Muhammad Ali tribute paid by American Muslims

American Muslims honored the legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali as a Muslim hero in a gathering of Muslim leaders in Washington Saturday, June 4.

"When we look at the history of the African-American community, one important factor in popularizing Islam in America is Muhammad Ali," said Warith Deen Mohammed II, the son of a famous religious and community leader, as reported by Reuters.

"We thank God for him. America should thank God for him. He was an American hero," said the president and imam of the Masjid Muhammad mosque, Talib Shareef.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Islamic Society of North America have also called on Muslims to offer special prayers at their local mosques this week in honor of Ali.

CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said this was the first national campaign of its kind and attributed it to the late boxer's impact and legacy.

Hooper told CNN, "He is a symbol of Islam in America -- and in a positive sense."

Muslim-American scholar and cleric Yasir Qadhi also praised Ali for bringing a positive image of Islam and for helping spread the name of their prophet Mohammad not just in the American households but throughout the world.

Qadhi took to Facebook and wrote, "There is no denying that Muhammad Ali is the most famous and influential American Muslim, ever."

The 74-year-old boxer died Friday, June 3 in a Phoenix hospital after a long battle of Parkinson's disease. Shortly after winning the world heavyweight title in February 1964, Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali which means "beloved of God" as he converted to the Nation of Islam. In 1970, Ali converted to Sunni Islam.

According to Imam Zaid Shakir, the Muslim scholar who ministered to Ali's family, Ali himself requested religious leaders of various faiths including Christian, Buddhist, and Jewish to be invited in his memorial and funeral service on Friday this week at Louisville, Kentucky.

"Muhammad Ali was a person who respected other faiths," said Shakir.

Ali was also known to denounce Islamic extremists in their terrorism. In December last year, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump tasted a verbal jab from Ali after Trump proposed to temporarily ban Muslims in the U.S.