“The only thing that matters is submitting to the will of God.”
January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016
American
Professional Boxer, Activist, Olympic Gold Medalist, Heavyweight Champion
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Quote
“The only thing that matters is submitting to the will of God.”
Explanation
In this deeply spiritual statement, Muhammad Ali expresses the essence of his faith and life philosophy, emphasizing that true meaning and fulfillment come from surrendering to a higher power. Rooted in Islamic belief, where submission to God (Allah) is the very definition of the word Islam, Ali frames everything—fame, success, hardship—as secondary to living in alignment with divine will.
Ali’s life was marked by decisions that reflected this conviction: refusing military service on religious grounds, changing his name to reflect his faith, and dedicating his later years to charity and global peace efforts. Even as a world-renowned figure, he viewed his achievements as temporary and ultimately insignificant when compared to the eternal importance of spiritual obedience and moral integrity.
Today, this quote stands as a powerful reminder of the grounding force of faith in a world of distraction and ego. Whether one shares Ali’s religious beliefs or not, the message is universal: a life anchored in purpose, humility, and service to something greater than oneself is what truly matters. Ali’s greatness lay not just in his power, but in his unwavering submission to principle.
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