The funeral prayer of Muhammad Ali was not just a farewell to a boxing legend but a powerful reminder of what made him truly great: his unwavering commitment to Islam. Sheikh Zaid Shakir, who led Ali’s janazah prayer and shares his personal reflections in this episode, explains why Ali’s legacy transcends sports and serves as a blueprint for every Muslim celebrity and public figure today.
What Made Ali Different from Every Other Champion
Ali arrived at the perfect moment in history: a young, charismatic heavyweight champion tailor-made for the television era of the 1960s. But what catapulted him from sports icon to global legend was not what he did in the ring. It was what he gave up outside of it. He sacrificed his title, his livelihood, and his freedom rather than compromise his Islamic principles, declaring that his conscience would not let him fight in a war against people who had done him no wrong.
“When he took the stand that catapulted him to the ranks of the giants, he did that in the name of his religion, in the name of Islam. It is very important for us to look beyond the negativity and see what does this religion have that can help create a giant like Muhammad Ali.” — Sheikh Zaid Shakir
Grounding: A Sunnah Hidden in Plain Sight
- Modern research confirms that connecting your bare feet to the earth (grounding or earthing) reduces inflammation, improves sleep, and enhances circulation
- Grounding thins the blood naturally, reducing risk of heart attack and stroke
- Muslims practice grounding five times a day in salah when placing their foreheads on the ground in sujood
- Scientists have found that grounding instantly calms the left brain and helps release electrostatic charges that cause headaches and muscle spasms
A Call to Muslim Celebrities
“Firmness tempered by fairness, justice tempered by restraint, love operationalized by mercy — this is our religion. This is what we have to live, give, share, and embody.” — Sheikh Zaid Shakir
Ali’s example is clear: if you are blessed with a platform, use it for the truth. Do not let fame distance you from your faith. The world does not need more Muslim celebrities who hide their Islam. It needs men and women who, like Muhammad Ali, stand firm on their principles and show the world what this beautiful way of life truly produces.
