AFSV: Renowned Turkish Scholar Fethullah Gulen Honors Ali's Legacy

NEW YORK, June 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fethullah Gülen, the moderate Muslim scholar, preacher and social advocate, today honored the life and legacy of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, calling him "a role model and a source of hope for youth living in difficult conditions around the world."

Mr. Gülen issued his message of condolence just as Ali was being laid to rest in Louisville, Kentucky. Thousands are expected to pay their respects to the boxer who also made his life's work human rights, equality and freedom. Mr. Gülen inspired Hizmet (also known as the Gülen movement), a global social movement dedicated to education, religious tolerance and humanitarian work.

Mr. Gülen's statement was released by the Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV), a nonprofit organization focused on interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and mutual respect. Mr. Gülen's message is below:

I learned with grief the passing of Mr. Muhammad Ali, an individual who was dear to hundreds of millions of people around the world for his achievements in sports, strength of conviction, amicable personality and philanthropy.

Through his professional accomplishments as well as his standing up for his beliefs, Muhammad Ali served as a role model and a source of hope for youth living in difficult conditions around the world.

Following his boxing career, despite his regressing health, Muhammad Ali dedicated himself to the causes of human rights, hunger, poverty and disease. 

Muhammad Ali showed his indiscriminating sensitivity to the plight of sufferers around the world by standing with them and supporting them. He was never indifferent to any charitable cause brought to his attention.

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, Muhammad Ali made statements and engaged in activities that helped restore the image of Islam.  He not only condemned the terrorists but also declared to the entire world that they are fanatics who do not represent any religion.

He only accepted the allotment of a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the condition that it was put on a wall so that the name Muhammad would not be stepped upon. The star on the wall became a symbol of Muhammad Ali's principled stance for his values throughout his life.

He left behind a beautiful legacy.

I pray for mercy and forgiveness from God the Merciful for the deceased. I send my condolences to his family and loved ones, and wish them peace.

About Alliance for Shared Values
The Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a voice for dialogue organizations affiliated with Hizmet, a global social movement inspired by prominent preacher and peace activist Fethullah Gülen. Based in New York, the Alliance strives to promote peace and to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against any or all ethnic, cultural and religious communities. To learn more about the Alliance or Mr. Gülen, please visit www.afsv.org.

Contact
Hina Gul 
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(212) 682-4278

SOURCE Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV)

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