Who is Muhammad Ali’s Spiritual Advisor? A Conversation with Imam Zaid Shakir
One of the most incredible things about the passing of Muhammad Ali (May God have mercy on his soul) is to hear that he planned every last detail of his funeral and memorial services himself. These details were kept in what the family called simply, “the book” which grew over ten years of planning. One of the earliest details in this book was who would preside over his finals years of life as spiritual advisor to him, his family and the person who would lead his funeral prayer, Imam Zaid Shakir.
One of the most well respected Muslim scholars and activists in the world Imam Zaid Shakir is well known to Muslims but may be a new figure to people who first heard of him through the passing of Muhammad Ali.
Here are a couple of links to learn more about Imam Zaid, including a recent interview with Baraka Blue “The All-American Journey of the People’s Imam” on the podcast, Path and Present.
And an in depth feature and interview with Imam Zaid by the great American journalist Bill Moyers:
For the full Memorial for Muhammad Ali that Imam Zaid presided over see this link:
Imam Zaid on Muhammad Ali’s final days:
