Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali’s post-9/11 comments about Islamophobia ring true even today

In the wake of recent increase in hatred against Muslims due to Paris and San Bernardino attacks, what we forget is all Muslims cannot be blamed for the actions of a few (as cliche as it may sound, it remains true).

In the US, Donald Trump remains the biggest anti-Muslim politician but it must not be forgotten that Muslims are just like us – they want peace as well. Some of the most famous personalities we know of are Muslims and not that fame equates to being right, but people like the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali cannot be considered extremists.

In the video below, recorded after the tragic events of 9/11, Ali, along with Hollywood actor Will Smith comment on the generalization of and stereotyping Muslims as extremists. The comments, about 14 years old, remain true even today.

Here’s what Ali said, “I’m a Muslim. I’ve been a Muslim for 20 years. I’m against killing and violence, and all Muslims are against it. People should know the real truth about Islam. You know me. I’m a boxer. I’ve been called the greatest of all time. People recognize me for being a boxer and a man of truth. I wouldn’t be here representing Islam if it was really like terrorists make it look. I think all people should know the truth, come to recognize the truth, because Islam is peace. I’m against killing and the terrorists, and the people doing that in the name of Islam, are wrong, and if I had a chance I would do something about it.”