Why did Muhammad Ali become Muslim?
Mostly because he found dignity, purpose and belonging in Islam. Ali first joined the Nation of Islam in the early 1960s, when it spoke to him about pride and justice during a time of open racism in America. In the mid-1970s he embraced mainstream Sunni Islam, which he practised for the rest of his life.
From Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali
He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942 and won Olympic gold in boxing in 1960. In the early 1960s he began attending meetings of the Nation of Islam and became close to Malcolm X. The Nation of Islam is an American movement whose teachings differ in important ways from mainstream Islam, so it is better not to confuse the two.
In February 1964, after beating Sonny Liston to win the world heavyweight title, Ali announced that he was a member of the Nation of Islam. Soon afterwards he dropped the name Cassius Clay, which he saw as a name linked to slavery, and became Muhammad Ali.
What it meant to him
For Ali, Islam was about self-respect and standing for his beliefs. In 1967 he refused to be drafted into the US Army, citing his religious convictions. He was stripped of his title and boxing licence, and convicted of draft evasion, at the height of his career. The US Supreme Court later overturned the conviction in 1971, and he returned to the ring.
Many people admired his courage in accepting a heavy price to stay true to his conscience. His story shows how faith can give someone strength under pressure.
His move to Sunni Islam
In the mid-1970s, after leadership changes in the Nation of Islam, Ali began practising Sunni Islam, the path followed by the vast majority of Muslims. He kept his name, which he was proud of, and spoke about his faith, peace and charity for the rest of his life. He died in 2016, aged 74.
The Quran teaches that dignity belongs to every person, and honour in Allah's sight depends on faith and good character, not on race, nation or wealth:
What this means for new Muslims
- Faith is personal. Each person finds Islam through different experiences, as Ali did.
- You do not have to change your name. Ali changed his as a statement of identity, but Islam does not require it. See Do I have to change my name after becoming Muslim?
- Learning continues. Ali's understanding developed over years. Take your time to learn the basics from authentic sources.
For other well-known figures, see Which famous athletes converted to Islam? and Who are some famous Muslim athletes?
- Ali joined the Nation of Islam in the early 1960s and took his new name in 1964.
- He refused the draft in 1967, citing his faith, and paid a heavy price.
- In the mid-1970s he embraced mainstream Sunni Islam.
- New Muslims do not need to change their names.
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