Long before Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of basketball’s greatest icons, Habiba Abdul-Jabbar played an important role in one of the most significant periods of his personal life.
Known before her conversion to Islam as Janice Brown, Habiba became Kareem’s first wife, the mother of three of his children, and a steady presence during the early years of his professional basketball career.
Their marriage lasted less than a decade, yet it remains one of the most discussed chapters of Kareem’s life because it coincided with his religious conversion, his rise to NBA superstardom, and the beginning of his family.
Habiba has spent most of her life away from public attention. She rarely gives interviews, and avoids social media.
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Habiba Abdul-Jabbar Biography
She was born Janice Brown in the United States. Habiba Abdul-Jabbar is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur best known as the first wife of Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
She grew up in the United States and has never publicly shared details about her parents, siblings, or education.
Before marrying Kareem, Janice Brown converted to Islam and adopted the name Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, reflecting both her new faith and her marriage.
Despite remaining connected to one of the biggest names in basketball history, Habiba has consistently chosen a private life centered on family and business.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Habiba and Kareem married on May 28, 1971. Their wedding came shortly after Kareem entered the NBA and around the same period he publicly embraced Islam.
Several reports over the years have claimed Kareem’s parents did not attend the ceremony because they disagreed with his religious conversion.
Kareem himself has written about tensions surrounding that period of his life. Their marriage coincided with Kareem’s transformation into one of basketball’s biggest stars.
During those years, he won NBA championships, MVP awards, and established himself as the dominant center of his generation.
Habiba largely stayed away from the spotlight despite her husband’s growing fame.
Divorce
Habiba and Kareem divorced in 1978, ending a marriage that lasted about seven years. The couple separated and continued raising their children after the marriage ended.
Despite the divorce, Kareem has remained involved in the lives of their children, and both parents focused on supporting them as they grew older.
Children
Habiba and Kareem have three children together.
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar (Habiba Alcindor): Their oldest daughter has worked as a journalist and media professional. She has occasionally appeared alongside her father at public events but generally maintains a low profile.
Sultana Abdul-Jabbar: Sultana has chosen an even more private life than her parents. Very little verified public information exists about her career or personal life.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr.: Their son briefly pursued basketball before taking a different direction professionally. His name has occasionally appeared in news reports unrelated to basketball, but he has largely stayed outside the sports spotlight compared to his father.
Career
Habiba built her own professional identity outside basketball. She worked in fashion and became involved in clothing design and retail.
Several reports state she worked as a fashion consultant and later developed her own clothing business after relocating from California.
Habiba preferred building a career away from television and public appearances. Her interest in fashion reportedly continued long after her divorce from Kareem, and she has remained associated with design rather than sports or entertainment.
Following her divorce, She stepped away almost completely from public life. She focused on raising her children and continuing her work in fashion.
Unlike Kareem, who remained one of the NBA’s most recognizable public figures through coaching, broadcasting, writing, and activism, Habiba rarely appeared in interviews or public events.
Habiba Abdul-Jabbar’s Net Worth
Her net worth has never been publicly disclosed. Estimates range from several hundred thousand dollars to over $1 million, but none of those figures have been confirmed by financial records or by Habiba herself.
Her income has primarily been linked to her work in fashion and business rather than public appearances.
By comparison, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has built substantial wealth through his NBA career, endorsements, books, television appearances, speaking engagements, and business investments. His net worth is estimated to be millions of dollars.