Inspiring Journey of Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir: Choosing Faith Over Sports and Empowering Muslim Athletes

Muslim hijabi basketball player FORCED TO CHOOSE between religion and sport | Islam Channel

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir: Choosing Faith Over Sports, Breaking Barriers, and Empowering Muslim Athletes

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir: Breaking Barriers

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, a college basketball star, faced a difficult choice between her faith and her passion for sports. Despite the challenges she encountered, she remained true to her beliefs and fought to make a significant impact on the world of basketball. This blog post explores Abdul-Qaadir’s inspiring journey, her struggle with discriminatory policies, and her commitment to empowering Muslim girls through sports.

Throughout her high school and college career, Abdul-Qaadir proudly wore her hijab while playing basketball. However, when she aspired to play professionally overseas, she discovered the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) headgear rule that prohibited the use of religious head coverings. This devastating news forced her to make a difficult decision between her faith and her passion for the sport she loved.

In response to FIBA’s restrictive policy, Abdul-Qaadir became an active participant in the #FIBAAllowHijab campaign, working tirelessly to change the organization’s rules. After years of advocacy, FIBA finally revised its regulations in 2017, allowing head coverings like the hijab to be worn during international competitions. Despite this victory, Abdul-Qaadir chose not to resume her basketball career, opting instead to support aspiring players from the sidelines.

While FIBA justified its initial stance by citing safety and uniformity, Abdul-Qaadir perceived the policy as a form of discrimination. She questioned whether she should compromise her identity and abandon her hijab to conform to the organization’s rules. Ultimately, she remained steadfast in her decision, refusing to give up her true self for the sake of acceptance.

Abdul-Qaadir’s athletic accomplishments speak for themselves. She holds the high school career scoring record in Massachusetts and was the first NCAA Division I athlete to wear a hijab. Her remarkable journey garnered recognition from President Barack Obama, who invited her to the White House. Additionally, her story inspired the creation of the documentary film “Life Without Basketball.”

Navigating the regulations of sports organizations proved to be an ongoing challenge for Abdul-Qaadir. The NCAA requires athletes to obtain waivers for “head decorations,” and even with permission, referees can still bench players if they believe the hijab poses a danger to others. While some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in achieving full acceptance and inclusivity.

During her hiatus from high-level basketball, Abdul-Qaadir channeled her energy into other endeavors. She earned a master’s degree, founded the “Muslim Girls Hoop Too” campaign to encourage Muslim girls to pursue sports, and started the “Dribbling Down Barriers” program to foster unity among athletes of different faiths. Currently working as an athletic director and volleyball coach, she continues to inspire and uplift Muslim girls through her own experiences.

Abdul-Qaadir’s unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for future generations is driven by her belief that no Muslim girl should face the same difficult choices she did. By sharing her story and advocating for inclusivity, she aims to pave the way for young girls who aspire to play basketball while staying true to their faith.

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir’s journey exemplifies the power of conviction and the strength to challenge societal norms. Her decision to prioritize faith over sports has propelled her to become a role model, advocate, and mentor for aspiring Muslim athletes. Through her inspiring story, she encourages us all to fight for inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities in the world of sports.

Sources: