Muhammad Ali: A Champion of Compassion

Especially during his time as a boxer, many people did not agree with Muhammad Ali on matters that were most important to him, including his choice of religion and his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War because of his religion. Despite opposition, he was steadfast in his beliefs and used his platform to share his wishes for peace and justice for all, regardless of race, religion, or geographical location. Ali felt he had a duty to be a voice to those who did not have one or were not being heard.

Although many were in disagreement with Ali, others admired his willingness to speak out and he was recognized for this willingness in 1992 by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, who presented him with the Alex Odeh Freedom of Speech and Justice Memorial Award. Alex Odeh was a Palestinian-American activist who fought for unity and justice for all. On October 11, 1985, Odeh was killed when a pipe bomb exploded at the Anti-Discrimination Committee’s office in Santa Ana, California. His case remains open.

Ali was especially outspoken about his identity as a Muslim and his dedication to Islam. He told the world that he did not have to be anything they wanted him to be, he was free to be who he wanted. He not only believed this for himself, but for others—everyone deserved to worship in ways of their choosing and to feel safe doing so. He knew what it was like to be misjudged and discriminated against for who he was. He repeated these same sentiments after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, stating: 

“I’m a Muslim. I’ve been a Muslim for 20 years. I’m against killing and violence, and all Muslims are against it. People should know the real truth about Islam. You know me. I’m a boxer. I’ve been called the greatest of all time. People recognize me for being a boxer and a man of truth. I wouldn’t be here representing Islam if it was really like terrorists make it look. I think all people should know the truth, come to recognize the truth, because Islam is peace. I’m against killing, murder, and the terrorists, and the people doing that in the name of Islam, are wrong, and if I had a chance I would do something about it."

Alex Odeh Freedom of Speech and Justice Memorial Award, June 27, 1992