Why I converted to Islam

Al Jazeera America ^ | March 29, 2015 | by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

[Oldeconomybuyer]

I was born Lew Alcindor. Now I’m Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The transition from Lew to Kareem was not merely a change in celebrity brand name — like Sean Combs to Puff Daddy to Diddy to P. Diddy — but a transformation of heart, mind and soul. I used to be Lew Alcindor, the pale reflection of what white America expected of me. Now I’m Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the manifestation of my African history, culture and beliefs.

For most people, converting from one religion to another is a private matter requiring intense scrutiny of one’s conscience. But when you’re famous, it becomes a public spectacle for one and all to debate. And when you convert to an unfamiliar or unpopular religion, it invites criticism of one’s intelligence, patriotism and sanity. I should know. Even though I became a Muslim more than 40 years ago, I’m still defending that choice.

I wasn’t exposed to many black role models. I admired Martin Luther King Jr. for his selfless courage and Shaft for kicking ass and getting the girl. Otherwise, the white public’s consensus seemed to be that blacks weren’t much good.

Much of my early awakening came from reading “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” as a freshman. I was riveted by Malcolm’s story of how he came to realize that he was the victim of institutional racism that had imprisoned him long before he landed in an actual prison. That’s exactly how I felt: imprisoned by an image of who I was supposed to be.

[Stosh]

“You try dragging Walton and Lanier up and down the floor for 48 minutes - you’d probably convert to a death cult too”

(Okay, so it’s not an *exact* quote)

[dps.inspect]

mmlol!!!

[mac_truck]

Another recent story about KAJ was published in the NewYorker. Elementary

Apparently Kareem who is a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, has been inducted into the 'Baker Street Irregulars' and is planning to release a novel in the genre.

[El Cid]

I found it hard to align myself with the cultural institutions that had turned a blind eye to such outrageous behavior in direct violation of their most sacred beliefs.”

My goodness, what a deep thinker ... Persons saying that they refuse to attend Church because it is full of hypocrites. I have never heard that before...

So, to re-translate: 'I will allow myself to be separated from God, and to be led into hell, because of some other people who might be jerks'.
Fool.

[Dick Bachert]

This deluded fool apparently slept through that World History class or, more likely, this aspect of it was never brought up by the leftist PC prof running that course.

Lew should not only be glad to be in America, he should be glad to be ANYWHERE!

Had his ancestors NOT been brought OUT of Africa – many by MUSLIM slave raiders --the blood of those ancestors would have run into the earth over there several centuries ago, victims of the OTHER black tribes that captured them in one of the interminable tribal conflicts STILL ravaging that sad continent and Lew would not even exist.

And I would remind Lew that slavery is STILL practiced in parts of Africa (mainly by – American BLACK MUSLIMS LISTEN UP!! -- MUSLIMS), the Middle East and Asia today. How ironic that disgruntled American blacks are embracing a system that participated mightily in their initial bondage – and would, if Islam takes root here, probably put any who cling to their Christianity back INTO BONDAGE – or to the sword. In fact, as the majority of muslims consider black folks as “sub-human”, many of you black muzzies will get the axe.

[Sicon]

Kareem Abdul Jerkweed

Yet another racist muslim p.o.s.

[lowbridge]

Now we know why after converting to islam, he went into flying planes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArHNrCvwq4c

[Yosemitest]

You turn your back on Jesus Christ.
He will not forget.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Apparently Islam’s role in continuing the slave trade didn’t impress Kareem.

[Ditto]

Now I’m Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the manifestation of my African history, culture and beliefs.

That name manifests Arabian history, culture and beliefs, not African.

[Albion Wilde]

I was riveted by Malcolm’s story of how he came to realize that he was the victim of institutional racism that had imprisoned him long before he landed in an actual prison. That’s exactly how I felt: imprisoned by an image of who I was supposed to be.

My heart bleeds.

[anton]

No one was more racist than Malcolm X.

[dfwgator]

Fun fact. Did you know Malcolm X was killed by a Mooselimb?

It was Calypso Louis who ordered the hit.

[usconservative]

Black muslim -- click

Yup. The muslims themselves call black muslims "pug nosed slaves."

If Kareem wants to fool himself into thinking he's a muslim go on ahead. Arab muslims look at him as inferior.

[dfwgator]

That name manifests Arabian history, culture and beliefs, not African.

It's like a Frenchman adopting Nazism (which many did during the war).

[Ann Archy]

5 kids and wear a suit and TIE!

[MeshugeMikey]

Gad you liked er..

that particular banner began life as...

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Now I’m Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the manifestation of my African history, culture and beliefs.

Honey child, you are the manifestation of Arab history, culture and beliefs.

Arabs BTW who were white. You do know that the mad mo was a red head right?

You exchanged a past oppressor for a current one. One which, would have made sure you did not exist by cutting your great-grandpappy's equipment off.

Enjoy your life in Saudi Arabia.

Oh, you aren't moving there?

And why would that be?

[sitetest]

I converted to islam because I and my team got our asses kicked by a seedy little high school from Hyattsville, MD, in 1964.

[elhombrelibre]

I always liked the man, and let’s be honest. He didn’t convert to Catholicism, which is far more hated on this webpage. That’s just the truth. If you think I’m making that up, pop in on the anti-Catholic threads that are posted about three or four days a week where the same posters post lengthy screeds against Catholics, Catholic doctrine, Catholic practices, etc. These chaps are a unique type of Christian convinced that all true Christianity is based on Catholic hating. Kind of sad in this day and age and very much embarrassing at a conservative website, but hey, we’ve folks here who think and claim that Putin is Christ like.