Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir: The Muslim Athlete Who Forced FIBA to Change Its Rules

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir is one of the most influential Muslim-American athletes of her generation — a basketball star whose talent, discipline, and faith collided to reshape U.S. sports policy. Her story is not only about athletic excellence, but also about courage, advocacy, and the fight for religious freedom in sports.

Early Life: A Childhood Built on Basketball and Faith

Born in 1990 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir grew up in a supportive and athletic Muslim family. She began playing basketball at a young age, quickly earning a reputation as a gifted scorer with exceptional ball-handling skills.

While many athletes struggle balancing sports and identity, Bilqis embraced both. Her hijab became a part of her presence on the court — a symbol of her faith, confidence, and discipline.

Making History in High School and College

Bilqis became a national name in 2009 when she broke the Massachusetts state scoring record previously held by NBA player Rebecca Lobo. She graduated high school with over 3,000 career points, becoming the first hijab-wearing Division I basketball player in NCAA history.

She played for both Memphis University and Indiana State University, where she continued to stand out academically and athletically.

Her visibility challenged decades-old sports stereotypes, proving that modesty and elite performance are not mutually exclusive.

The Hijab Ban: When Talent Collided with Policy

Despite her skill and achievements, Bilqis hit a devastating roadblock in 2013. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) enforced a rule banning head coverings during games — a policy that prevented her from pursuing a professional basketball career after college.

Unable to remove her hijab, Bilqis faced an impossible choice:
Her sport or her faith.

She chose her faith.Refusing to compromise her identity, she became a vocal advocate for Muslim athletes worldwide. Her decision sparked global conversations on inclusion, discrimination, and the rights of Muslim women in sports.

Changing the Rules: A Global Victory

Bilqis’s advocacy, combined with pressure from activists, athletes, and international human-rights groups, led to a historic shift. In 2017, FIBA officially lifted the hijab ban, allowing athletes to compete while wearing religious head coverings.

Although Bilqis never returned to the court professionally, her sacrifice opened doors for countless Muslim women — from youth players to Olympic competitors. She turned personal loss into collective progress.

Life After Basketball: A Voice for Empowerment

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir transformed her platform into long-term empowerment work. She became:

A Motivational Speaker

She travels across the U.S. and internationally, sharing her story of resilience, identity, and standing firm in one’s beliefs.

A Mentor for Young Muslim Athletes

Her online initiative Muslim Girls Hoop Too offers training, guidance, and representation for hijab-wearing athletes.

A Champion for Social Justice

Bilqis continues to advocate for religious freedom, women’s empowerment, and equitable sports policy.

Legacy: More Than an Athlete

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir’s impact reaches far beyond basketball courts. She is a symbol of faith-driven resilience, a proof that young Muslim women can lead, excel, and transform entire sports institutions.

Her legacy is carried forward by each young girl who steps onto a court wearing a hijab — confident that she belongs there.