styling to the stylists for "Lee Daniels' the Butler," best supporting actress Oscar nominee June Squibb called the green lighting "wild." Turns out she loves the color. She's even asked Tadashi Shoji to make her a green dress for Oscar night. "I've seen a sketch and it's wonderful!" she added.

Some of the evening's other awards went to Oscar nominees "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" for best special makeup effects and "Dallas Buyers Club" for best period and/or character makeup, while best contemporary hair styling in a television series went to "The Voice."

Makeup artist Dick Smith and hairstylist Gail Ryan received lifetime achievement awards.

Jane Lynch, Ed Asner, Johnny Knoxville, Nicollette Sheridan and Melissa Leo were among the presenters at the charming awards show that even included the engagement of a gay couple.

"Just have fun, that's all this is about," said Sue Cabral-Ebert, president of the Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild. "It's not brain surgery."

Could a gaffers and grips gala be next?

"You should see the electrical staff's awards," joked Arnold. "It's madness!"

The Oscar ceremony will take place March 2.

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Madonna is often controversial

Madonna is often controversial acting throughout his career . Especially when he held a long tour promo album MDNA . But beyond that , Madonna would also have a positive side . On stage concert in Russia , he invites fans to appreciate the difference .

" As you can see in my stage , all that with me coming from various places in the world . From Africa , from America , from France , from Russia , from the UK , " said Madonna on stage .

The 53 -year -old singer then went on religious diversity and there is also a belief in a shuttle crew . But Madonna assume it is a natural thing .

" We are Christians , we are Muslims , we Jews , we are all of you can imagine . , But our family one . We are always together . We are gay , we are straight , we are human ! " he shouted .

At the end of his speech , Madonna asked that all human beings are able to appreciate each other . " And the last sentence , man . It is the most important . And in fact , we need each other . Okay ? " Madonna lid .