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January 4, 2024 19 mins

Born Ricky D. Mitchell in Berkeley, CA in 1956, Imam Zaid Shakir converted to Islam in 1977 while serving in the United States Air Force. He studied the religion of Islam extensively, and today is popularly regarded as “America’s Imam,” and one of the most prominent Muslim preachers alive. Imam Zaid was Muhammad Ali’s spiritual leader, guide, and dear friend, and was whispering prayers into his ear in his hospital room when he passed away. Per Ali’s prior request, he led his funeral prayer and presided over his memorial service. Among other achievements and accolades, he is also the co-founder of Zaytuna College (a private Islamic liberal arts college). He publishes regularly on contemporary issues and matters of public interest and debate, both as a private scholar and public intellectual. This episode is a rare gem, full of wisdom, insight, and timeless advice for the sincere seeker of truth. 


Guest: Imam Zaid Shakir



More Info:

Article: “The Greatest, At Rest,” by Tom Junod

Link: https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/19409912/the-planning-muhammad-ali-funeral 


Websites:

https://zaytuna.edu/academics/faculty/zaid-shakir 

https://www.newislamicdirections.com/new_nid/about/ 



ORIGINAL AUDIO PRODUCTION, MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY SALT


Executive Produced by Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur


Head of Creative: Jordan Galvan 


Head of Production: Liz LeMay


Head of Post Production: Robert Adler


Producers: Imran Ali Malik & Aaron Kennedy 


Supervising Producers: Allie Strobel & Alice Bearn


Post Production Supervisor: Aly Honoré


Post Production Coordinator: Jax Raffle 




Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik and Aaron Kennedy 


Sound Design and Music by: Matthew Chilelli


Mixed by: Aaron Kennedy 


Recorded by Aaron Kennedy, Zack Djurich and Mario Borgatta 


Guest Booking by Drive Entertainment and Hager Eldaas




Additional music courtesy of Extreme Music.


Joking Not Joking is a Luminary Original, and a co-production between SALT, Legally Homeless, Inc., and Numinous Company, Inc.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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