The Private Life Of Habiba Abdul-Jabbar: Where Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Ex-Wife Now?

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, the former wife of NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, remains one of the most intriguing and private figures connected to basketball royalty. Despite her connection to one of the most recognizable names in sports history, Habiba has intentionally stepped away from the glare of the public eye, dedicating her life to privacy, her career as a fashion designer, and her family. As of December 2025, the latest information confirms her commitment to a quiet life, making her story a fascinating study in choosing anonymity over celebrity. The intense curiosity surrounding "Habiba Abdul Jabbar wife" stems from her pivotal role in the legend's life, being his first wife and the mother of three of his children. Her journey from a woman named Janice Brown to a Muslim convert, a designer, and finally, a fiercely private matriarch, is a compelling narrative that has largely gone untold in the mainstream media. This article dives deep into her biography, her life after the high-profile divorce, and the successful paths of her children.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Habiba Abdul-Jabbar

Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, originally born as Janice Brown, is best known as the ex-wife of basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor). Their relationship began during a transformative period in both their lives, marked by a shared commitment to the Islamic faith. She has successfully cultivated a professional identity outside of her former marriage as a fashion designer.

• Full Name at Birth: Janice Brown
• New Name: Habiba Abdul-Jabbar
• Profession: Fashion Designer
• Known For: Ex-Wife of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
• Religion: Islam (Convert)
• Marriage Date: May 28, 1971
• Divorce Date: 1978
• Husband: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor)
• Children: Habiba Alcindor (Habiba Jr.), Sultana Alcindor, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr.
• Current Status: Extremely Private

Habiba's conversion to Islam and subsequent name change occurred around the time of her marriage to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971. The couple's life together, which lasted for seven years, was a significant chapter in the early career of the basketball superstar. Despite the eventual dissolution of the marriage in 1978, they share three children, who have since forged their own paths in various fields.

The Transition: From NBA Wife to Private Fashion Designer

The transition from being the wife of one of the world's most famous athletes to an independent, private individual is a journey few in the public eye successfully navigate. For Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, this shift was deliberate and permanent. After her divorce from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, she chose to retreat from the media spotlight, focusing instead on raising her children and building her professional career.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Her primary professional identity is that of a fashion designer. While specific details about her fashion house or major collections are scarce—a direct result of her commitment to privacy—multiple sources confirm this as her chosen field. This career path allowed her to maintain creative control and a degree of anonymity that the world of celebrity spouses simply does not offer. Her decision to live a quiet life, moving away from the buzz and headlines, was a conscious choice to lead life on her own terms.

The divorce itself, though amicable, stemmed from the difficulties Kareem found in settling into family life amidst the demands of his burgeoning NBA career. Following the split, Habiba ensured her children maintained a close relationship with their father while she concentrated on providing a stable, private environment away from the constant scrutiny of the press, successfully shielding them from the intense media attention that followed the NBA legend.

The Next Generation: Children and Their Careers

One of the most compelling aspects of Habiba Abdul-Jabbar's legacy is the success and diversity of her children's careers. Habiba and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar share three children: two daughters and one son. These children have pursued careers that span the performing arts, writing, and even professional sports, demonstrating a wide range of talents inherited from both parents.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Habiba Alcindor (Habiba Jr.)

The eldest child, Habiba Alcindor, was born in 1972. She has followed a path in the performing arts, establishing herself as a writer and an artist. Like her mother, she maintains a relatively low profile, focusing on her creative work rather than public celebrity. Her professional endeavors show a clear inclination toward creative expression, a trait she may share with her mother, the fashion designer.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr. is perhaps the most publicly recognizable of the three, primarily because he followed in his father's footsteps on the basketball court. He played college basketball, notably for the Valparaiso Crusaders and later for Western Kentucky University. While he did not reach the legendary heights of his father's NBA career, his choice of sport connects the family's legacy to the world of professional athletics. He has also ventured into acting, appearing in a few television and film projects.

Sultana Alcindor

Sultana Alcindor, the youngest daughter, has also chosen to live a life away from the public eye. Information regarding her specific career is minimal, which is consistent with the family's preference for extreme privacy. Her name, like her sister's, sometimes appears as Sultana Alcindor, reflecting the family's pre-conversion surname. Her life choices reflect the values of discretion and focus instilled by her mother.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The True Meaning of Her Privacy

The fact that a search for "Habiba Abdul Jabbar wife" in 2025 still yields information primarily about her ex-husband and her past is a testament to her successful commitment to privacy. In an age where personal lives are constantly exposed on social media and through digital channels, Habiba Abdul-Jabbar has managed to carve out a quiet existence, prioritizing her personal peace over public recognition. She is a powerful example of a former celebrity spouse who consciously chose to reclaim her narrative and focus on her career and family away from the constant scrutiny of the press.

Her story is not one of a dramatic fall from grace, but a quiet, intentional step back into a life of her own making. She continues to be a respected figure in her own right—a successful fashion designer and the matriarch of a talented family—whose legacy is defined by her independence and her successful effort to maintain a personal, private life.