(Washington, D.C. 6/4/2016) — The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) offers its heartfelt condolences and is saddened by the passing of Muhammad Ali at the age of 74, a legend and an icon of inspiration, after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. USCMO Board members and Secretary General Oussama Jammal Attended his funeral to pay their respects.
Born in Louisville Kentucky in 1942 Muhammad Ali would go on to become the worlds single greatest heavyweight champion and the most famous and influential American Muslim to date, spending his life fighting for human and civil rights.
Ali began training at the age of 12 and by the age of 22 he had won the world heavyweight championship in 1964. Shortly after, Ali joined the Nation of Islam and subsequently converted to Sunni Islam in 1975 and permanently retiring from boxing by 1981.
Not only a heavyweight champion, Ali went on to become a true champion and icon for human rights and political activism. Among his many inspirational words of wisdom Ali is quoted as saying ” Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”. Three years after winning the heavyweight title Ali refused to be conscripted into the US Military citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam war.
Throughout his life, Ali stood firmly for his beliefs shining a positive light on Islam and Muslims. As a proud Muslim, Muhammad Ali brought awareness of Islam and the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to every household across the world.
A true legend, Muhammad Ali’s legacy will continue to inspire the American Muslim community and all of humanity for decades to come.
May the Almighty Allah bless his soul and bring comfort and solace to his family.
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