(Plainfield, IN 06/04/16) Today, with a heavy heart, the Islamic Society of North America offers sincere condolences to the family of Muhammad Ali who was not only a champion of boxing, but he was a champion of social justice. He always stood for justice and truth.
Most famously, in 1967 he raised his voice against the Vietnam War and refused to be drafted. Consequently, he was banned from boxing and stripped of his titles and convicted of draft evasion. Ali’s appeal of the conviction went to Supreme Court where it was overturned. Despite the difficulties he faced, Ali remained steadfast and continued to advocate for justice and truth.
In his final public statement last December, Ali addressed the xenophobia and fear-mongering coming from the election cycle. He called upon political leaders to “use their position to bring understanding about the religion of Islam and clarify that these misguided murderers have perverted people’s views on what Islam really is.”
In a statement, ISNA President Azhar Azeez said:
“We all as Muslims and Americans will miss this champion who was the greatest athlete and boxer of the century and an inspiration to millions around the world.”
To God we belong and to Him we return.
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella organization in North America. Its mission is to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and better understanding of Islam.
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