In the world of basketball, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a legendary figure. His impressive career and philanthropic endeavors have earned him a place among the greatest players of all time. However, behind the scenes, there is another important figure in his life – his ex-wife, Habiba Abdul-Jabbar. While not much is known about her, we will delve into her intriguing story and shed light on her personal life which has largely remained away from the public eye.
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Early Life and Conversion to Islam
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Janice Brown, was born in October 1950 in the US state of New York. She grew up in a devout Christian family, deeply rooted in the Catholic church. However, after meeting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, she made a life-changing decision to convert to Islam and changed her name to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar. This religious transformation symbolized her commitment to their relationship and the shared values they would embrace.
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s Career and Passions
Throughout the years, Habiba Abdul-Jabbar has maintained a low profile, choosing to stay away from the spotlight. As a result, not much is known about her professional life or current activities. However, some details have emerged about her passions and interests. According to her Facebook profile, Habiba is an avid runner and has a page called “RunHabibaRun.” She also owns a clothing brand called Tutu Glam, specializing in flamboyant tutu skirts. These ventures reflect her enthusiasm for athletics and fashion.
The Abdul-Jabbar Family
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s connection to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began when they first met. Habiba was a high school student at the time, and Kareem was attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). They were introduced by Cliff Anderson, a basketball player who was Habiba’s boyfriend at the time. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their decision to exchange wedding vows.
On May 28, 1971, Habiba and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got married in a ceremony following Islamic religious rites. The wedding took place at a mosque in Washington D.C., led by Hamas Abdul-Khaalis, the leader of the Hanafi movement. However, the ceremony was not without its challenges. Habiba’s parents, who were Christian, were not allowed to witness the wedding due to their faith. This caused tension and a rift between the families, which took time to heal.
Habiba and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar share three children together. Their firstborn, Habiba Alcindor, has pursued a career in journalism and writes for publications such as the Huffington Post. Their second child, Sultana Abdul-Jabbar, has chosen to live a private life. Their only son, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr., briefly followed in his father’s footsteps as a basketball player and also dabbled in acting.
The Challenges and Divorce
Despite the initial joy of their marriage, Habiba and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar faced various challenges that ultimately led to their separation and divorce. One significant factor was Kareem’s migraines, which were triggered by a devastating incident involving his mentor’s family. Six relatives and a friend were tragically murdered by rival black Muslims, and Kareem’s life was also threatened. This traumatic event took a toll on their relationship and affected Kareem both emotionally and physically.
Additionally, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s relationship with Cheryl Pistono, whom he met during the marriage, further strained his marriage with Habiba. Cheryl had a significant influence on Kareem’s life and reportedly advised him to seek a divorce. This advice, combined with the existing challenges in their relationship, led to their separation and eventual divorce. The divorce was finalized in 1978, ending their seven-year marriage.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Habiba Abdul-Jabbar moved on with her life. She remarried in 1986 and had a son named Sean with her new partner. Meanwhile, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also moved forward and had additional children from other relationships, including a son named Amir Abdul-Jabbar with Cheryl Pistono and a son named Adam Abdul-Jabbar with Julye Olds.
While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life continued to be in the public eye due to his basketball career and philanthropic activities, Habiba chose to maintain a private life away from media scrutiny. Despite the challenges they faced during their marriage, it is evident that both Habiba and Kareem have moved forward and found happiness in their respective lives.
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar Net Worth
Habiba’s net worth is difficult to determine because her professional work is unknown. The projected net worth of Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is, according to media reports, estimated to be between $2 million to $4 million.
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar Height
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is currently 5 feet, 5 inches tall.
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar Age
According to various media reports, Habiba was born in October 1950, which means that she is currently 73 years old. Her Birthday is in the month of October.
Conclusion
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s life has largely remained hidden from the public eye. As the ex-wife of basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, she played an important role in his personal journey. Her decision to convert to Islam and embrace a new identity reflected her commitment to their relationship. While their marriage faced challenges and eventually ended in divorce, both Habiba and Kareem have moved on and found happiness in their own ways. Habiba’s passion for running and her fashion brand, Tutu Glam, showcase her individual pursuits and interests. Despite the limited information available, Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and personal growth experienced in relationships.