I am saddened to admit that I did not know much about Muhammad Ali at the time of his passing, besides the basics: he was a fantastic boxer and had a few inspirational quotes. The days following his passing, my Facebook flooded with articles about the champion, including ones about his boxing career, personal life, as well as political and religious influence. I used a good portion of my time that day to learn more about Muhammad Ali and the major impact he had throughout his lifetime.

Muhammad Ali made Islam more of a household name in the 1960’s; because of his own conversion to the Islam faith, our country’s understanding towards this religion was increasingly improved. Religion scholar Sherman Jackson said it himself at Ali’s funeral service: “Ali did more to normalize Islam in this country than perhaps any other Muslim in the history of the United States.”

Muhammad Ali spoke out for what he believed in; he openly disagreed with the Vietnam War, saying “Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dog?” Muhammad Ali refusing to move forward with his draft in the war did cause him punishment such as fines and suspension from boxing, but this did not cease his dedication towards speaking out for what he believed in.

After Muhammad Ali’s years spent boxing, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which is a disease of the nervous system that can affect motor skills and speech ability. Ali did not let this slow him down- even after his retirement in boxing, he still remained in the public eye thanks to his generosity and charitable nature.

In 1998, Muhammad Ali was designated the United Nations’ Messenger of Peace, due to his complete persistence at spreading peace throughout, not only our country, but also the world. According to the United Nations webpage “Muhammad Ali has been a relentless advocate for people in need and a significant humanitarian actor in the developing world, supporting relief and development initiatives and hand-delivering food and medical supplies to hospitals, street children and orphanages in Africa and Asia.”

Muhammad Ali has been best known as the three-time World Heavyweight Champion boxer, which is indeed superbly impressive; personally, what I find even more spectacular is his undeterred perseverance towards simply just wanting to make the world a better place.

Muhammad Ali left this world a better place, which is something each and every one of us should strive for every day.

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”