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The Soul of a Butterfly
In this poignant, moving book, Muhammad Ali shares the beliefs he has come to live by and which he has passed on to his children. Some of the wisdom is his own; some comes from the teachings of true Islam, from his spiritual studies, and from people he has met in the course of his extraordinary life. Here, as he recalls his early days as a young warrior in Louisville, Kentucky, and his meteoric rise to fame as Heavyweight Champion of the World, a title he won three times, he tells of the many battles he won and lost, both inside and outside the ring and his conversion to Islam in the 1960s. Now, working tirelessly as a worldwide ambassador for peace, he talks of the damage caused when religion is used to tear people apart, the essential need for unity in this troubled world, and how his faith sustains him on this, the most important journey of his life - the journey to forgiveness and peace. Together with his daughter Hana, in this timely spiritual memoir Ali draws upon his rich reserve of notes, tapes and journals, and writes with compassion, warmth and, of course, humour on how we can liberate mind, body and spirit when we pursue and embrace the one essential truth - love.
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First published November 16, 2004
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July 31, 2012
Muhammed Ali says it best:
"One day I won't be around to answer people's questions, or advise young aspiring athletes. What I want to say is for the people whom I've never met. It is for the boys and girls whose hands I will never hold. It is for the champions to come. These comments are for every spirit on the downside of advantage.
Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something deep inside—a desire, a dream, and a vision. They have to have the skill and the will.
But the will must be stronger than the skill.
When I was boxing I would set a goal for myself to demonstrate to other people what could be done, and to prove to myself that anything was possible when I set a goal then worked to achieve it. We create our own realities according to our thoughts and beliefs. The critics who told me what I couldn't do didn't know as well as I what I was capable of.
Everyone wins and everyone loses every now and again. If we didn't experience a loss we would never know what we are capable of. The important thing to remember is:
You don't really lose when you fight for what you believe in. You lose when you fail to fight for what you care about."
"One day I won't be around to answer people's questions, or advise young aspiring athletes. What I want to say is for the people whom I've never met. It is for the boys and girls whose hands I will never hold. It is for the champions to come. These comments are for every spirit on the downside of advantage.
Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something deep inside—a desire, a dream, and a vision. They have to have the skill and the will.
But the will must be stronger than the skill.
When I was boxing I would set a goal for myself to demonstrate to other people what could be done, and to prove to myself that anything was possible when I set a goal then worked to achieve it. We create our own realities according to our thoughts and beliefs. The critics who told me what I couldn't do didn't know as well as I what I was capable of.
Everyone wins and everyone loses every now and again. If we didn't experience a loss we would never know what we are capable of. The important thing to remember is:
You don't really lose when you fight for what you believe in. You lose when you fail to fight for what you care about."
April 29, 2017
Muhamamd Ali wasn't always universally loved. He was rejected because he was a Muslim. He was vilified because he dare spoke about racism and being a black man. And he was called unpatriotic because of his refusal to fight in war.
"Being a true Muslim is the most important thing in the world to me. It means more to me than being black or being American. I can’t save other people’s soul, only God can do that. But I can try to save mine.”
May he be showered with Allah's blessings and placed in the highest ranks of paradise.
"Being a true Muslim is the most important thing in the world to me. It means more to me than being black or being American. I can’t save other people’s soul, only God can do that. But I can try to save mine.”
May he be showered with Allah's blessings and placed in the highest ranks of paradise.
September 27, 2020
Muhammad Ali seems to have mellowed in his later years,especially since his battle with Parkinson's disease.This book,co-written with his daughter Hana has its share of interesting moments,though it is also very preachy.
He begins with his early years in Louisville,Kentucky.It was hard being black and he asks why Jesus Christ was always despicted as white and why there were no black angels even in heaven.Maybe they were serving milk and honey in the kitchen.
After he won the Olympic gold medal,he wore it even when he slept,and he wore it everywhere he went in his town.The mayor told him that now he had the key to the city.He and his friend went to a restaurant,pointed to the gold medal and asked to be served.But they were still asked to leave,as they were black.Realising that the gold medal was no use,he eventually threw it in the Ohio river.
His disillusionment eventually drove him to Elijah Mohammad's Nation of Islam,which practiced a form of Islam very different from mainstream Islam.Still,he converted.Malcolm X also became his friend,but when forced to choose between him and Elijah Mohammad,he chose the latter.
There are accounts of his famous fights when he used his loud mouth to berate his opponents and predict in which round he would win.He claims he did this to sell tickets,and that despite being a boxer,he did not like violence !
Refusing to go to Vietnam,he was stripped of his title and forced to open a restaurant,losing over three of his best fighting years.
He is still very full of himself,calling himself the greatest.Well,he certainly was the greatest when it came to marketing himself.
As for the boxing,I remember him frequently on the ropes,employing his rope a dope strategy.He had his gloves in front of his mouth,protecting himself,while opponents ferociously attacked him.
His boxing career went on for a bit too long.At such an advanced age,he was going to lose.At that time,Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes beat him easily enough.
Also details his own acts of kindness to various people.He also does not blame boxing for his Parkinson's and says that he would have got it anyway.
Also has an account of lighting the olympic flame during the Atlanta olympics of 1996,when his hand was shaking badly due to Parkinson's,and when his appearance was a surprise for the audience.
There is a lot of preachiness here and a good deal of religion.Overall,a quick read and a mixed bag.
2.5 stars (rounded up)
He begins with his early years in Louisville,Kentucky.It was hard being black and he asks why Jesus Christ was always despicted as white and why there were no black angels even in heaven.Maybe they were serving milk and honey in the kitchen.
After he won the Olympic gold medal,he wore it even when he slept,and he wore it everywhere he went in his town.The mayor told him that now he had the key to the city.He and his friend went to a restaurant,pointed to the gold medal and asked to be served.But they were still asked to leave,as they were black.Realising that the gold medal was no use,he eventually threw it in the Ohio river.
His disillusionment eventually drove him to Elijah Mohammad's Nation of Islam,which practiced a form of Islam very different from mainstream Islam.Still,he converted.Malcolm X also became his friend,but when forced to choose between him and Elijah Mohammad,he chose the latter.
There are accounts of his famous fights when he used his loud mouth to berate his opponents and predict in which round he would win.He claims he did this to sell tickets,and that despite being a boxer,he did not like violence !
Refusing to go to Vietnam,he was stripped of his title and forced to open a restaurant,losing over three of his best fighting years.
He is still very full of himself,calling himself the greatest.Well,he certainly was the greatest when it came to marketing himself.
As for the boxing,I remember him frequently on the ropes,employing his rope a dope strategy.He had his gloves in front of his mouth,protecting himself,while opponents ferociously attacked him.
His boxing career went on for a bit too long.At such an advanced age,he was going to lose.At that time,Leon Spinks and Larry Holmes beat him easily enough.
Also details his own acts of kindness to various people.He also does not blame boxing for his Parkinson's and says that he would have got it anyway.
Also has an account of lighting the olympic flame during the Atlanta olympics of 1996,when his hand was shaking badly due to Parkinson's,and when his appearance was a surprise for the audience.
There is a lot of preachiness here and a good deal of religion.Overall,a quick read and a mixed bag.
2.5 stars (rounded up)
April 20, 2024
چرا محمدعلی بزرگترین است؟
زمانی که اولین بار مسابقه محمدعلی با جورج فورمن بزرگ را میدیدم از شدت هیجان رد ناخنهایم کف دستم مانده بود. بسکه دست هایم را مشت کرده بودم. مسابقهای که غرش در جنگل نام گرفت و به عنوان نبرد قرن بوکس شناخته میشود. زمانی که محمدعلی در رختکن و در راه ورودی به سالن و رینگ است، ترس مربیان او مشهود است و ناگاه علی تشری (مخصوص خود) به آنها میزند: که چرا همتون انقدر ترسیدید؟ انگار اومدین مجلس ختمم! من اونی هستم که ترسناکه! جورج فورمن. جورج فورمن. (برخی تماشگران فریاد میزنند علی بازنده است) اگر از این در خارج شدید و ترسیدید فقط لبخند بزنید. من این مبارزه رو نمیبرم اگر مثل شما فکر کنم.
تنها روح بزرگی چون او میتوانست در حین تمرین به ملاقات پسرک سرطانی برود و او را به شکست بیماریاش امیدوار کند. و فقط مثل اویی بود که جنگ ویتنام را محکوم و از پیش این فاجعه انسانی را تحریم کرد و البته بهایش را هم پرداخت. جالب است بدانید دولت آمریکا به او گفته بود که اصلا به منطقه جنگی اعزام نخواهد شد و فقط مبارزات نمایشی انجام خواهد داد. اما او اینها را یک شوی تبلیغاتی خواند برای کشاندن جوانان آمریکایی به جنگ آن هم با استفاده از اسم او. و چون اویی بود که مردی در حال خودکشی را منصرف کرده، در آغوش گرفت به زندگی برگرداند.
بعد از لغو تعلیق او در دوران پسا ویتنام جو فریزر اولین حریف جدی او بود و اولین باخت دوران حرفهای محمدعلی را رقم زد. باختی که دو بار دیگر انتقام گرفته شد. جالب است که محمدعلی تمام باخت هایش را جبران کرده جز دو مسابقه آخرش که به لری هولمز و ترور بربیک باخت. داستان معروفی وجود دارد که میگوید مایک تایسون در زمان شکست علی از لری هولمز ۱۴ ساله بود و همان جا به خودش قول داد انتقام شکست او را از هولمز بگیرد. کاری که در ۱۹۸۸ موفق به انجام آن شد.
نه سفیر صلح سازمان ملل بودنش، نه سه عنوان قهرمانی سنگین وزن و نه روشن کردن مشعل المپیک و نه هیچ کدام دیگر از افتخاراتش او را بزرگ ترین نکرد. فقط قلب مهربان و وسیع او بود که او را خاص، بزرگ و یگانه کرد. هیچ گاه در مسابقاتش به فکر آسیب به حریفانش نبود و فقط دنبال پیروزی بود و اینکه خودش هم صدمه نبیند. حتی از معدود بوکسورهایی بود که صورتش رد آسیب و صدمهای نداشت. بوکسورهای زیادی رفته و آمدهاند از خود تایسون گرفته تا هالیفیلد و فورمن و شوگر ری رابینسون و … اما هیچ کدام محمدعلی نشدند. نه در تکنیک و سرعت و رقص پای منحصر به فردش و نه در ایمان و اتکای به نفس عمیقش. علی ۱۸ ساله وقتی از المپیک برگشت مدال طلای خود را حتی در خیابان به گردن میآویخت. اما وقتی در یک رستوران به خاطر رنگ پوستش به اوخدمات ندادند و با برخورد نزادپرستانهای بیرونش کردند، او نیز مدال را از گردنش بیرون آورد و به رودخانه اوهایو پرتاب کرد.
کمتر کتابی رو با این سرعت و ولع خوندم
به شخصه زندگی نامه های کمی خوندم اما این یکی عجیب به دلم نشست. گرچه با قسمتهای مذهبی این نوشتهها موافق نبودم اما هر چه بود اننخاب محمدعلی بود و انتخاب های او مثل اسمش در همه سالهای زندگیاش تاثیرگذار شد.
در جای جای این اتوبیوگرافی که به همت دخترش هانا یاسمین علی منتشر شده شجاعتی بیمثال به مشام میرسد. شجاعتی که حاصل یک کودک آزاد و جسور بوده. کودکی که سرکوب نشده، کودکی که تحقیر نشده و همیشه از طرف پدر و مادرش خاص نشان داده شده و بینهایت مورد عشقورزی واقع شده.
محمدعلی بارها در طول کتاب با کودک خود حرف زده و حتی در خلال شعرهایش او را در آغوش گرفته. کودکی که بارها و قبلتر توسط پدرش کش و مادرش گنجشک در آغوش گرفته شده. اینطور است که روح یک کودک نمیمیرد و بزرگ میشود. و میتواند بزرگ باشد، بزرگ ببیند، بزرگ فکر کند و تبدیل شود به بزرگترین دوران!
زمانی که اولین بار مسابقه محمدعلی با جورج فورمن بزرگ را میدیدم از شدت هیجان رد ناخنهایم کف دستم مانده بود. بسکه دست هایم را مشت کرده بودم. مسابقهای که غرش در جنگل نام گرفت و به عنوان نبرد قرن بوکس شناخته میشود. زمانی که محمدعلی در رختکن و در راه ورودی به سالن و رینگ است، ترس مربیان او مشهود است و ناگاه علی تشری (مخصوص خود) به آنها میزند: که چرا همتون انقدر ترسیدید؟ انگار اومدین مجلس ختمم! من اونی هستم که ترسناکه! جورج فورمن. جورج فورمن. (برخی تماشگران فریاد میزنند علی بازنده است) اگر از این در خارج شدید و ترسیدید فقط لبخند بزنید. من این مبارزه رو نمیبرم اگر مثل شما فکر کنم.
تنها روح بزرگی چون او میتوانست در حین تمرین به ملاقات پسرک سرطانی برود و او را به شکست بیماریاش امیدوار کند. و فقط مثل اویی بود که جنگ ویتنام را محکوم و از پیش این فاجعه انسانی را تحریم کرد و البته بهایش را هم پرداخت. جالب است بدانید دولت آمریکا به او گفته بود که اصلا به منطقه جنگی اعزام نخواهد شد و فقط مبارزات نمایشی انجام خواهد داد. اما او اینها را یک شوی تبلیغاتی خواند برای کشاندن جوانان آمریکایی به جنگ آن هم با استفاده از اسم او. و چون اویی بود که مردی در حال خودکشی را منصرف کرده، در آغوش گرفت به زندگی برگرداند.
بعد از لغو تعلیق او در دوران پسا ویتنام جو فریزر اولین حریف جدی او بود و اولین باخت دوران حرفهای محمدعلی را رقم زد. باختی که دو بار دیگر انتقام گرفته شد. جالب است که محمدعلی تمام باخت هایش را جبران کرده جز دو مسابقه آخرش که به لری هولمز و ترور بربیک باخت. داستان معروفی وجود دارد که میگوید مایک تایسون در زمان شکست علی از لری هولمز ۱۴ ساله بود و همان جا به خودش قول داد انتقام شکست او را از هولمز بگیرد. کاری که در ۱۹۸۸ موفق به انجام آن شد.
نه سفیر صلح سازمان ملل بودنش، نه سه عنوان قهرمانی سنگین وزن و نه روشن کردن مشعل المپیک و نه هیچ کدام دیگر از افتخاراتش او را بزرگ ترین نکرد. فقط قلب مهربان و وسیع او بود که او را خاص، بزرگ و یگانه کرد. هیچ گاه در مسابقاتش به فکر آسیب به حریفانش نبود و فقط دنبال پیروزی بود و اینکه خودش هم صدمه نبیند. حتی از معدود بوکسورهایی بود که صورتش رد آسیب و صدمهای نداشت. بوکسورهای زیادی رفته و آمدهاند از خود تایسون گرفته تا هالیفیلد و فورمن و شوگر ری رابینسون و … اما هیچ کدام محمدعلی نشدند. نه در تکنیک و سرعت و رقص پای منحصر به فردش و نه در ایمان و اتکای به نفس عمیقش. علی ۱۸ ساله وقتی از المپیک برگشت مدال طلای خود را حتی در خیابان به گردن میآویخت. اما وقتی در یک رستوران به خاطر رنگ پوستش به اوخدمات ندادند و با برخورد نزادپرستانهای بیرونش کردند، او نیز مدال را از گردنش بیرون آورد و به رودخانه اوهایو پرتاب کرد.
کمتر کتابی رو با این سرعت و ولع خوندم
به شخصه زندگی نامه های کمی خوندم اما این یکی عجیب به دلم نشست. گرچه با قسمتهای مذهبی این نوشتهها موافق نبودم اما هر چه بود اننخاب محمدعلی بود و انتخاب های او مثل اسمش در همه سالهای زندگیاش تاثیرگذار شد.
در جای جای این اتوبیوگرافی که به همت دخترش هانا یاسمین علی منتشر شده شجاعتی بیمثال به مشام میرسد. شجاعتی که حاصل یک کودک آزاد و جسور بوده. کودکی که سرکوب نشده، کودکی که تحقیر نشده و همیشه از طرف پدر و مادرش خاص نشان داده شده و بینهایت مورد عشقورزی واقع شده.
محمدعلی بارها در طول کتاب با کودک خود حرف زده و حتی در خلال شعرهایش او را در آغوش گرفته. کودکی که بارها و قبلتر توسط پدرش کش و مادرش گنجشک در آغوش گرفته شده. اینطور است که روح یک کودک نمیمیرد و بزرگ میشود. و میتواند بزرگ باشد، بزرگ ببیند، بزرگ فکر کند و تبدیل شود به بزرگترین دوران!
October 19, 2023
الكتاب ده غير تماما الصورة اللي كانت في دماغي عن محمد علي كلاي.
"لقد قلت إنني الأعظم. الحقيقة، الله وحده الأعظم. لكن أيا كان ما اخترت أن أفعله في حياتي، كنت اومن أنه بمساعدة الله لي سوف أكون الأفضل".
كتاب يلمس القلب لغة شاعرية وترجمة ممتازة.
يروي لنا محمد علي كلاي الملاكم الشهير قصة حياته الملهمة ببعد إنساني عميق، يختلف كثيرا عن الصورة التي يمكن ان نتخيلها عن حياة ملاكم، كان الله فيها هو المركز الذي تدور حوله هذه الحياة.
نشأ محمد علي في أسرة متحابة، وشاهد في طفولته سياسات الفصل العنصري الظالمة في امريكا حتى عندما فاز ببطولة العالم ظل مواطنا من الدرجة الثانية.
كان اسلامه وتغيير اسمه نقطة فارقة في حياته، كان اسمه رمزا للعبودية فقد كانوا يسمون على أسماء من يملكون أجدادهم العبيد.
رفض الذهاب إلى حرب فيتنام بالرغم من الوعود البراقة لأنها تتعارض مع مبادئه ودينه، وتحمل أن يحرم من ممارسة الملاكمة وجرد من لقبه ومنع من السفر، حتى جماعة أمة الإسلام التي كانت سببا في دخوله للإسلام ادارت له ظهرها.
"لولا حرماني من الملاكمة خلال ذروة سنوات عطائي، ربما ما عرفت قوة إيماني. فكلما ازداد مستوى الاستيعاب، تشتد المحن. وكلما طوعنا التحديات، يظهر عمق الإيمان".
تغلب بالإيمان على محنة إصابته بالشلل الرعاش، ولم يلق باللوم على الملاكمة ورضي بقضاء الله لأنه يعلم أن المرض والصحة بيده وحده.
"التغيير جزء حتمي من الحياة. تتغير الفصول، تتغير مشاعرنا، يتغير مظهرنا، تتغير صحتنا. تصبح الحياة أسهل عندما نتقبل هذه التغيرات وندرك عندها أهمية كل لحظة في هذه الرحلة لنمو أرواحنا".
"فلسفة محمد علي في الملاكمة
لم أكن أريد أن أتألم ألما مبرحا ولا أريد أن أسبب الألم لأي شخص.
كانت خطتي أن أتراقص حتى أظل بعيدا عن متناول خصمي استخدم ذكائي أكثر من قبضتي أحاول أن أدخل إلى عقل خصمي وازعزع ثقته بنفسه. لقد درست خصومي لمعرفة نقاط قوتهم وضعفهم وبقدر استطاعتي، وحاولت أن أكون صادقًا تماما. كانت هذه طريقة فوزي".
"تتطلب الملاكمة ممارسة وتفان، تماما مثل مهارة صنع الحيل السحرية فالاستعراض جزء كبير من الاثنين أيضا، الملاكمة والسحر.
أطلقت الألقاب على خصومي، وتباهيت بقدراتي وجمالي، وأحيانا تنبأت بجولة انتصاري لإغاظتهم حتى يرتكبوا الأخطاء. قد يسمي البعض هذا خدعة، لكنني فقط أتمنى أن يكون قد منحني ذلك أفضلية".
"سوف أشاركك سرا صغيرًا. شكل الركض دائما مصدرًا لقدرتي علي التحمل ذلك في بداية حياتي المهنية تعلمت أن أركض حتي ینال التعب مني. ثم أن أستمر في الركض رغم الألم. لكن كان كل هذا الأمل والتعب مدخلا لمراني. وعندما يستقر الألم، تبدأ التهيئة الفعلية أبدأ حـينها في الضغط على نفسي ودفعها لمزيد من الألم. حينئذ، كل ميل أركضه يعني المزيد من القوة والمزيد من قدرتي على التحمل.
ما يعول عليه في الحلبة هو ما يمكنك القيام به بعد استنزاف قدرتك الشيء نفسه يصدق على الحياة".
"لقد تعلمت أننا ننضج من خلال المآسي تلك الخسارات التي تحدث لنا، والأمراض التي نواجهها، وذلك الألم والأسف اللذان نشعر بهما، كل ذلك يمكن المرء من التحقيق أعلى وأعظم غاية في الحياة؛ الا وهي النضج الروحاني.
إن أعظم إنجازاتي في الحياة حققتها خارج حلبة المصارعة، وكانت أعظم امتيازاتي في الحياة أنني أصبحت رسول السلام والمحبة، لأنه لا شيء يضاهي عظمة العمل من أجل الله".
"لقد قلت إنني الأعظم. الحقيقة، الله وحده الأعظم. لكن أيا كان ما اخترت أن أفعله في حياتي، كنت اومن أنه بمساعدة الله لي سوف أكون الأفضل".
كتاب يلمس القلب لغة شاعرية وترجمة ممتازة.
يروي لنا محمد علي كلاي الملاكم الشهير قصة حياته الملهمة ببعد إنساني عميق، يختلف كثيرا عن الصورة التي يمكن ان نتخيلها عن حياة ملاكم، كان الله فيها هو المركز الذي تدور حوله هذه الحياة.
نشأ محمد علي في أسرة متحابة، وشاهد في طفولته سياسات الفصل العنصري الظالمة في امريكا حتى عندما فاز ببطولة العالم ظل مواطنا من الدرجة الثانية.
كان اسلامه وتغيير اسمه نقطة فارقة في حياته، كان اسمه رمزا للعبودية فقد كانوا يسمون على أسماء من يملكون أجدادهم العبيد.
رفض الذهاب إلى حرب فيتنام بالرغم من الوعود البراقة لأنها تتعارض مع مبادئه ودينه، وتحمل أن يحرم من ممارسة الملاكمة وجرد من لقبه ومنع من السفر، حتى جماعة أمة الإسلام التي كانت سببا في دخوله للإسلام ادارت له ظهرها.
"لولا حرماني من الملاكمة خلال ذروة سنوات عطائي، ربما ما عرفت قوة إيماني. فكلما ازداد مستوى الاستيعاب، تشتد المحن. وكلما طوعنا التحديات، يظهر عمق الإيمان".
تغلب بالإيمان على محنة إصابته بالشلل الرعاش، ولم يلق باللوم على الملاكمة ورضي بقضاء الله لأنه يعلم أن المرض والصحة بيده وحده.
"التغيير جزء حتمي من الحياة. تتغير الفصول، تتغير مشاعرنا، يتغير مظهرنا، تتغير صحتنا. تصبح الحياة أسهل عندما نتقبل هذه التغيرات وندرك عندها أهمية كل لحظة في هذه الرحلة لنمو أرواحنا".
"فلسفة محمد علي في الملاكمة
لم أكن أريد أن أتألم ألما مبرحا ولا أريد أن أسبب الألم لأي شخص.
كانت خطتي أن أتراقص حتى أظل بعيدا عن متناول خصمي استخدم ذكائي أكثر من قبضتي أحاول أن أدخل إلى عقل خصمي وازعزع ثقته بنفسه. لقد درست خصومي لمعرفة نقاط قوتهم وضعفهم وبقدر استطاعتي، وحاولت أن أكون صادقًا تماما. كانت هذه طريقة فوزي".
"تتطلب الملاكمة ممارسة وتفان، تماما مثل مهارة صنع الحيل السحرية فالاستعراض جزء كبير من الاثنين أيضا، الملاكمة والسحر.
أطلقت الألقاب على خصومي، وتباهيت بقدراتي وجمالي، وأحيانا تنبأت بجولة انتصاري لإغاظتهم حتى يرتكبوا الأخطاء. قد يسمي البعض هذا خدعة، لكنني فقط أتمنى أن يكون قد منحني ذلك أفضلية".
"سوف أشاركك سرا صغيرًا. شكل الركض دائما مصدرًا لقدرتي علي التحمل ذلك في بداية حياتي المهنية تعلمت أن أركض حتي ینال التعب مني. ثم أن أستمر في الركض رغم الألم. لكن كان كل هذا الأمل والتعب مدخلا لمراني. وعندما يستقر الألم، تبدأ التهيئة الفعلية أبدأ حـينها في الضغط على نفسي ودفعها لمزيد من الألم. حينئذ، كل ميل أركضه يعني المزيد من القوة والمزيد من قدرتي على التحمل.
ما يعول عليه في الحلبة هو ما يمكنك القيام به بعد استنزاف قدرتك الشيء نفسه يصدق على الحياة".
"لقد تعلمت أننا ننضج من خلال المآسي تلك الخسارات التي تحدث لنا، والأمراض التي نواجهها، وذلك الألم والأسف اللذان نشعر بهما، كل ذلك يمكن المرء من التحقيق أعلى وأعظم غاية في الحياة؛ الا وهي النضج الروحاني.
إن أعظم إنجازاتي في الحياة حققتها خارج حلبة المصارعة، وكانت أعظم امتيازاتي في الحياة أنني أصبحت رسول السلام والمحبة، لأنه لا شيء يضاهي عظمة العمل من أجل الله".
March 28, 2018
A lot books out there on/about Muhammad Ali - this one is written by himself with one of his daughters. It's not a bio, more like a self-help book with short stories, metaphors and inspirational quotes.
I would recommend reading this while in a slump, so you could benefit from the motivational stuff. It's an easy read.
I would recommend reading this while in a slump, so you could benefit from the motivational stuff. It's an easy read.
October 10, 2015
Good Life Recipe:
Take a few cups of kindness, One dash of humility, One sprinkle of laughter, One teaspoon of patience, One tablespoon of generosity, One pint of forgiveness, One quart of love, and a gallon of faith.
Mix in determination and add lots of courage; Stir it up very well, spread it over the span of your lifetime, and serve it on each and every person you meet..
Take a few cups of kindness, One dash of humility, One sprinkle of laughter, One teaspoon of patience, One tablespoon of generosity, One pint of forgiveness, One quart of love, and a gallon of faith.
Mix in determination and add lots of courage; Stir it up very well, spread it over the span of your lifetime, and serve it on each and every person you meet..
April 7, 2021
I could feel Ali's spirit flowing through the pages of this book.
This is a must-read if you want/need a reminder of what a person with a beautiful and pure soul sounds like.
May God continue to bless Ali and help spread his message of love, faith, and righteousness to many more generations to come.
This is a must-read if you want/need a reminder of what a person with a beautiful and pure soul sounds like.
May God continue to bless Ali and help spread his message of love, faith, and righteousness to many more generations to come.
November 7, 2017
Inspiration.
You're still pretty , and you will always be the greatest boxer of all time , just like you want to be remembered 🌸.
You're still pretty , and you will always be the greatest boxer of all time , just like you want to be remembered 🌸.
July 6, 2024
توی این کتاب ما با یه راوی خیلی پرحرف، سطحی، برونگرا و کله شق روبرو هستیم. این راوی که قهرمان بوکس سنگین وزن جهان بوده میدونه که شعراش ضعیف و الکی هستند اما اونقدر وراجه و علاقمند به دیده شدن ه که حتی برای دانشجوهای ادبیات هاروارد هم شعر میخونه
علیرغم پرحرفیش، چون نگاهش به ماجراها سطحیه متاسفانه نمیتونه درست تبیین کنه که چرا اسلام آورده و چیزی معلومه اینه که مسلمون شدنش مثل خیلی چیزای دیگه ش در زندگی، پاسخ به یه نیاز اجتماعیه
مسلمون میشه چون جنبش حقوق مدنی سیاهپوستان خیلی فعال بوده و چند تا راه جلوی پای سیاهپوستا قرار داشته و یکیش هم جمعیت "امت مسلمان" آمریکا بوده
حتی خود بوکسور شدنش هم در ابتدا به خاطر اینه که توی محله روی یه بزن بهادر رو کم کنه
این وسط تنها استثنایی که وجود داره و از محمدعلی کلی واقعا یک قهرمان میسازه (و مایکل مان هم توی فیلم "علی" خیلی خوب این سکانس رو درآورده) سرپیچیش از دستور رفتن به جنگ ویتنامه. توی این یک فصل از زندگیش همه، حتی خانواده ش باهاش مخالفن. همه میخوان هلش بدن که بره توی جنگ ویتنام شرکت کنه و همه بهش قول میدن اصلا لازم نیست اونجا اسلحه دست بگیره و فقط کارای متفرقه میکنه. ولی این مرد نشون میده که یه قهرمان واقعیه و با "تله اطاعت" مقابله میکنه و به خاطر این سرپیچی چند سال از مسابقه دادن محروم میشه. این درخشان ترین فصل زندگیش و خوندنی ترین فصل کتابه
اما همون طور که گفتم چون واقعا برونگرایی و سطحی نگری شدیدش نمیذاره روایتش به جزئیات بپردازه و عمق پیدا کنه متاسفانه خیلی فرازهای دیگه زندگیش که میتونست برای مخاطب جذاب باشه بسیار شتابزده روایت شده ن. از جمله اون مسابقه تاریخی در کشور زئیر با جورج فریزر و از همه مهم تر مبتلا شدنش به بیماری پارکینسون. خلاصه به نتیجه میرسیم اگه آدم روی رینگ کارش خوبه معنیش این نیست در نوشتن هم خوبه، حتی نوشتن زندگینامه خودش! کاش میداد یه نفر دیگه براش مینوشت
علیرغم پرحرفیش، چون نگاهش به ماجراها سطحیه متاسفانه نمیتونه درست تبیین کنه که چرا اسلام آورده و چیزی معلومه اینه که مسلمون شدنش مثل خیلی چیزای دیگه ش در زندگی، پاسخ به یه نیاز اجتماعیه
مسلمون میشه چون جنبش حقوق مدنی سیاهپوستان خیلی فعال بوده و چند تا راه جلوی پای سیاهپوستا قرار داشته و یکیش هم جمعیت "امت مسلمان" آمریکا بوده
حتی خود بوکسور شدنش هم در ابتدا به خاطر اینه که توی محله روی یه بزن بهادر رو کم کنه
این وسط تنها استثنایی که وجود داره و از محمدعلی کلی واقعا یک قهرمان میسازه (و مایکل مان هم توی فیلم "علی" خیلی خوب این سکانس رو درآورده) سرپیچیش از دستور رفتن به جنگ ویتنامه. توی این یک فصل از زندگیش همه، حتی خانواده ش باهاش مخالفن. همه میخوان هلش بدن که بره توی جنگ ویتنام شرکت کنه و همه بهش قول میدن اصلا لازم نیست اونجا اسلحه دست بگیره و فقط کارای متفرقه میکنه. ولی این مرد نشون میده که یه قهرمان واقعیه و با "تله اطاعت" مقابله میکنه و به خاطر این سرپیچی چند سال از مسابقه دادن محروم میشه. این درخشان ترین فصل زندگیش و خوندنی ترین فصل کتابه
اما همون طور که گفتم چون واقعا برونگرایی و سطحی نگری شدیدش نمیذاره روایتش به جزئیات بپردازه و عمق پیدا کنه متاسفانه خیلی فرازهای دیگه زندگیش که میتونست برای مخاطب جذاب باشه بسیار شتابزده روایت شده ن. از جمله اون مسابقه تاریخی در کشور زئیر با جورج فریزر و از همه مهم تر مبتلا شدنش به بیماری پارکینسون. خلاصه به نتیجه میرسیم اگه آدم روی رینگ کارش خوبه معنیش این نیست در نوشتن هم خوبه، حتی نوشتن زندگینامه خودش! کاش میداد یه نفر دیگه براش مینوشت
July 2, 2008
Muhammad Ali has been one of my favorite athletes since I was a kid, drawn to his brash personality as much as his prowess in the ring. So, when I was asked to write a series of videos that honored his work at the Ali Center in Louisville, KY, I knew the research would be fun. I started - and pretty much finished - here.
This autobiography truly lets you into the soul of the man. It's not a detailed look at each stage of his life. Instead, he speaks more philosophically, sharing honest insight as to why he risked his career to protest the Vietnam War, why converting to Islam was the single most important decision of his life, and how Parkinson's has taken its toll.
Mostly, he writes from an inspirational perspective, which would be a tad annoying coming from a third-tier athlete, but when the greatest athlete of the 20th century speaks about 'what it takes' and how we all have 'the soul of a butterfly', you really want to believe him.
Mainly, I left this book feeling like I was Ali's friend - and that doesn't happen when you read most autobiographies.
This autobiography truly lets you into the soul of the man. It's not a detailed look at each stage of his life. Instead, he speaks more philosophically, sharing honest insight as to why he risked his career to protest the Vietnam War, why converting to Islam was the single most important decision of his life, and how Parkinson's has taken its toll.
Mostly, he writes from an inspirational perspective, which would be a tad annoying coming from a third-tier athlete, but when the greatest athlete of the 20th century speaks about 'what it takes' and how we all have 'the soul of a butterfly', you really want to believe him.
Mainly, I left this book feeling like I was Ali's friend - and that doesn't happen when you read most autobiographies.
January 13, 2020
Of course, I’m rating my book 5 stars. 🤗
Please check out my most recent book, At Home with Muhammad Ali: a memoir of love, loss and forgiveness. And if you have time, write a review. I love to read them. 😊
Please check out my most recent book, At Home with Muhammad Ali: a memoir of love, loss and forgiveness. And if you have time, write a review. I love to read them. 😊
March 16, 2019
Outrun them all
March 26, 2012
Muhammad Ali, “The soul of a butterfly”
The book “The soul of a Butterfly,” By, Muhammad Ali and the help of Hana Yasmeen Ali, dates back to the early years of Muhammad Ali’s career. The book exploits into detail on all of his amazing fights, but not all in the rink. It described about the battle Ali went through with court and his religious beliefs, and the color of his skin. Ali was a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people.
Ali describes all of his amazing experiences and fights as a professional boxer. He explains how all about his adventure in winning the heavy weight title three times. He went into detail on how you have to work hard to achieve your dreams, and how they just don’t show up on your front porch. Ali names the book, “The Soul of a Butterfly,” after his famous phrase, “dance like a butterfly, and sting like a bee, that’s why they call me Muhammad Ali.” They gave him this phrase for the way he pranced around the rink like a butterfly, and how his punches stung. The title is very appropriate. It is symbolic for the way he stood up for his beliefs and for how good of a boxer he was. One of Ali’s biggest ideas he wanted to be remembered for was that he was a man who stood up for his beliefs and united mankind through faith and love. I see that idea through the title. I think that the soul symbolizes his life and the adventures he’s been through, and the butterfly stands for never giving up by sticking to what you believe in. I think that the title fits his ideas and is very appropriate for the book.
In conclusion, Muhammad Ali was one of a kind at the sport of boxing. He dodged nearly every punch, and knocked out nearly every one of his opponents. He was a true inspiration to watch. Some say, “He was like a butterfly in the rink.” And that’s exactly how the title described him as, so I strongly believe that the title, “The Soul of a Butterfly,” fits the description for the book.
The book “The soul of a Butterfly,” By, Muhammad Ali and the help of Hana Yasmeen Ali, dates back to the early years of Muhammad Ali’s career. The book exploits into detail on all of his amazing fights, but not all in the rink. It described about the battle Ali went through with court and his religious beliefs, and the color of his skin. Ali was a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people.
Ali describes all of his amazing experiences and fights as a professional boxer. He explains how all about his adventure in winning the heavy weight title three times. He went into detail on how you have to work hard to achieve your dreams, and how they just don’t show up on your front porch. Ali names the book, “The Soul of a Butterfly,” after his famous phrase, “dance like a butterfly, and sting like a bee, that’s why they call me Muhammad Ali.” They gave him this phrase for the way he pranced around the rink like a butterfly, and how his punches stung. The title is very appropriate. It is symbolic for the way he stood up for his beliefs and for how good of a boxer he was. One of Ali’s biggest ideas he wanted to be remembered for was that he was a man who stood up for his beliefs and united mankind through faith and love. I see that idea through the title. I think that the soul symbolizes his life and the adventures he’s been through, and the butterfly stands for never giving up by sticking to what you believe in. I think that the title fits his ideas and is very appropriate for the book.
In conclusion, Muhammad Ali was one of a kind at the sport of boxing. He dodged nearly every punch, and knocked out nearly every one of his opponents. He was a true inspiration to watch. Some say, “He was like a butterfly in the rink.” And that’s exactly how the title described him as, so I strongly believe that the title, “The Soul of a Butterfly,” fits the description for the book.
January 31, 2016
Muhammad Ali has been one my biggest inspirations. Where People of my age are unaware of this boxing legend he continues to be my hero. The book is written by muhammad Ali with her daughter's assistance Hana. He is more than just a boxer, serving as a real life guru to many.
Very rightly said by him "during my boxing career, you did not see the real muhammad Ali. You just saw a little boxing and a little showmanship." Unlike other books on muhammad Ali this book is less about boxing and more about his spiritual journey. It is one of his books that acts as a bridge between M Ali and his fans. It makes me want to travel In time to live the 60's and 70's when there was no soccer and cricket and he was all over on radios and newspapers.
Some life lessons from the life of the greatest.
*To stand up for what you believe in.
*Biggest education is not what is taught in school or colleges it's something what you want to learn and it can be only done by observing those people who are good at it.
* learn to love yourself and believe that you are the GREATEST
*Take criticism positively in order to shine,like the brightest star.
* How to destroy the superiority complex and should always be aware of ground realities of earth no matter who you are what you were and what you will be.
*wether you do something or you don't people will still criticise you you just have to perform your duty given to you by the god.
*real champion is not the one who wins every fight but the one who gets up after every knock out.
*lastly my fav quote "don't quit suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
Thank you Muhammad Ali and his daughter Hana for writing this book and introducing us to real muhammad Ali. No matter how many years go down the drain you will still be the greatest for me.
Very rightly said by him "during my boxing career, you did not see the real muhammad Ali. You just saw a little boxing and a little showmanship." Unlike other books on muhammad Ali this book is less about boxing and more about his spiritual journey. It is one of his books that acts as a bridge between M Ali and his fans. It makes me want to travel In time to live the 60's and 70's when there was no soccer and cricket and he was all over on radios and newspapers.
Some life lessons from the life of the greatest.
*To stand up for what you believe in.
*Biggest education is not what is taught in school or colleges it's something what you want to learn and it can be only done by observing those people who are good at it.
* learn to love yourself and believe that you are the GREATEST
*Take criticism positively in order to shine,like the brightest star.
* How to destroy the superiority complex and should always be aware of ground realities of earth no matter who you are what you were and what you will be.
*wether you do something or you don't people will still criticise you you just have to perform your duty given to you by the god.
*real champion is not the one who wins every fight but the one who gets up after every knock out.
*lastly my fav quote "don't quit suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
Thank you Muhammad Ali and his daughter Hana for writing this book and introducing us to real muhammad Ali. No matter how many years go down the drain you will still be the greatest for me.
June 28, 2011
I loved it and think Muhammad Ali must be one of the most inspiring men on earth.
Inside the ring or out, ain't nothing wrong with going down. It's staying down that's wrong. - Muhammad Ali
Inside the ring or out, ain't nothing wrong with going down. It's staying down that's wrong. - Muhammad Ali
July 23, 2016
Quick and easy read, giving insight into the great man's innermost thoughts and covering all the well known fights and other events in his life. A lot to reflect on and a must read for any Ali fan.
April 27, 2025
This memoir was okay. It had more poetry and short recollections of memories without it being chronological. Muhammad is still the 🐐 and nothing will change that. I just wish I was able to get more from this story and in a better form in terms of order.
August 9, 2022
2022-08-09
Ali with his own words.
Ali with his own words.
March 23, 2012
Muhammad Ali and his daughter Hana Yasmeen Ali have written what is as much a devotional work as it is inspirational memoir/auto/biography. The book is well written in a deceptively simple style that reflects Hana professional abilities combined with Muhammad Ali's wit and experience.
There is a timeline of his life that is followed as an organizing principle of the book. Anecdotes and stories of his life are not all 'new' to this story (with an exception or two), yet they are incorporated effectively and not just as often repeated tales.
An attempt is made in the graphic layout and design of the book to have it work as an inspirational work in the tradition of many Mid-Eastern/Islamic/Sufi works throughout history. Graphic washes and overlays of background text and patterns only partially works. The book suffers in places that the use of very light and low contrast ink to 'force' the reader to pay closer attention goes to the extreme that it is hard to read, even in bright light. Too much graphic intervention. The layout of what is on a page however seems consistently to work from 25 words to a whole page. Technique is used to give the reader a chance to pause and reflect at the end of a single page or a minimum of multiple pages about important points. i.e., it is a Devotional work.
The authors make may interesting points regarding faith and belief. They make certain that the reader understands the importance of the difference between spirituality and religion. Of course there are numerous definitions and principles espoused in this work via the Sufi story, one of my favorite types of writing and anecdotal relaying of philosophy, morals, and belief.
From childhood and his upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky, to his battles in the civil rights arena, to religious freedom and respect, to his life in Michigan fighting still, now against Parkinson's, Ali covers the scope of his amazing life story. Stories that are new or are to most readers include what really happened to his Olympic Medal, specific details of his thought process in full regarding the draft, his meeting Islam, and other that are told in a readable and enjoyable way. Touching on fatherhood and being very kind and generous to his ex-wives and his great connection to his parents, Ali with his daughter Hana's partnership is far more open about his life than many celebrities ever manage even in a 'tell-all' book.
The impish and still proud Ali shines through both in his poetry past and present, his sly asides that he is still 'pretty'. The humble Ali is also here in full force including his personal acknowledgement of those he hurt including Joe Frazier and his family. Ali is candid in his creation of a persona that most of the public viewed and that he, himself, with family and close friends is a more complex and less arrogant man. Or 'he tries very hard' he says with that impish grin you know that is on his face when he at his most disarming and most influential. Ali still draws 'em in and he is still more than worth the time.
Love Ali or not, there is a something for most readers in this work even if it suffers on several levels, perhaps the worst in the ill-executed if not well intended physical format of the book.
There is a timeline of his life that is followed as an organizing principle of the book. Anecdotes and stories of his life are not all 'new' to this story (with an exception or two), yet they are incorporated effectively and not just as often repeated tales.
An attempt is made in the graphic layout and design of the book to have it work as an inspirational work in the tradition of many Mid-Eastern/Islamic/Sufi works throughout history. Graphic washes and overlays of background text and patterns only partially works. The book suffers in places that the use of very light and low contrast ink to 'force' the reader to pay closer attention goes to the extreme that it is hard to read, even in bright light. Too much graphic intervention. The layout of what is on a page however seems consistently to work from 25 words to a whole page. Technique is used to give the reader a chance to pause and reflect at the end of a single page or a minimum of multiple pages about important points. i.e., it is a Devotional work.
The authors make may interesting points regarding faith and belief. They make certain that the reader understands the importance of the difference between spirituality and religion. Of course there are numerous definitions and principles espoused in this work via the Sufi story, one of my favorite types of writing and anecdotal relaying of philosophy, morals, and belief.
From childhood and his upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky, to his battles in the civil rights arena, to religious freedom and respect, to his life in Michigan fighting still, now against Parkinson's, Ali covers the scope of his amazing life story. Stories that are new or are to most readers include what really happened to his Olympic Medal, specific details of his thought process in full regarding the draft, his meeting Islam, and other that are told in a readable and enjoyable way. Touching on fatherhood and being very kind and generous to his ex-wives and his great connection to his parents, Ali with his daughter Hana's partnership is far more open about his life than many celebrities ever manage even in a 'tell-all' book.
The impish and still proud Ali shines through both in his poetry past and present, his sly asides that he is still 'pretty'. The humble Ali is also here in full force including his personal acknowledgement of those he hurt including Joe Frazier and his family. Ali is candid in his creation of a persona that most of the public viewed and that he, himself, with family and close friends is a more complex and less arrogant man. Or 'he tries very hard' he says with that impish grin you know that is on his face when he at his most disarming and most influential. Ali still draws 'em in and he is still more than worth the time.
Love Ali or not, there is a something for most readers in this work even if it suffers on several levels, perhaps the worst in the ill-executed if not well intended physical format of the book.
February 13, 2014
"I even had chicken pox at and measles at the same time. My mother used to say that my mind was like the March wind, blowing every which way." 16
"But sometimes all you have to do is breathe, and people will have an opinion on how you drew that breath." 69
"Turning my back on Malcolm was one of the mistakes that I regret most in my life. I wish I'd been able to tell Malcolm I was sorry, that he was right about so many things. But he was killed before I got the chance. He was a visionary - ahead of us all. /.../ If i could go back and do it all over again, I would never have turned my back on him." 85
"You don't really lose when you fight for what you believe in. You lose when you fail to fight for what you care about." 129
Age was mind over matter - as long as you don't mind, it doesn't matter. /.../I would later discover that I already had Parkinson's disease. Before that point I could never really say goodbye to boxing, so boxing said goodbye to me." 131
About Parkinson:
"Some people speak loudly when they're talking to me, some very slowly - or both." 148
"And if all that's too much, then I guess I'd settle for being remembered only as a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people. And I wouldn't even mind if folks forgot how pretty i was." 205
September 16, 2015
"It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up"
Let me make a confession before I review this book. Till a couple of days back I perceived Muhammad Ali (aka Cassius Clay) as a savage and boastful man who found pride and happiness in violent confrontations. My ignorance of the true nature of legend can be excused considering that all my knowledge of Ali was based on random Youtube videos. In hindsight, I realise how ill-informed can one be.
The Soul of a Butterfly is touching narrative of Md. Ali outside boxing ring. The book starts splendidly with a note from the coauthor and Ali's daughter, Hana, in which she introduces Ali as a legend with unwavering conviction and epitome of love, kindness, and generosity. The book then proceeds to cover various phases and defining moments in Ali's life. It is filled with his personal recollections, occasionally sprinkled with Hana's memories, and laced with the stories and poems that touched Ali's heart. The book is captivating and maintains a good pace throughout except in the last quarter where it appears a bit dull and dreary.
All in all it is a good read. (3.8/5)
Let me make a confession before I review this book. Till a couple of days back I perceived Muhammad Ali (aka Cassius Clay) as a savage and boastful man who found pride and happiness in violent confrontations. My ignorance of the true nature of legend can be excused considering that all my knowledge of Ali was based on random Youtube videos. In hindsight, I realise how ill-informed can one be.
The Soul of a Butterfly is touching narrative of Md. Ali outside boxing ring. The book starts splendidly with a note from the coauthor and Ali's daughter, Hana, in which she introduces Ali as a legend with unwavering conviction and epitome of love, kindness, and generosity. The book then proceeds to cover various phases and defining moments in Ali's life. It is filled with his personal recollections, occasionally sprinkled with Hana's memories, and laced with the stories and poems that touched Ali's heart. The book is captivating and maintains a good pace throughout except in the last quarter where it appears a bit dull and dreary.
All in all it is a good read. (3.8/5)
October 1, 2010
The Soul of a Butterfly
Do you know the real Muhammad Ali? Not just the boxer but the person inside the religious man that was not seen in the ring. Well in this book the Soul of a Butterfly you will see that man. This book was good because it showed his life before boxing and how he was a little boy growing up in Louisville, KY and why he started boxing. Also it talks about what it was like for him going through the hard times when he didn’t go to Vietnam and how religion helped him get through that hard time. He talks about his religion. This is Muhammad Ali the person not the boxer.
I would recommend this book to people that like Muhammad Ali and want to learn more about the boxing aspect of his life.
By Josh Hill
Do you know the real Muhammad Ali? Not just the boxer but the person inside the religious man that was not seen in the ring. Well in this book the Soul of a Butterfly you will see that man. This book was good because it showed his life before boxing and how he was a little boy growing up in Louisville, KY and why he started boxing. Also it talks about what it was like for him going through the hard times when he didn’t go to Vietnam and how religion helped him get through that hard time. He talks about his religion. This is Muhammad Ali the person not the boxer.
I would recommend this book to people that like Muhammad Ali and want to learn more about the boxing aspect of his life.
By Josh Hill
September 29, 2016
Muhammed Ali is someone I've looked up to since I was 8.
This book is beautiful, you connect with him on a personal level. He has a gift to inspire people. Boxing or no boxing his wisdom makes you wanna achieve your dreams #king
This book is beautiful, you connect with him on a personal level. He has a gift to inspire people. Boxing or no boxing his wisdom makes you wanna achieve your dreams #king
February 23, 2024
ലോകപ്രശസ്ത ബോക്സിംഗ് താരമായിരുന്ന മുഹമ്മദലിയുടെ ആത്മകഥ. പൂമ്പാറ്റയുടെ ആത്മാവ് എന്ന ഈ പുസ്തകം ബോക്സിംഗിനപ്പുറം ഉള്ള മുഹമ്മദലിയുടെ ജീവിതമാണ് തുറന്നു കാണിക്കുന്നത്. അതിരറ്റ മനുഷ്യസ്നേഹത്തിലൂടെ ദൈവത്തെ അനുഭവിക്കുന്ന അലിയാണ് ഈ പുസ്തകത്തില് നിറഞ്ഞുനില്ക്കുന്നത്. നാല് ഭാര്യമാരും 9 മക്കളും അടങ്ങുന്ന കുടുംബ ജീവിതവും ഹ്രസ്വമായി പറഞ്ഞു പോകുന്ന ബോക്സിങ് കരിയറും ഇതിലുണ്ട്.
January 18, 2026
extremely liked this one
great insights into mohammad ali’s life and thoughts
had every feeling from goosebumps to tears in my eyes
great insights into mohammad ali’s life and thoughts
had every feeling from goosebumps to tears in my eyes
July 27, 2020
A sweet and simple read of a sweet and simple man. Rather than trying to write something prolific about Muhammad Ali, I’ll steal a quote from the book.
“If people from outer space came to Earth and we had to give them one representative of our species to show them our physical powers, our spirituality, our decency, our warmth, our kindness, our humor, and most of all our capacity to love - it would be Ali.” -Dick Gregory
“If people from outer space came to Earth and we had to give them one representative of our species to show them our physical powers, our spirituality, our decency, our warmth, our kindness, our humor, and most of all our capacity to love - it would be Ali.” -Dick Gregory
February 11, 2008
A very spiritual memoir of primarily how Islam and his faith has made him
the man that he is today, noting that most of his bravado was for show to
entice fans and get large crowds. He speaks specifically of his great
African American pride (and his dislike of the inequality) that led him to
the teachings of Islam. He speaks specifically of winning his Olympic gold
medal for the US and then coming home to Kentucky, wearing it everywhere
with honor, and still not being able to eat in a white restaurant. He notes
that he is a quite and humble person in his private life. At first with his
illness, he was unsure of what to do but then he realized that he had to
show others how to fight and continue to live with this disease. He takes
great pride in that he was the "People's Champion", felt that he was put on
this earth to make a difference for all walks of life. Talks proudly of his
strong faith and his defiance of the military draft. One note that
surprises me was that he said that he was not a draft dodger, did not run to
Canada or anything of that nature, but utilized his right to abstain from
the military as a "conscientious objector." He went directly to the
military office but refused to step forward when his name was called. He
talks of his heroes, the people that inspired him, his regret for not being
a better father and his life's greatest accomplishments, including coming
full circle, 36 years after his Olympic gold to lighting the Olympic flame
at the Olympics in Atlanta. The book includes poems of his and his
daughter, mostly spiritual and of stories relating to Sufi Islamic wisdom.
He is very candid and very humorous, even in print. The funniest part of
the book that had me laughing out loud was how he was once in the Magician's
Labor Union. He loved magic and loved showing it to kids (he loves children
for their innocence). However, it is against his Islamic beliefs to deceive
people so after his tricks, he immediately told them how he did it. The
magicians "found out" and banned him from the Union.
Excellent book, took me all of 4 hours to read, very quick read, quick
thought book but a great insight to one of the, if not the most well-known
person on the planet.
the man that he is today, noting that most of his bravado was for show to
entice fans and get large crowds. He speaks specifically of his great
African American pride (and his dislike of the inequality) that led him to
the teachings of Islam. He speaks specifically of winning his Olympic gold
medal for the US and then coming home to Kentucky, wearing it everywhere
with honor, and still not being able to eat in a white restaurant. He notes
that he is a quite and humble person in his private life. At first with his
illness, he was unsure of what to do but then he realized that he had to
show others how to fight and continue to live with this disease. He takes
great pride in that he was the "People's Champion", felt that he was put on
this earth to make a difference for all walks of life. Talks proudly of his
strong faith and his defiance of the military draft. One note that
surprises me was that he said that he was not a draft dodger, did not run to
Canada or anything of that nature, but utilized his right to abstain from
the military as a "conscientious objector." He went directly to the
military office but refused to step forward when his name was called. He
talks of his heroes, the people that inspired him, his regret for not being
a better father and his life's greatest accomplishments, including coming
full circle, 36 years after his Olympic gold to lighting the Olympic flame
at the Olympics in Atlanta. The book includes poems of his and his
daughter, mostly spiritual and of stories relating to Sufi Islamic wisdom.
He is very candid and very humorous, even in print. The funniest part of
the book that had me laughing out loud was how he was once in the Magician's
Labor Union. He loved magic and loved showing it to kids (he loves children
for their innocence). However, it is against his Islamic beliefs to deceive
people so after his tricks, he immediately told them how he did it. The
magicians "found out" and banned him from the Union.
Excellent book, took me all of 4 hours to read, very quick read, quick
thought book but a great insight to one of the, if not the most well-known
person on the planet.
May 1, 2013
Earlier this week, my sister shared a link of a short documentary on how Muhammad Ali played a pivotal role in the release of US prisoners of war released after Saddam Hussein's army captured them and others during the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. It was very moving, especially the concluding scene, and as it was pretty close to home (I grew up in Kuwait) I was overcome by a strong desire to know more about him.
And so I chanced upon his autobiography, Soul of a Butterfly: Lessons on Life's Journey, which is more of a narration of his spiritual journey, before and after he embraced Islam. No movie can truly show you the man Muhammad Ali was—for that you must read his book. It is an infinitesimal glimpse into his soul. Every page I read strengthened my conviction of how a great a man he is. I'm not too interested in Muhammad Ali the boxer, although his achievements are remarkable. It's the man himself that has me captivated and awe-struck. His goodness, humility, selflessness, humour, compassion, unshakable faith in God, unwavering confidence in his abilities, his ideals...what I especially admire about him is how he always stuck to his guns, refusing to budge from his principles, even at the risk of imprisonment, consequently raising the ire of the US government and the general public. His license to box was rescinded and he lost over three prime boxing years, but he stood his ground and never regretted his decision.
The book has so many lessons we can learn from, wise words that we can inculcate into our lives to enrich them. The writing is simple, yet holds so much depth.
"True success is reaching our potential without compromising our ideals."
"We are only brave when we have something to lose and we still try. We can't be brave without fear."
And so I chanced upon his autobiography, Soul of a Butterfly: Lessons on Life's Journey, which is more of a narration of his spiritual journey, before and after he embraced Islam. No movie can truly show you the man Muhammad Ali was—for that you must read his book. It is an infinitesimal glimpse into his soul. Every page I read strengthened my conviction of how a great a man he is. I'm not too interested in Muhammad Ali the boxer, although his achievements are remarkable. It's the man himself that has me captivated and awe-struck. His goodness, humility, selflessness, humour, compassion, unshakable faith in God, unwavering confidence in his abilities, his ideals...what I especially admire about him is how he always stuck to his guns, refusing to budge from his principles, even at the risk of imprisonment, consequently raising the ire of the US government and the general public. His license to box was rescinded and he lost over three prime boxing years, but he stood his ground and never regretted his decision.
The book has so many lessons we can learn from, wise words that we can inculcate into our lives to enrich them. The writing is simple, yet holds so much depth.
"True success is reaching our potential without compromising our ideals."
"We are only brave when we have something to lose and we still try. We can't be brave without fear."
October 17, 2015
This book delves into the life of Muhammed Ali and shows you the journey he went through up until the publishing of this book. Muhammed Ali grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and was raised by Baptist. Faith has always been a part of his life; God played an important role. Ali developed his skills in boxing young and he thought that his win in Olympics at the age of 18 would change the racism he felt by some Americans. But after his win, he found that segregation still existed. He loved his gold medal, but after that moment he gave up on it. He wanted the goal medal to himself access to these venues, but after this incident he learned there was a bigger threat at hand. The inequality and injustice faced by blacks. He wanted to use his skills to make some type of change for the people. Around this time he also learned a valuable lesson when Sugar Ray Robinson walked by him after he had been waiting to get his autograph all day. Muhammad made it a duty of his to always make time for his fans. Throughout the book you get more of a glimpse of his life. His original name was Cassius Clay, but after the introduction into the nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad told him he should change it because Cassius Clay was his slave name. Often times slaves were given names after their owner because they were seen as their property. Elijah give Cassius the name of Muhammed Ali. Ali shows us that faith and the chance to help others were important. This book shows you how important it is to care for others. Many lessons to be learned. You also learn about some of the struggles he faced such as electing not to go to Vietnam, resulted in his title being stripped, and many others. You'll also hear about his battle with Parkinson and how he's faced it. His regrets such as not being able to have spent more time with his family.
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