Top 15 Outstanding Muslim Anime Characters of All Time

(Last Updated On: June 6, 2023)

As an avid anime enthusiast, I was captivated when I stumbled upon the series Magi: the Labyrinth, which prominently showcases numerous Arab characters and draws inspiration from Arabic culture. This discovery sparked my curiosity to delve into other anime that incorporate Arab heritage or influences, resulting in a curated list of remarkable anime series and characters that beautifully represent Arab culture.

From influential leaders to enchanting individuals, these characters possess a distinct allure within the realm of anime. Embark with us on a captivating journey as we explore a selection of exceptional anime series featuring Arab characters, characterized by their Arabic heritage, names, or the profound influence of Arab culture.

15. Rasheed from Cowboy Bebop the movie

Leading the lineup of remarkable Arab anime characters is Rasheed, a Moroccan individual hailing from the renowned anime film Cowboy Bebop. Familiar to audiences as Doctor Mendelo al-Hedia, he gained prominence as a distinguished professor at SIT, specializing in nano-machinery. His relentless dedication propelled him swiftly through the ranks, ultimately earning him a revered position within the esteemed ninth research team.

His remarkable achievements were further acknowledged when he received the prestigious Mars Prize of Technology. Despite his illustrious academic career, he chose to retire and embark upon a new chapter in his life, embracing a role as a scientist within the Mars Army. The creators of Cowboy Bebop drew inspiration from an insightful tour guide encountered in Morocco, who served as the basis for the beloved character, Rasheed.

14. Abdulah from One Piece

Abdullah, an Arabic-named character from the One Piece series, assumes the role of a supporting character due to his checkered past and prior involvement as a bounty hunter. In the Dressrosa arc, he emerges as an impressive contender in the Corrida Colosseum alongside his partner Jeet, driven by their desire to obtain the prized Mera Mera no Mi.

While Abdullah’s criminal background and rugged demeanor may suggest otherwise, he proves himself to be a crucial ally to Luffy. Subsequently, he joins the Ideo Pirates, wherein his unwavering loyalty and camaraderie shine through, making him an invaluable asset within the crew.

13. Ali AL-Saachez from Mobile Suit Gundam 00

Ali Al-Saachez, a character from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam 00, hails from Morocco in the Arab region. Initially a guerrilla fighter in the Middle East, he later embraces a mercenary lifestyle to sustain himself. Operating as Gary Biaggi, he skillfully pilots AEU mobile suits for the French Foreign Legion. In the second season, Ali aligns himself with a faction known as the Innovators, assuming the role of an agent. Utilizing the formidable GNW-20000 Arche Gundam, he embodies a relentless and unhinged persona, serving as the primary antagonist throughout the series.

Ali Al-Saachez, a captivating character from Mobile Suit Gundam 00, originates from Morocco and represents the Arab region. Initially, his involvement as a guerrilla fighter in the Middle East shapes his journey. However, driven by a love for combat and the need for sustenance, Ali transitions into the life of a mercenary, adopting the alias Gary Biaggi while piloting AEU mobile suits for the French Foreign Legion. In the second season, he takes on a new role as an agent for the Innovators, a group within the series.

12. Muhammad Avdol from Jojo

Muhammad Avdol, a renowned Arab anime character, holds great power within the popular series Jojo’s Bizarre Stardust Crusaders. This Egyptian man stands taller than most, boasting a sturdy and robust physique. As a close ally of the main protagonist, Joseph Joestar, he embarks on a significant quest to vanquish the malevolent DIO.

Along their journey, Avdol proves invaluable, imparting crucial knowledge about the enemy Stand Users and the diverse cultures they encounter. Equipped with his own Stand, Magician’s Red, he wields the formidable ability to manipulate fire. A pivotal figure in the storyline, his Arabic heritage infuses the narrative with a vital cultural essence.

11. Aus from The Journey

In their pursuit to demolish the Kaaba, the sacred edifice in Islam, King Abraha of the southern invaders, during the epochal “Year of the Elephant,” marches behind Aus as he valiantly safeguards the revered city of Mecca from their onslaught. Aus, now compelled to protect the city from the invaders, unveils a hidden facet of his existence, rallying a compact force of soldiers to join the battle.

In 2021, theaters throughout the Middle East screened The Journey with Arabic subtitles, aiming to captivate the region’s substantial population. Luckily, the film received unanimous acclaim from both critics and viewers, ultimately securing the prestigious Septimius Award for “Best Experimental Film.”

10. Arslan Senki from the The Heroic Legend of Arslan

Arslan embarks on a quest to assemble an army and reclaim his throne from the Lusitanians. The anime draws inspiration from the renowned Persian epic bearing the same name, wherein a prince named Arslan discovers his royal lineage and sets out to regain his kingdom. This Muslim anime caters to fans of action and drama, featuring abundant battle scenes alongside a captivating storyline.

The anime spans two seasons, providing a satisfying narrative for viewers who appreciate concise storytelling. 3. Magi: The Magical Maze takes place in a Middle Eastern setting, incorporating renowned characters from the beloved “Thousand and One Nights” epic, adding an extra layer of depth to the series.

9. Aladdin from Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

The animated series, premiered in 2012, serves as a creative interpretation of the renowned fairy tale collection “One Thousand and One Nights” and showcases captivating journeys across the Middle East. At the heart of the story is Aladdin, a young protagonist who wields the power of a genie trapped within his flute.

Fate intertwines Aladdin’s path with that of Ali Baba, an ambitious merchant determined to conquer the enigmatic dungeon, renowned for its hidden treasures and mystical abilities. United in their quest, the duo joins forces with Sindibad to confront formidable adversaries endangering the safety of humanity.

8. Sinbad from Arabian Nights: Sinbad’s Adventures

Many older individuals will recall a notable Muslim animation that debuted in 1975 and retained its enchanting setting within the realm of the Thousand and One Nights. This animated series swiftly gained immense popularity among young viewers in the Middle East when it premiered in the 1980s.

Arabian Nights Sindbad narrates the tale of Sindbad, who, as a youthful lad, embarked on captivating adventures alongside his uncle across the vast ocean. Their fateful encounter with a colossal whale resulted in their unfortunate separation. In a similar vein to the previously mentioned Magi anime, this series encompasses episodes derived from the timeless tales found in “One Thousand and One Nights,” offering delightful appearances by beloved characters such as Ali Baba and Aladdin.

7. Setsuna F. Seiei from Gundam 00

Gundam 00 stands out as a distinct anime due to its focus on the paramilitary organization Celestial Being and its incorporation of Islamic themes. At the heart of the series is the enigmatic Gundam robot, wielded by protagonist Setsuna F. Sei, also known as Soran Ibrahim.

Set on a mission to bring an end to conflicts worldwide, Setsuna, as the pilot of Gundam Exia, is determined to eradicate war, particularly in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Marina Ismail, a courageous female leader, finds herself embroiled in the turmoil of her war-torn nation. On the opposing side, Ali Al-Saachez, a deranged warmonger, assumes the role of the chief instigator behind each violent incident that unfolds throughout the narrative.

6. Maudy Ayunda from Battle of Surabaya

MSV Pictures produced an Indonesian animated feature that centers around a Muslim protagonist and explores Islamic themes. The film depicts the historical moment following World War II when Soekarno and Hatta officially declared Indonesia a Unitary State, marking its independence as the Republic of Indonesia.

Tragically, the Dutch, who had previously occupied Indonesia, harbored intentions of reestablishing colonization by leveraging the NICA and allied forces. In the face of impending control by the British and Gurkha troops, Bung Tomo fearlessly delivered an inspiring Islamic sermon, rallying the spirits of Indonesian fighters and uniting them during the pivotal battle for Surabaya.

5. Hayato from Time Travel Tondekeman!

The renowned anime series “Time Quest,” often referred to as the “Muslim anime” due to its Middle Eastern setting, revolves around Hayato, a gifted high school student and skilled soccer player, and his closest companion Yumi. Their unexpected journey through time begins when Dr. Leonardo transports them back to the past, leaving them stranded in the ninth century.

Their only hope of returning home lies in reclaiming their stolen time machine, a mystical teapot, which was taken by Abdullah. In this captivating anime, each episode follows Hayato and Yumi as they collaborate with Prince Dandan and Aladdin to apprehend Abdullah, whose manipulation of the time machine alters the past, present, and future.

4. Yugo Beppu from Yugo The Negotiator

This anime centered around Yugo Beppu has been occasionally labeled as a “Muslim anime” due to its portrayal of Islam and other religious elements. The story follows Yugo Beppu, a Japanese negotiator stationed in Pakistan, as he endeavors to broker a hostage exchange with the notorious gang led by Yusuf Ali Messa.

Yugo, a proficient negotiator, finds himself intrigued by the Islamic faith and Pakistani culture, thanks to his close friendship with a native of the country. In a display of curiosity, Yugo even visits a mosque to observe his friend’s devout prayers.

3. Mahmut Pasha from Altair: A Record of Battles

Altair: A Record of Battles, an anime series, revolves around a courageous young soldier who embarks on a perilous mission to safeguard his people by infiltrating an adversarial nation. Set in the fictional city of Turkiye, the show draws inspiration from the illustrious Islamic Empire, specifically the Ottomans, the largest empire of its kind.

The narrative encompasses a poignant moment where a triumphant character expresses gratitude to Allah through a prostration, highlighting an Islamic scenario. Furthermore, the cast features a myriad of characters adorned with names that resonate with Islamic influences, such as Ahmed, Mahmud, Ibrahim, and various other Muslim appellations.

2. Canaan from Canaan

Canaan, an often overlooked anime, truly deserves greater recognition. The show revolves around a formidable female protagonist, a young Arab woman boasting striking blond locks and captivating hazel eyes. When unleashing her extraordinary power, aptly named synesthesia, her eyes transmute into a fiery shade of red.

Canaan thrives as an accomplished mercenary stationed in Shanghai, displaying unparalleled expertise in both marksmanship and close combat. Her synesthetic prowess enables her to meld and heighten her senses, granting her a remarkable advantage. Originating from a war-ravaged Middle Eastern village, Canaan’s remarkable resilience and survival skills were discovered and honed by the enigmatic Siam, who bestowed upon her the name she now bears.

1. Nura Rihan from Nurarihyon No Mago

In the world of Nurarihyon no Magi, we encounter Nura Rihan, the son of Nurarihyon and Rikuo’s father. Resembling his father, he possesses long, black, and wavy hair. As a child, he would often accompany his father on patrols, much to his mother’s disapproval.

During the Edo period, he ascended to the role of the Second Head of the Nura Clan and guided the clan to the pinnacle of its power. Remarkably, he successfully thwarted the sinister actions of the String Assassin of Hitachi Province. Notably, his Arabic first and last name establishes him as an important addition to the roster of Arab anime characters.

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Fauzia Khan

Fauzia, a New York-based college professor and part-time anime writer of Indian origin, effortlessly marries her Hyderabad roots with her love for romantic manga and manhwa. Deeply passionate about anime, especially the character Ichigo, her writing continues to captivate fans worldwide.