Who Are SZA's Parents? The Singer Was Raised Muslim & Bullied for Wearing a Hijab

Although SZA's parents practiced different religions in the same household, the couple raised their daughter Muslim. The singer strictly followed what her faith required, and it deepened as time passed, despite being one of the countless victims of Islamophobia.

SZA, a wearer of many hats, is chiefly known as a singer; however, the multitalented artist has dabbled in many art forms. In addition to several hit songs, albums, and well-deserved awards, her IMDb boasts credits in writing, editing, producing, cinematography, directing, and composing.

Her career began in the late 2000s, and the "Good Days" singer gradually rose to stardom. Having collaborated with other big names in the music industry, SZA has also dabbled in film, both on-screen and behind the scenes, in many high-profile movies.

Among those productions is 2018's "Black Panther," starring the late Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong'o, and 2022's "Scream," led by Courteney Cox, Jack Quaid, and Jenna Ortega. SZA also guest-starred in "Insecure" as Coya in a 2020 episode.

Alongside gaining renown for her achievements, the singer has let fans in on her personal life. Yet, although she has been an open book, few people know that her parents raised her Muslim, a religion in which she remains grounded. However, following a pivotal moment in American history, she stopped wearing her hijab.

SZA has faced and continues to face Islamophobia and has candidly spoken against Muslim hate. "I've always felt like, yes, I see the hate. I feel it," she once reflected. Regardless, the "Shirt" songstress's passion for the faith remained unbridled, and she was determined to quell any misconceptions about it.

Her Father Worked at CNN, and Her Mother at AT&T

SZA drew her first breath in St. Louis, Missouri, but later relocated to the affluent Maplewood of New Jersey. Her father was an executive producer at CNN. Her mom was a "global account lady," but when it came to explaining her profession, SZA stated:

"I have no idea what she did, I just know she was never home and spoke several languages."

SZA's mother was Christian, and her dad was Muslim, but the couple "created space" for each other's faiths to co-exist or "integrate," as their daughter described. She recalled her upbringing as "very conservative" and "sheltered," as she mainly wore baggy clothes and overalls and only had Muslim friends.

SZA would also cover up with long-sleeved shirts and leggings during gymnastics and cheerleading. She also attended Jumu'ah, a Muslim Friday prayer. When she got older, her dad allowed them to have a Christmas tree but without any lights. Then her mom would take it down as soon as the holiday was over.

SZA Stopped Wearing a Hijab Because of Islamophobia after September 11

SZA's daily routine involved attending her regular school and her Muslim prep school afterward. She was in seventh grade when the September 11 attacks occurred. As a student who openly practiced her faith and donned a hijab, she became subject to Islamophobia in school.

Eventually, she stopped wearing it, but that caused a rift between herself and her dad. Still, her faith remained strong, as she said, "It's like the belief in one God, all the pillars of Islam et cetera, and I think those are ideas that will never leave me, those make sense in my spirit. It's the way that I connect with God; it has always made sense to me."

Despite Islamophobia, SZA Continues to Talk about Her Religion and Reveals How Islam Has Influenced Her Music

SZA once described Islamophobia as the "antithesis" of Islam. But recently, she observed a more positive representation of the religion, especially with other women in the modeling industry who practice Islam, as she said:

"It's a very radical time altogether. And I feel like it’s even restructuring the way that I feel like women in Islam are respected and viewed. It’s just powerhouse vibes. It's so necessary."

Moreover, when she was in school, SZA looked up to two young Muslim girls who she felt exuded grace and beauty. They inspired her to be "more noble" and to honor her word and God. Islam also influenced her career in its early years in that it solidified her self-image. The artist said she "didn't give [expletive]" what anyone thought and credited that to her dad's teachings.