According to rahyafte (the missionaries and converts website): It can be claimed that no Muslim walked on the face of the Earth in this century more famously known and celebrated than Muhammad Ali.
Muhammad Ali is no doubt a phenomenon that transcends his time, culture, and politics. He is a household name and perhaps the most famous Muslim in the world, excelling even the likes of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and Malcolm X.
Even at the height of his popularity, Ali used his God-given gifts not for his own personal goals but for advancing justice for all. Sports was a venue for him to assert a global message regarding political oppression, racism, and injustices.
He immortalized with a celebrity star on the Walk of Fame, immortalizing him in the celluloid memory of Hollywood. He became the first sports personality to be given a place on the sought-after corridor, outside of the world of film, television and radio.
He was in fact engraved on the wall of the celebrity because he would not have the name of the Prophet stamped on by feet. He said:
“My name is our most beloved Prophet Muhammad’s.”
I hope to see the name of the Prophet engraved in Hollywood someday if I get the chance inshaAllah.
As proved by his life, he was inspired only because Allah has been guiding him through his life.
Never did he miss an opportunity to uphold his pride as a Muslim and the greatness of Islam. For example, when a Montreal based group invited him for a million dollar fund raising campaign, contrary to their expectations, instead of talking about his exciting career in sports, he proceeded to give an Islamic sermon.
He has been the strongest voice against apartheid and inequality. In this regard, he is second only to Nelson Mandela. Though he did not attempt long sermons or lectures, his brief words attracted and excited people. He made the establishment tremor. Now, the earth is shaken by his passing.
Dick Gregory, a human rights activist and comedian in America says:
“Ali has instilled a divine sense in him. Whenever you see him, either in the last round of a context or before the beginning of a lecture, you find him extolling the God.
To add one more thing: If aliens visit the earth, we can show Muhammad Ali to them as the perfect amalgamation of physical fitness, faith, decorum, love, mercy, and happiness.
Muhammad Ali has departed us forever but we should continue to pray for him. Moreover we should cherish and practice al his teachings, ideals, principles, and values in life.
Muhammad Ali has believed in Allah and that faith has made him strong to face any adversity. With this faith, he has converted every failure into a footstep to victory.
Muhammad Ali always exhibited a relentless passion for hard work and he always remained pro-active. Even when he was scuffling with the deadly Parkinson disease, he did not lose his rocky belief, enthusiasm and passion for hard work. In Time Magazine, Robert Lipsyte wrote:
“A diagnosis of Parkinson was cruel irony to a man who had been so active and verbal. But his gallantry made him a role model for all people, suffering from incurable disease.”
A few weeks before his demise, he roared against Donald Trump, getting ready to contest the US Presidential election as follows, “I am Muslim. Islam has no relationship with the murderers who massacre the innocent in Paris or elsewhere in the world. Muslims have to remain vigilant about such people who use Islam for their ulterior motives…Such murderers, killing the innocent, leave a wrong impression in the mind of the people.”
Now I have a deep sense of loss because I could not personally befriend this great soul. I hope this article is a humble tribute to him.
Source: aboutislam.net
