Product Description

In this poignant, deeply 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 relatively impoverished 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, his conversion to Islam in the 1960s and the many life lessons he learned along the way. 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 (which includes a selection of exclusive photographs) All 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. As he says, 'It is after I retired from boxing that my true work began. I have embarked on a journey to love.'

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9082 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From the Back Cover
In The Soul of a Butterfly the great champion takes readers on a spiritual journey through the seasons of life, from childhood to the present, and shares the beliefs that have served him well.

After fighting some of the fiercest bouts in boxing history, today Muhammad Ali faces his most powerful foe – outside the boxing ring. Like many people, he battles an illness that limits his physical abilities, but as he says, ‘I have gained more than I have lost…I have never had a more powerful voice than I have now.’ As Ali reflects on his faith and the strength it gave him during his greatest challenge, when he lost the prime years of his boxing career because he would not compromise his beliefs, he describes how his study of Islam has brought him to a greater awareness of life’s true purpose. As a United Nations’ Messenger of Peace’ he has travelled widely, and he describes his 2002 mission to Afghanistan to heighten public awareness of that country’s desperate situation, as well as his more recent meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Ali’s reflections on topics ranging from moral courage to belief in God, to respect for those who differ from us. Written with the assistance of his daughter, Hana, The Soul of a Butterfly is a compassionate and heartfelt book that will provide comfort for our troubled times.
‘The most intimate picture yet of The Greatest of them All’ Sunday Tribune

About the Author
born Cassius Marcellus Clay in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1942, began boxing at the age of twelve. By the age of eighteen he had won all amateur titles available and in 1960 he won the Light Heavyweight Gold Medal at the Rome Olympics. On his return to the States, the young boxer - who had caused a stir with his unorthodox style of boxing and brash behaviour - turned professional and began what was to become the most remarkable career in the history of sport. Indeed, 'floating like a butterfly, stinging like a bee', punching, prophesying, and generally creating a storm of controversy wherever he appeared, he quite literally transformed his sport and became the world's most adored athlete. His conversion to Islam in the 1960s had a profound impact on his life and undoubtedly influences much of his search for peace and unity today. Despite suffering from Parkinson's Disease, All works tirelessly for a number of charitable organizations.

Customer Reviews

Very inspiring
Ali, without doubt is one of the greatest sportsmen of our world, and this book tells you why. This book is not just about the man's fighting ability, but about his kind and loving nature. How he overcame racism and personal trials through steadfast faith and superhuman will.

Ali is completely honest throughout the book, he reveals his regrets and achievements through humbling accounts

I would highly recommend this to fans of Ali and fans of human achievements.

Legendary Athlete, Legendary Man
A very thought-provoking book from a man who is much more than a great boxing champion.

Behind all the bravado and loud talking, all the power and grace in the ring, is a mind and a belief that is truly refreshing.

I found this book to be enlightening, and i will certainly be reading it again, and again, and probably again!

Definitely The Greatest
This book is not just about the greatest heavy weight champ of all time. It's about the boy who took up boxing, the man who defeated liston, the man who became a muslim, stood up for his rights and the rights of every african american. This book will show you a differnt way of life.

A brilliant book for anyone, boxing fan or not.