Tahaa Kahn: From Janitorial Work to Comedic Timing: A Comedian's Rise Against the Odds

In the growing landscape of Muslim comedians in America, Tahaa Kahn’s name is emerging alongside others like Hasan Minhaj and Ramy Youssef. However, Kahn’s journey to the stage is unique, one marked by hardships that have shaped his comedy. His story isn’t just about performing; it’s about resilience, finding humor in struggle, and rising against all odds.

Before he found success on stage, Kahn worked tirelessly in demanding, often grueling jobs. After suffering a back injury while working at FedEx, Kahn had to step away from physically intensive work. But he refused to stop working and took a custodial job at New York’s Javits Center, cleaning toilets and hauling trash. His nights, however, were spent chasing his dream of comedy, performing in any club or venue that would have him. For Kahn, his work ethic was grounded in values instilled by his mother. “There’s no shame in working hard,” he says. “My PhD from Germany wasn’t going to make me feel superior. My mom always said work is work.”

The struggle wasn’t easy. Kahn’s personal challenges intensified during Thanksgiving of 2018 when he found himself homeless. With nowhere to stay, he spent the night riding subways and PATH trains to stay warm. “It was a cold, cold night,” he recalls. “I promised myself then that if I survived this, I’d make sure my comedy carried the truth of where I came from.” That night marked a critical moment in his life, and Kahn’s resolve grew stronger. He promised that if he could get through this, he would use his pain as fuel for his comedy.

Despite winning comedy competitions, Kahn faced significant barriers in the entertainment industry. Comedy clubs often turned him away, and he found it difficult to get his foot in the door. Refusing to wait for permission, Kahn decided to create his own stage. He founded Comedy for Good, a production company that partnered with UNICEF to use laughter as a tool for healing and humanitarian impact. At the same time, he remained committed to supporting his family in Pakistan and South Africa, juggling the demands of his career with his responsibility abroad.

Kahn’s life experiences and challenges became the raw material for his comedy. His debut special, Halalarious, explores themes of faith, identity, and the struggles of being a Muslim in America. Kahn has the unique ability to take painful, often difficult moments from his life and turn them into humor. His storytelling is both personal and universal, making his comedy resonate with audiences from various backgrounds. By weaving humor into serious themes, he connects with people in ways that are both cathartic and entertaining.

The recognition followed quickly. Halalarious won the Evergreen Award for Best Comedy Special by an Immigrant Comedian in the USA in 2025. The special’s success helped Kahn gain widespread attention, and his work has been featured in major outlets, including the Associated Press, Today USA, and the New York Telegraph. Kahn is now considered one of the rising Muslim comedians in America, praised for his authenticity and the human experience he shares through his comedy.

From nights spent riding cold subway trains to performing on comedy stages, Tahaa Kahn’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and humor can turn adversity into opportunity. His story is about more than just surviving, it's about finding strength, laughter, and purpose in the face of hardship.

For more information on Tahaa Kahn and his work, visit Comedy for Good.

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