Who is Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Ex-Wife Habiba Abdul-Jabbar?

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is the ex-wife of Kareem Abdul Jabbar, an American former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Habiba was born Janice Brown, however, she changed her religion and took up a Muslim name when she married Kareem on 28 May 1971. They went on to have three children – Habiba and Sultana, their daughters, and Kareem Jr., their son, before divorcing in 1978.

Who is Habiba Abdul-Jabbar?

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is the ex-wife of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the legendary basketball player. There is no information about Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s birth details, so nobody knows exactly how old she is. However, according to some unverified reports, she was born in October 1950, which would make her 73 years old now. Meanwhile, her ex-husband, Kareem, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on 16th April 1946 in Harlem, New York City, is 78 years old now.

Habiba was brought up by her parents in New York. Interestingly, she had a different name and religion before she met Kareem. After she was born, her parents named her Janice Brown, but after meeting Kareem, she changed her name to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar. Also, she was born into a Christian family that attends a Catholic church, but she later made a switch to Islam because of Kareem.

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s first and only wife and the mother of his three children. Despite being previously married to a well-known personality, very little is known about Habiba. But, according to several sources, she is a fashion designer by profession. Apart from that, nothing more is known about both her personal and career life.

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar and Kareem Met Through Her Then-Boyfriend

Habiba was still studying in high school at California State when she met Kareem Abdul Jabbar. At that time, she was dating a basketball player, Cliff Anderson, who happened to be Kareem’s friend, and it was through him that the ex-couple met for the first time.

Cliff, alongside Kareem, stopped one night at Habiba’s house to pick her up. After the night, Kareem got talking with her, and in no time, they became closer. “I invited her to come see UCLA play, and she said okay. I started calling her, and we began going out”, Kareem Abdul Jabbar disclosed in an interview. Their relationship started blossoming, and they subsequently attended a couple of events together.

Meanwhile, Kareem, who was a devout Muslim, needed to marry a fellow Muslim woman. So, he asked Habiba to convert to Islam, and she agreed. This was the time she changed her name to Habiba, moved to Washington D.C., got a job, and became a full member of the Muslim community.

She Became Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Wife in 1971

Habiba and Kareem got married on 28th May 1971 in Washington DC, and the ceremony was held at dawn, according to Muslim custom. Sadly, Kareem had described the very day to be a terrible one. Despite the fact that Habiba had changed her name and converted to her husband’s Muslim faith, her parents were not allowed into the mosque where the marriage ceremony was held as a result of their Christian faith.

The parents, who had traveled all the way from New York to grace the occasion, became reasonably offended. The newly wedded couple felt terrible about the incident, and it further caused a rift between Kareem and his in-laws. However, they would later settle their scores after a long time. According to the former NBL player, the first year of their marriage was very pleasant.

Habiba repeatedly learned how to cook his various favorite meals, took care of the house, and kept it clean. Nonetheless, things began to take a different turn just after they welcomed their first child. Kareem admitted to demanding a lot from Habiba and offering her no support in turn, and that was one reason that led to their rift. As such, they started having unending issues and would shortly separate.

As of December 1973, they were no longer living together. Habiba moved to DC with their daughter, leaving Kareem, who would sometimes visit and go back.

How Many Are Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Children With Habiba Abdul-Jabbar?

Kareem and Habiba Abdul-Jabbar have three children together. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Habiba Alcindor, on 15 May 1972. The couple separated a year later, but that did not stop them from having more kids.

After one of Kareem’s visits, Habiba found out that she was pregnant with their second child, Kareem Abdul Jabbar Jr., who was born on 23 August 1976. Still, in the course of their separation, they conceived their third child, who was born in 1979 and named Sultana. The couple divorced officially in 1978.

Habiba Alcindor is presently 51 years old now. She works as a media specialist and screenwriter for the Los Angeles Lakers-based series “Gold Rush”. Currently 54 years old, Kareem Abdul Jabbar Jr. is an American actor and also follows in his father’s footsteps as a basketball player.

Their third child, Sultana, is 45 years old now. There is little or no information about her.

What Actually Led to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar and Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Divorce?

According to records, infidelity was reportedly the major reason that led to the crash of Habiaba’s marriage with Kareem. While they were still married, Kareem developed feelings for a lady named Cheryl and was conflicted about both women. Despite their marriage, Cheryl was said to have had a greater impact on his life than Habiba and was the one who convinced him to seek a divorce from his wife.

Following the divorce, Cheryl and Kareem took off their relationship and were together until 1984. They have a son called Amir. Although she is now married to Steven Jenkins, Cheryl Pistono and Kareem maintain a good relationship.

On her own end, Habiba found love again and remarried in 1986 to a man called Herbert. She had her fourth child with Herbert in 1988. Meanwhile, Kareem has remained unmarried since then but keeps an active profile in his professional career. Regardless, the ex-couple proves that they are on good terms and show corporate support for their children.

FAQs

What is Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s Height?

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s height is listed at 5 feet 4 inches (165 cm). Her weight is further listed at 63kg.

Who Was Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Ex-Wife?

Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s ex-wife is Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, an American woman whose name at birth is Janice Brown. Habiba converted to Islam following her relationship with Kareem.

How Old is Habiba Abdul-Jabbar?

Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s ex-wife, Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is said to be 73 years old, as she was reportedly born in October 1950. This date is not verified though, but she should be in the same age range as her ex-husband, who was born on 16th April 1946 and is now 78 years old.

Does Habiba Abdul-Jabbar Have Kids With Kareem?

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar has three kids with Kareem, her ex-husband and they are Habiba Alcindor (born on 15 May 1972), Kareem Abdul Jabbar Jr. (born on 23 August 1976), and Sultana (born 1979).

What Led To Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s Divorce?

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s divorce from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was caused by Kareem’s romance with a lady named Cheryl Pistono. Following the divorce, Kareem and Cheryl dated for some years, during which they had a son together. They later split in 1984.

What is Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s Ethnicity?

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is a caucasian American woman whose name at birth is Janice Brown. It was her conversion to Islam that made her change her name to Habiba.