Imagine dedicating your life to a sport, excelling at it, and then being told you can’t play professionally – not because of your skill, but because of your faith. That’s exactly what happened to Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir.
She never got to play professionally.
But instead of stepping off the court in defeat, she stepped up as a leader, using her voice to fight for the next generation of Muslim athletes.
Who is Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir?
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir is a former professional basketball player and an advocate for Muslim women in sports.
She made history as the first Muslim woman to play NCAA Division I basketball while wearing a hijab. NCAA (college basketball) is not professional but is a major stepping stone to it.
Her journey has inspired many, particularly young Muslim girls who aspire to break barriers in athletics.
Being Told She Couldn’t Play
After a record-breaking college career, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir had her sights set on playing professionally overseas.
But in 2014, FIBA, the international governing body of basketball, enforced a rule that banned head coverings, effectively preventing her from competing at the professional level simply because she wore a hijab.
The ruling was devastating – years of hard work and dedication seemed to amount to nothing.
Rather than accept defeat, Bilqis fought back.
She used her platform to speak out, raising awareness about the discriminatory rule and advocating for change.
Her persistence, along with pressure from activists and fellow athletes, eventually led FIBA to overturn the ban in 2017, opening doors for hijabi athletes worldwide.
Though she never got the chance to play professionally, she paved the way for Hijabi women and her impact on the sport continues in other ways.
Where is She Now?
Today, she dedicates herself to coaching, mentoring, and advocating for Muslim women in sports.
She runs training programs for young athletes, speaks at events, and leads initiatives to encourage inclusion in athletics.
Her work ensures that future generations of Muslim girls won’t have to face the same obstacles she did.
Why Follow Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir?
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir isn’t just an athlete – she’s a trailblazer who turned adversity into advocacy.
When she was barred from pursuing a professional basketball career due to FIBA’s (International Basketball Federation) ban on head coverings, she didn’t back down. Instead, she became a voice for change, pushing for the inclusion of hijab-wearing athletes in global sports.
Breaking Barriers in Basketball
As the first NCAA Division I player to wear a hijab, Bilqis paved the way for countless Muslim girls to see themselves in sports. Her skills on the court were undeniable, and she proved that faith and athletics could go hand in hand.
Advocacy for Muslim Women in Sports
After facing discrimination due to her hijab, Bilqis turned to activism. She played a key role in advocating for FIBA to lift its ban on head coverings, ensuring that future athletes wouldn’t have to choose between their faith and their passion for basketball.
Founder of “Muslim Girls Hoop Too”
Bilqis created the initiative “Muslim Girls Hoop Too” to encourage and support young Muslim women in sports.
Through training camps, motivational talks, and community events, she empowers the next generation to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Public Speaker and Educator
Beyond sports, Bilqis engages in public speaking, workshops, and mentorship programs. She shares her experiences to inspire others, discussing topics such as resilience, faith, and women’s empowerment.
Where to Follow Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir
You can keep up with Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir on:
- Instagram: @bilqis_abdulqaadir
- Twitter: @Bilqis_AbdulQ
- Website: www.bilqisabdulqaadir.com
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir is proof that sports and faith can coexist, and her journey continues to inspire Muslim athletes around the world.
