SZA’s Spiritual Journey: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Her Muslim Faith And Upbringing

The question of SZA's religious identity is one that has fascinated fans and music critics alike, offering a deeper lens into the complex, spiritual themes woven throughout her chart-topping R&B music. As of the current date, December 10, 2025, the singer, whose full name is Solána Imani Rowe, openly identifies with a Muslim upbringing and continues to align with the faith, though her public journey reflects a nuanced relationship with religious doctrine and her career in the music industry.

Her stage name itself, SZA, is a direct nod to her spiritual roots, drawing inspiration from the Supreme Alphabet of the Nation of Islam, a Black nationalist religious movement that deeply influenced her father and her early life. Recent interviews and social media discussions have provided fresh, candid updates on her relationship with Islam, revealing personal regrets about not wearing the hijab and her ongoing commitment to practices like fasting for Ramadan, painting a picture of an artist who is both a global superstar and a deeply contemplative spiritual seeker.

SZA: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Solána Imani Rowe
• Stage Name: SZA (pronounced "siz-za")
• Date of Birth: November 8, 1989
• Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
• Raised In: Maplewood, New Jersey
• Father's Name: Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe (former executive producer for CNN)
• Mother's Name: Audrey Rowe (executive at AT&T)
• Religious Upbringing: Raised by a Christian mother and a Muslim father, she was raised Muslim and attended a Muslim prep school.
• Stage Name Origin: Inspired by the Nation of Islam's Supreme Alphabet, where the letters stand for 'Sovereign,' 'Zig-Zag,' and 'Allah' (or 'Savior,' 'Zig-Zag,' 'Allah').
• Record Label: Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE)
• Notable Albums: *Ctrl* (2017), *SOS* (2022)

The Nation of Islam, the Supreme Alphabet, and Her Stage Name

SZA's spiritual foundation is intrinsically tied to her family background and the unique cultural environment in which she was raised. Her father, Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe, is a practicing Muslim, while her mother, Audrey Rowe, is Christian, leading to a household with diverse religious influences. Despite the mixed background, SZA has consistently identified with the Muslim faith, particularly aligning with the teachings of the Nation of Islam (NOI).

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The name 'SZA' is not merely a catchy moniker; it is a profound spiritual statement rooted in the NOI's Supreme Alphabet. This alphabet assigns meanings to letters, and SZA's chosen letters—S, Z, and A—are often interpreted to stand for 'Sovereign,' 'Zig-Zag,' and 'Allah,' or 'Savior,' 'Zig-Zag,' 'Allah,' signifying a deliberate connection to her religious beliefs. This choice highlights how deeply her faith is embedded in her professional identity, serving as a constant reminder of her spiritual foundation even as she navigates the secular music industry.

Growing up Black and Muslim, particularly in Maplewood, New Jersey, presented a unique set of challenges and experiences that shaped her sense of self. She has spoken candidly about the feeling of leaving the mosque and her father's influence to confront the outside world, a dichotomy that fueled her early self-exploration and confidence.

Islamophobia, The Hijab, and Recent Spiritual Reflections

In recent years, SZA has become more vocal about the difficulties she faced growing up Muslim, particularly concerning the pressure to conform and the impact of Islamophobia. She attended a Muslim preparatory school, where she wore a hijab, a religious head covering, from kindergarten through middle school.

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In a candid TikTok Live Q&A, SZA revealed that she was "so scared" to wear her hijab due to fear of the reactions it would provoke. She has expressed deep regret over the decision to stop wearing it during her youth, a sentiment that resonates with many young Muslims navigating identity and public perception.

The singer has admitted that she thinks about wearing the hijab "all the time," suggesting an ongoing, active engagement with her Muslim identity. This internal struggle between her personal spiritual convictions and her public image as an R&B superstar is a recurring theme in her recent discussions. Furthermore, she continues to observe Islamic practices, including fasting for Ramadan, and has been seen celebrating Islamic holidays with her family, indicating that her faith remains an active part of her private life.

The Intersection of Faith, Music, and Artistic Freedom

SZA's music, celebrated for its raw vulnerability and exploration of love, sexuality, and mental health, often contains underlying themes of spirituality and self-discovery. Albums like *Ctrl* and *SOS* are deeply personal narratives that resonate with listeners seeking meaning and control in their lives. However, her artistic expression has sparked discussions within the Muslim community.

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Some fans and observers from the Islamic faith have debated whether her R&B and pop music, with its lyrical content and public persona, aligns with traditional Muslim beliefs, which sometimes view certain forms of music or public display as potentially "sinful." SZA’s ability to navigate this complex space—being a successful, Grammy-nominated artist who identifies as Muslim and openly discusses her faith—is part of what makes her a compelling cultural figure.

Her journey is a powerful example of a modern spiritual identity: one that is not monolithic but is constantly evolving, grappling with personal history, cultural pressure, and the demands of a high-profile career. By sharing her experiences with Islamophobia and her reflections on the hijab, SZA is using her platform to clear misconceptions about what it means to be "cool and Muslim" in the contemporary world.