Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sligo]

A sad day for sport.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-16011175

[geldedgoat]

His athletic accomplishments are probably less likely to spark conversation than his social commentary.

[catman]

[Rteacher]

As a boxing fan, I basically followed Ali's career since he won the Olympic Gold medal as Cassius Clay, and his combination of charisma and talent was evident from the start. His winning the title from seemingly indomitable Sonny Liston (who had crushed the former champ Floyd Patterson with two devastating first round knockouts) distinguished him as the youngest man to win the heavyweight championship, and he further distinguished himself by openly declaring his name change/commitment to the Nation of Islam (aka Black Muslims) in the ring following his stunning victory. At a time when "Heavyweight Champion of the World" was still widely respected, many were fearful about the cultural impact of such a public transformation - especially during a time of heightened racial and political tensions ...

Gradually, Ali won over many of his critics by his work as a peace-maker outside the ring and his philanthropic work. Even many people who disagreed with his position on the Vietnam war, admired this strength of commitment and spirit of sacrifice for a cause he believed in.

His eventual conversion to Sufi-ism (the most mystical branch of Islam) indicates his progressive search for spiritual knowledge. From my background in Krishna consciousness, I know he always bought books from Hare Krishna devotees when passing through airports around the world, and he often favorably commented on them. There is also evidence that he seriously read them and that they helped shape his realizations about God...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism
http://m.dandavats.com/?p=21831

[ArabicTeacher]

May there be peace in heaven for you, fellow Muslim.