Mar 30, 2015 · Then in 1971, when I was 24, I converted to Islam and became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (meaning “the noble one, servant of the Almighty”). The question I’m often asked is why I had to pick a religion so foreign to American culture and a …

Mar 14, 2025 · Inspired by Malcolm, Abdul-Jabbar sought his own freedom, and his path of self-realization led to Islam. Islam responded to his desire to connect with his African heritage and also provided a means to meet the racial challenges of the 1960s and 1970s. Yet, his personal transformation did not come without its costs.

Apr 3, 2022 · In 1971, at the age of 24, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr converted to Islam and took on the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (which means “the noble one, servant of the Almighty”). In the years since becoming a Muslim, Abdul-Jabbar has described his decision to change his religion and name as a spiritual choice.

The National Basket Association (NBA) player Lew Alcindor converted to Islam and became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Lew Alcindor was an American former professional basketball player who played 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

May 4, 2017 · He didn’t pressure me to join, but he did explain why he felt that they were desirable: Not only did they profess Islam, but they were an aggressive political entity fighting racism in America.

Jul 5, 2020 · Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., who became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, says he took to Islam to manifest his African history, culture and beliefs. Already a star man at the University of...

Nov 27, 2006 · Kareem Abdul-Jabbar affirms his identity as a Sunni Muslim. He professes a strong belief in what he calls the Supreme Being and is clear in his understanding that Muhammad is his prophet and the Quran is the final revelation…

Feb 16, 2020 · In Becoming Kareem, the reader finds out how Abdul-Jabbar’s spiritualty blossomed as he realized everyone has a moral imperative to counter injustice, racism, and bigotry in all forms. Marking Black History Month, we highlight some of the most prominent figures of Black American Muslims in recent history.

Nov 15, 2015 · In college, he was introduced to Islam through the “Autobiography of Malcolm X.” Converting, he attached himself to an off-shoot of the Nation of Islam led by Hamaas Abdul-Khaalis. He comments that the explicit appeal of Islam is its moral guidance.

Oct 28, 2024 · His exposure to the teachings of the Nation of Islam made him want to change, and then when he saw that the Nation of Islam had some problems, he put that behind him, and through Islam — orthodox Islam — he found a better path, and he never stopped trying to improve himself and increase his knowledge.