Hakeem Olajuwon Quotes

“God comes first. Paradise is not cheap.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“All these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. The question is: What do you stand for? Are you a follower, or are you a leader?”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

Allah says in the Qur'an not to despise one another. So the criterion in Islam is not color or social status. It's who is most righteous. If I go to a mosque - and I'm a basketball player with money and prestige - if I go to a mosque and see an imam, I feel inferior. He's better than me. It's about knowledge.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

I was successful materially, but I know life is much more than worldly success. I saw all these blessings God had given me. The way to give thanks is obedience to God.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“My type of basketball is about how to create space, how to maneuver, how to get your shot off.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“The difference must be distinguished between worship and respect. Islam orders you to obey and respect, as long as you are not worshiping anything other than God ... Islam is a religion of peace. You don't attack. You explain.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“When you get to that level, it's not a matter of talent anymore - because all the players are so talented - it's about preparation, about playing smart and making good decisions.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

I always keep a ball in the car. You never know.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

Being from Africa is the best thing that could have ever, ever happened to me. I cannot see it any other way. All of my fundamental principles that were instilled in me in my home, from my childhood, are still with me.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

When I look at the system here and look at my position - not just as a basketball player, but when I look around me at the values of the people and the culture and compare them with the values of where I came from - I feel so blessed to be from Africa.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“I love fashion as much as I love basketball! It is a great joy for me to express myself through designing my own collection.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“Basketball is in my blood. It is my obligation to try.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

I'm shy, but sometimes my voice is so clear and strong. Your tongue moves, and the Arabic language is so beautiful.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“I remember at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Shaq always wanted me to show him steps over and over.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“The key to fashion is, you don't want to look like you're trying. You've gotta be natural.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“I'm the kind of person who always wants more.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“My background playing soccer gave me a natural advantage over many of the American-born players.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“I've now been in this country for thirteen years, since I was seventeen. So this is my second home.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“It's not up to anyone else to make me give my best.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

When people start comparing him with (Michael) Jordan then that's not a fair comparison. Jordan was a far more superior player in a very tough league, he was very creative. That's not taking away anything from LeBron because he is a great player, but it is not a fair comparison because Jordan is a far superior player.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“In many ways, my job in soccer was like my job in basketball now. I had to protect the goal. That was the name of the game, not letting the other team score.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon

The most important thing in a person's life is his faith and how he translates his faith into practical deeds.

— Hakeem Olajuwon

“My life is very simple. I like simplicity and for my time to be my own, so that I have the freedom to devote the majority of it to Islam.”

— Hakeem Olajuwon