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Muhammad Ali - A Legendary Boxer & Inspirational Brother


More than just a international sports-star, Muhammad Ali will be remembered for a very long time, for not just his successful career, but his outspoken and amazing personality. He is a man who has inspired mankind in ways other sporting figures can only aspire to achieve. Originally born Cassius Marcellus Clay in Louiseville, Kentucky, and then converting to Islam and becoming world-renowned boxer Muhammad Ali, he has touched the hearts of Black, White, Asian, Muslim, Christian, Agnostic and everything in between. To the Black man, he is an emblem of hope and sheer determination to overthrow what was and arguably now, a racially prejudiced system. To Muslims, Ali is someone we take pride in for representing us - Muslims globally have contributed so much to our culture and enrichment, however are dismissed occasionally due to rise of anti-Islam attitudes and propaganda. However, Ali has raised the flag for Muslims, with his conscious talks about religion and God and particularly about treating people well.

I recall about ten years ago, sat in a local chips and chicken shop in East London run by Bangladeshi first-generation immigrants, admiring the Muhammad Ali poster framed on the wall. Though most won't admit it, or want to put a gun to my head for stating so, the Bangladeshi community can be very racist. Surprised and intrigued by the framing of a Black man by a Bengali men, I admired the look of victory on Ali's face. My dad must have followed my glance as he mentioned to me that Ali is a really good boxer and that there is a real level of prestige attached to him.

Celebrities from all avenues of the media industry are paying respects to Ali, which portrays his wide level of engagement and motivation and influence around the world. Paralympic athlete and television broadcaster Ade Adepitan tweeted 'Muhammad Ali, was never afraid to question the world we live in, my hero and a true legend RIP You are the G.O.A.T'  
Barack Obama tweeted, "We pray that the greatest fighter of them all finally rests in peace."- President Obama #RIPMuhammadAli

Out of all the sports I have played in my entirety, boxing has been one of my favorites, I really felt empowered having the space to vent out my frustrations and really develop my self-defense skills. Had he still been alive, I would have loved to have the opportunity to interview Ali on his historic and compelling journey. But one day, despite how great we may be on this Earth, we have to go. As we say in Islam : (Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Rajioon) - which translates as to Allah we belong and to Allah, we return. Ali very eloquently and powerfully encapsulates the value of this knowledge in the below video I was shown today at work by a colleague. Never have I seen such an amazing heartfelt speech - no other speech, other than that from Allah, will compare.

In addition to this fantastic speech, Ali has provided the digital gurus a swarm of quotes to share and post, celebrating his wisdom and legacy. Among the vast range, my favorite are : '
'Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.'
'I am the greatest, I even said that before I even knew I was.'
These quotes are guaranteed to support and nurture talent and growth on all angles of the planet.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Ali, which portrays his humble nature and love for Allah.
May Allah bring ease to your grave brother. Ameen. LOVE.

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