"He went to the mosque" - Hakeem Olajuwon didn't celebrate with the Rockets after their first NBA championship

Yahoo

04-06-2025

Hakeem Olajuwon reached the pinnacle of success in his illustrious NBA career when he led the Houston Rockets to their first NBA championship in 1994. This landmark victory marked a significant milestone in the franchise's history, and "Dream" was rightfully named the Finals MVP for his outstanding performance throughout the series.
While the Rockets had every reason to revel in their momentous achievement, Olajuwon made a surprising choice. Rather than joining his teammates in celebration, the legendary center chose to visit a mosque. There, Hakeem took the time to pray and express his heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary accomplishment.
Advertisement
"One of the most moving stories was that after he won that first championship," Mirin Fader, author of 'Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon,' told Awful Announcing last year. "Instead of going out and celebrating with the rest of his teammates and drinking champagne, he cannot do that because it's against (his religion). He's prohibited to have alcohol. He went to the mosque."
"I spoke with a person who was there that night who saw him after winning the championship, and he just could not believe that Hakeem was there," she continued. "I thought that was so beautiful that your celebration is going back and praying and giving gratitude."
Hakeem has his own mosque
Olajuwon is not only celebrated as one of the greatest players in NBA history, but he is also widely recognized for his deep commitment to his faith as a devoted Muslim. By diligently following the teachings of Islam, "Dream" learned invaluable lessons about humility and the significance of living a life grounded in religious principles.
Advertisement
One of the most remarkable demonstrations of Hakeem's uncompromising faith is the mosque he built, which stands as a testament to his devotion to Islam. It reflects his belief that spirituality and faith will always be on top of everything else in his life.
"He is extremely private," Fader further said of the Nigerian big man. "There's a reason why nothing has been done on him. He is dedicated to his religion, and because of those things, he has purposefully not wanted to do anything in the spotlight. I met him in the home of one of his friends. Essentially, Hakeem ended up not wanting to speak for himself but helped me get to people close to him. I got to go to Hakeem's mosque. He has a mosque downtown in Houston."
The game never got in the way of Dream's faith
Unlike other NBA superstars, Olajuwon never succumbed to temptations and other bad vices. He proved that no amount of personal success could ever affect his religious beliefs, not even NBA titles and MVP awards.
Advertisement
Today, the two-time champion is revered for his remarkable skills as a player, as a beacon of true humility and a man of faith. His legacy serves as a reminder that greatness is measured not only by accolades but also by the strength of one's character and beliefs.
Through his actions and values, Olajuwon exemplifies how one can integrate one's faith into one's everyday life, serving as an inspiring role model for many.
Related: "I never saw one free agent come to the Bulls and say that they wanna play with Michael" - Scottie Pippen reinforces the notion that no other big-name players had interest in playing with MJ