Muhammad Ali 2x Signed Informational Booklet, "Understanding Islam and the Muslims"

A softcover booklet, "Understanding Islam and the Muslims" (Washington, D.C.: The Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 1989), twice signed by world championship boxer Muhammad Ali (1942-2016), the first time as "Muhammad Ali" in black felt tip pen on the front cover, and the second time as "Peter Rossi / from Muhammad Ali / 8-4-92" in black pen. The first signature has dried unevenly on the glossy cover surface, but it is dark and bold. Unpaginated, but with 31 glossy pages of vibrant, color pictures. Isolated minor wear to the booklet spine mentioned just for accuracy, else near fine to pristine. 5.375" x 8.25."

Muhammad Ali, who converted to Islam in his early 20s, twice signed this informational booklet providing succinct answers to frequently asked questions about Islam, one of the world's leading religions. The booklet includes such subheadings as: "How does someone become a Muslim?"; "Why does Islam often seem strange?"; "What do Muslims think about Jesus?"; and "What does Islam say about war?" The objectives of the booklet are manifold: to allay common misconceptions about Islam, to increase understanding and tolerance of the religion in the West, and to pique a potential convert's interest.

While Ali is best remembered for his championship boxing career, he was also a man of varied interests, among them art, music, writing, acting, philanthropy, and Islam. Ali converted to Sunni Islam under the guidance of spiritual mentor Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam between 1934-1975, in the early 1960s. Ali's celebrity in the ring made him one of America's most well-known Muslims, and while initially the Nation of Islam disapproved of this association, they soon relented. Ali practiced Islam during and after his boxing career. He made two pilgrimages to Mecca in 1972 and 1988 and devoted much of his later life to charitable pursuits. He converted to Sufi Islam around 2005.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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