Habiba Abdul-Jabbar was married to NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from 1971 until their divorce in 1978. Born Janice Brown before changing her name following her conversion to Islam, she spent the peak years of Kareem's early basketball stardom out of the constant spotlight while raising their three children: Habiba, Sultana, and Kareem Jr.
While online articles often romanticize their union as a lifelong fairytale, the reality of their marriage involved navigating intense public scrutiny, religious shifts, and the immense pressure of life with a transcendent sports icon during the turbulent 1970s.
Early Life and Conversion to Islam
Before she became known as Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, she was born Janice Brown in the United States. She met Lew Alcindor—who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after embracing Islam in 1971—while he was starring for the Milwaukee Bucks and attending UCLA.
During this period, Alcindor's spiritual journey deeply influenced his personal life. Janice Brown also converted to Islam, adopting the name Habiba Abdul-Jabbar around the time of their traditional Islamic marriage ceremony in 1971. Because the couple married quietly away from the tabloid culture of modern sports, many early details of her upbringing and education remain private, contrasting sharply with the fabricated biographical claims often found on automated content sites. More journalism by Bloomberg highlights comparable views on this issue.
Marriage to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The couple tied the knot just as Kareem transitioned from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, a move that placed him at the center of Hollywood and national media attention.
During their seven-year marriage, Habiba managed the household and raised their growing family while Kareem cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant centers in basketball history. The couple shared three children together:
- Habiba Jr. (born 1972)
- Sultana (born 1976)
- Kareem Jr. (born 1976)
Life as an NBA spouse in the 1970s meant dealing with extensive travel, public expectations, and the physical toll of professional athletics. Despite Kareem's towering public stature, Habiba maintained a remarkably private profile, rarely seeking media attention or appearing on entertainment talk shows.
The Divorce and Separation
By 1978, the marriage had run its course, and the couple filed for divorce. Sports publications and legal records from the era noted that the split was amicable given the circumstances, though navigating the division of assets and custody arrangements under public scrutiny proved challenging.
Divorce in the high-pressure environment of professional sports often stems from the immense demands of the lifestyle. Kareem's demanding travel schedule, rigorous training regimens, and public commitments left little room for domestic stability. Following the divorce, Habiba stepped back further from public view to focus on raising their children independently in the Los Angeles area.
Life After the Split
After her divorce from the NBA star, Habiba chose a quiet, private life, stepping away from public engagements entirely. Unlike many spouses of modern athletes who leverage celebrity status for media careers, she prioritized her children's privacy and education.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went on to author numerous books, become a cultural critic, and establish philanthropic organizations like the Skyhook Foundation, which supports STEM education for underserved youth. Meanwhile, Habiba maintained her privacy, avoiding interviews and public appearances for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Habiba and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar get married?
They married in a traditional Islamic ceremony in 1971, shortly after Kareem converted to Islam and changed his name from Lew Alcindor.
How many children do they share?
They share three children: daughters Habiba Jr. and Sultana, and son Kareem Jr.
Why did they divorce?
The couple divorced in 1978 citing irreconcilable differences, heavily influenced by the strain of Kareem's intense NBA career, relentless travel, and public life.
What was Habiba Abdul-Jabbar's birth name?
She was born Janice Brown before changing her name following her conversion to Islam prior to their marriage.
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