'These are not very brave people and they are very sick' - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a good reason for being afraid for his family after the mass killing in Washington in 1972

Kareem Abdul Jabbar's legendary two-decade NBA career is often recognized for its unparalleled success and longevity, but it was not without its darkest chapters. While on the court, he thrived throughout - winning the Finals MVP in just his sophomore year and attaining his sixth championship silverware at the age of 40, but off it, his bold antics and opinions often drew him in hot water. More notably, things went haywire so quickly when he turned toward Islam that "Cap" felt scared for the well-being of his family.

Kareem witnessed a horrific massacre

In 1971, the six-time MVP converted to Islam at the age of 24. He immersed himself in his faith, making a pilgrimage to Mecca and even studying Arabic at Harvard during the offseason.

One of his mentors during his religious transformation was Hamaas Abdul Khaalis, the leader of the Hanafi Movement, a Sunni Islam sect. To make his contributions more prominent, the 7'2" center even purchased a house in Washington, D.C., for Khaalis to use as a residence and a resource center for the Hanafi community.

Khaalis, however, was a controversial figure in the eyes of many as he had connections with Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad. After splitting from the Nation of Islam, he became critical of its leadership. Consequently, he wrote accusatory letters to over 50 mosque ministers in 1972, which made him a target for retaliation.

Ultimately, on January 12, 1972, a horrific tragedy struck. Armed men from Philadelphia raided the Hanafi center that Kareem had purchased to commit the worst mass murder Washington had ever witnessed. Khaalis' wife - Bibi, and son - Daud, were killed, along with five children. Furthermore, Khaalis' daughter - Amina, was brutally shot five times (yet she survived).

Kareem grew scared for his own family

As the gruesome attack shocked the nation, five individuals were later convicted and sentenced to a minimum of 140 years in prison. The massacre left Abdul Jabbar deeply shaken, as he felt concerned for his own family's safety.

"I'm not afraid for myself," Abdul Jabbar said. "I'm afraid for my family. These (the murderers) are not very brave people and they are very sick."

Following the incident, "Murdock" and his family traveled under heavy police protection, worried they could be the following targets. Fortunately, they were not harmed, but the trauma of that event lingered with the 19-time All-Star for the entirety of his life.