Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
Former NBA player Stephen Jackson has converted to Islam and called the occasion ‘one of the best days of his life’ on social media.
The conversion ceremony took place at the Masjid Ibn Uthaymeen mosque in the city of Philadelphia in the US state of Pennsylvania on 6th January.
The former NBA star shared photos of the big day on his Instagram page and wrote: “Today was one of the best days of my life. Love for all who have love for all.”
He also expressed pride in a recent post where he said his daughter asked him to say a prayer before school.
Yesterday, Jackson posted a photo of a prayer rug saying: “Make praying cool again. Prayer is more important than sleep. Praying for us all. Alhumdulilah.”
Jackson’s posts were met with mostly positive responses from the Muslim community and other faiths, who all expressed their love and support to him.
He said: “I’ve never received as much love from anything or anyone like I’ve received love from the Umma. I appreciate all my brothers and sisters. Inshallah.”
According to reports, Islam is currently the fastest growing religion in the world and the gap between Christianity and Islam is expected to narrow by 2060 when experts predict the number of followers to be almost equal.
The 42-year-old ex-basketball player had a 17-year-long career and retired from the NBA in 2015. He was a part of the San Antonio Spurs, winner of the NBA championship in season 2002-2003.
He also played for other teams such as Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and New Jersey Nets.
Despite his rough childhood, having no father in his life and experiencing the loss of his brother at only 16 years old when he was brutally murdered, Jackson managed to build a successful career and better life for himself.
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