The great Muhammad Ali died on the 3rd of June 2016 at the age of seventy four. He left us all on a Friday – the holiest day of the week for Muslims. A holy day that was not only fitting and symbolic, but also poignant for a man whose life meant so much for others – both in the way he inspired, as well as the way he lived it.
Ali was catapulted into this world, born as an African American in the hey days of the struggle against inequality and injustice. His embrace of Islam and decision to actively identify with his faith in defending just causes in the heart of the community won him both accolade and revulsion. But prod along he did, with his usual gentle strikes, always confident, always challenging the status quo and always defiant.
Who would have thought a boxer like him would be unflinching in his resolve to overcome foreign domination – symbolised through his refusal to be drafted in the Vietnam War.
He had said then, “I’m not going 10,000 miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation”, and for that, Ali was stripped of his boxing license and even charged and convicted in court which was overturned several years later.
He was no ordinary athlete – for he achieved greatness by transcending the divide between passerby and activist. He continued to advocate for anti-war causes and for the development of civil rights movement with a focus on overcoming racial inequality.
Even in sickness, afflicted as he was with Parkinson’s disease for more than 30 years, he remained committed and connected to humanity. For he chose humanity in all the actions that he took.
His gentle ingenuity earned him both revision and admiration. But today, he is celebrated, embraced, respected and will continue to be remembered even after his death.
All the punches and blueblack beating that he willingly received in the boxing ring for the love of the sport is nothing compared to the many verbal and character assaults that he was subjected to outside the ring.
Ali is a reminder that the spirit of one man can make a big difference in society — as long as his cause is righteous.
Muhammad Ali did not stop making a stand for truth and justice even when his health was deteriorating. In December, he released a statement calling out US presidential candidate Donald Trump for his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States.
With conviction, Ali stated that “We as Muslims have to stand up to those who use Islam to advance their own personal agenda.” His words resonate with people worldwide, no less those of us in Malaysia today.
Until his very last breath, Ali kept on fighting, surrounded by family. When all of his organs had failed, his heart continued to beat for 30 minutes before it finally stopped.
Ali is a fighter through and through; he embodies the spirit of “Lawan tetap Lawan” — courageously fighting against all odds, and exemplifies the essence of “Berani kerana Benar” — courageously speaking the truth against all injustice. For Ali was not only tenacious in the ring but also poetic outside the ring.
His is a great presence that shall be truly missed and forever remembered.
May many more follow in his footsteps and inspire love, compassion and strength – away from brute, blind hatred and bitterness.
“Allahummaghfir lahum warhamhum wa ‘afihim wa’fu ‘anhum”
NURUL IZZAH ANWAR
LEMBAH PANTAI MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
KEADILAN VICE PRESIDENT AND ELECTIONS DIRECTOR
