Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.

I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'

The name Muhammad is the most common name in the world. In all the countries around the world - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon - there are more Muhammads than anything else. When I joined the Nation of Islam and became a Muslim, they gave me the most famous name because I was the champ.

I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want.

I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace..

Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams - they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do - they all contain truths.

The word 'Islam' means 'peace.' The word 'Muslim' means 'one who surrenders to God.' But the press makes us seem like haters.

Allah's the Arabic term for God. Stand up for God, fight for God, work for God and do the right thing, and go the right way, things will end up in your corner.

I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.

My only fault is that I don't realize how great I really am.

It's hard to be humble, when you're as great as I am.

No boxer in the history of boxing has had Parkinson's. There's no injury in my brain that suggests that the illness came from boxing.

My principles are more important than the money or my title.

I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace.

I'm just hoping that people understand that Islam is peace and not violence.

When you can whip any man in the world, you never know peace.

Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.

My way of joking is to tell the truth. That's the funniest joke in the world.

When I won the Golden Gloves in 1960, that made me realize I had a chance. And when I won at the Olympics, that sealed it: I was the champ.

Ali's got a left, Ali's got a right - when he knocks you down, you'll sleep for the night; and when you lie on the floor and the ref counts to ten, hope and pray that you never meet me again.

It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.

At home I am a nice guy: but I don't want the world to know. Humble people, I've found, don't get very far.

The man who has no imagination has no wings.

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.