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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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