Top 5 NBA Players Who Converted to Islam

The National Basketball Association has seen numerous players embrace Islam throughout its history, with some of the sport’s greatest athletes finding spiritual guidance through the faith. While some players were born into Muslim families, several notable NBA stars converted to Islam during their careers, often citing the religion’s emphasis on discipline, purpose, and social justice as influential factors in their decision.

1. Lew Alcindor as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The Famous NBA Convert to Islam

Perhaps the most famous Muslim convert in NBA history is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. The legendary center converted to Islam in 1968 at age 20 while still in college at UCLA, though some sources indicate he formally changed his name in 1971 after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship.

Abdul-Jabbar’s conversion was influenced by several factors, including the civil rights movement, his exposure to The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and conversations with Malcolm X himself. Raised Catholic in New York City, he began questioning his faith as a teenager and explored various religions, including Buddhism, before finding Islam.

His name, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, translates to “noble one, servant of the Almighty.” At the time, he was one of the few high-profile athletes to be vocal about his Islamic faith, and his conversion drew both criticism and support.

He later reflected, “I have never wavered or regretted my decision to convert to Islam. When I look back, I wish I could have done it more secretly, without all the publicity and fuss that followed.”

Abdul-Jabbar retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (a record that stood until LeBron James broke it in February 2023) and remains an influential voice on faith, culture, and social justice.

2. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, aka Chris Jackson, Converted to Islam in The Early 1990s

Born Chris Jackson, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf converted to Islam in the early 1990s during his rookie season with the Denver Nuggets. He was introduced to Islam after his college coach at LSU, Dale Brown, gave him The Autobiography of Malcolm X. He began reading the Quran during his first NBA season and converted shortly afterward, officially changing his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf in 1993.

Abdul-Rauf was an exceptional talent, winning the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1993 and leading the league in free throw percentage in both the 1993-94 and 1995-96 seasons. His .956 free-throw percentage in 1993-94 remains the third-highest seasonal percentage in NBA history.

However, Abdul-Rauf became most known for a controversy during the 1995-96 season when he refused to stand for the national anthem, stating that the flag represented oppression and that standing conflicted with his Islamic beliefs.

The NBA suspended him on March 12, 1996, costing him $31,707 per game. Two days later, a compromise was reached: he would stand during the anthem but could close his eyes, look downward, and silently recite Islamic prayers for those suffering across all walks of life.

Despite his talent, many believe this controversy led to him being effectively sidelined from the league at the peak of his career. He played in the NBA until 2001 with the Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, and Vancouver Grizzlies before continuing his career overseas.

3. Kyrie Irving: A Modern Convert to Islam

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving confirmed his conversion to Islam in April 2021 during a press conference when he discussed observing Ramadan. The seven-time NBA All-Star and 2016 NBA champion stated, “I am taking part in Ramadan with a lot of my Muslim brothers and sisters. It’s been an adjustment… being committed to my service to God, Allah, and then continuing on with whatever I’m guided with.”

Irving, who won championships with both the U.S. National Basketball Team (2016 Olympics, 2014 FIBA Championship) and the Cleveland Cavaliers, has embraced his faith publicly. His strong performances while fasting during Ramadan earned him the nickname “Ramadan Kyrie” from fans on social media.

In explaining his faith, Irving emphasized: “For me, in terms of my faith and what I believe in, being part of the Muslim community, being committed to Islam, and also just being committed to all races and cultures, religions, just having an understanding and respect.”

4. Stephen Jackson: The NBA Champion Convert to Islam

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson, who won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003, converted to Islam in January 2021. The 42-year-old announced his conversion on Instagram, sharing a video of his shahada (declaration of faith) ceremony at Masjid Ibn Uthaymeen in Philadelphia under the guidance of an imam.

Jackson wrote “Alhamdulilah” (Praise be to God) in his announcement post, which was met with widespread support from fans and fellow Muslims welcoming him to the faith.

5. Larry Johnson Converting to Islam During His Prime

Larry Johnson, the number one pick in the 1991 NBA draft who starred for the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks, converted to Islam during his prime playing years. Johnson was known for observing Ramadan during the NBA season, balancing the rigorous demands of professional basketball with the spiritual discipline of fasting.

How to Embrace Islam: Following in Their Footsteps

The inspiring stories of these NBA players reveal that embracing Islam is a journey of sincerity, reflection, and faith, not perfection. Each of them found peace and purpose by seeking truth with open hearts, showing that the path to Islam is both simple and deeply meaningful.

Like them, your journey begins with a single, sincere declaration of faith, the Shahada:

“Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah”

(I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.)

Uttering these words with conviction transforms your life, connecting you instantly to a global community of over 1.8 billion Muslims who will welcome you as family. The right moment is not somewhere in the future; it is now. Every story you’ve read began with one heartfelt step toward truth and peace.

Take Your First Step Toward Islam

If you feel inspired to begin your own spiritual journey, reach out to Salam Center or your local mosque. Compassionate communities worldwide offer free guidance, prayer instruction, Quran classes, and personal mentorship for new Muslims and anyone curious about Islam. They’ll walk beside you every step of the way, offering support, understanding, and a community that feels like home.

Conclusion

The conversion of NBA players to Islam reflects a broader trend of athletes finding spiritual fulfillment through faith. Whether influenced by civil rights activism, personal spiritual journeys, or the search for discipline and purpose, these athletes have helped bring positive visibility to Islam in American sports. Their stories demonstrate that faith and professional sports can coexist, even when that faith demands sacrifice and commitment that sometimes conflict with mainstream expectations.

From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s pioneering conversion in the 1960s to Kyrie Irving’s recent embrace of Islam, these players have shown that their faith is an integral part of their identity, both on and off the court.