Baltimore Muslims Discuss Loss Of Muhammad Ali

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- To the world, Muhammad Ali was the heavyweight champ but for many local Muslims, he was one of their own: a Muslim brother who didn't shy away from his faith.

Ava-Joye Burnett visited a mosque Monday and spoke with Muslims about how Ali helped shoot down misconceptions about the Muslim faith.

He was a world-class athlete but also a devout Muslim. That's part of his legacy Muslims hope will not be forgotten.

Inside a Baltimore mosque, a Muslim prayer for a legend who also had strong faith. Ali accepted Islam and became one of the most prominent faces of the religion.

"He wasn't just my Muslim brother; he was the world's Muslim brother," said Imam Hassan Amin.

The imam believes Ali's work to unite the human race will be his greatest legacy.

"What he brought to the people---not just to African American people, not just to Muslims, but for people period---he brought a calmness, he brought a confidence, he brought happiness to the people and I don't think that's going to fade away," said Amin.

Muhammad Ali also had a way with kids. One Muslim spoke about how Muhammad Ali shaped his identity as a young Muslim growing up in America.

"He was the heavyweight champion of the world, which led you to believe and know that all your dreams could come true. You could accomplish whatever you want and people would like you, no matter your religion, your race," said Abdul Jaami Salam.

Ali was known as a straight talker, often poetic in his verbal jabs.

One Baltimore man will travel to Louisville for Ali's funeral to pay tribute to a man who brought the Muslim community into the mainstream.

"I know we all acknowledge the fact that he was a great athlete but I think the bigger cause was what he did outside of the ring to bring clarity to Islam in America, especially during the times now when you have a lot of Islamophobia," said Bilal Ali.

Ali's superstardom circled the globe. Muslims hope the work he did for the religion doesn't disappear now that he's gone.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.