Muhammad Ali to have traditional Muslim funeral on June 9

Louisville, Jun 6: The day before his star-studded funeral, members of Muhammad Ali's Islamic faith will get their chance to say a traditional goodbye to the Champ.

Ali dies aged 74

Bob Gunnell, a spokesman for Ali's family, announced Monday (June 6) that a Jenazah, a traditional Muslim funeral service, will be held at Freedom Hall at noon Thursday (June 9).

It will be open to all. They chose the venue both because it seats 18,000 and because it holds historical significance for the hometown hero. (Ali was The Greatest)

Ali fought, and won, his first professional fight there in 1960. Gunnell said Ali, who converted to the Islamic faith in the 1960s, started planning his own funeral nearly a decade ago.

Gunnell said he wanted his services "to reflect his life and how he lived" with a heart open to people of all colors and creeds. 8:45 a.m (local time). The president of Turkey and king of Jordan joined the long line of world leaders, religious figures and superstars set to speak at Muhammad Ali's funeral Friday.

Ali family spokesman Bob Gunnell announced funeral details at a news conference Monday. California imam and scholar Zaid Shakir will preside over the service at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.

Speaking at the funeral will be representatives of multiple faiths, including Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Mormonism and Catholicism.

They will be followed by Ali's wife, Lonnie Ali; daughter Maryum Ali; actor Billy Crystal; sportscaster Bryant Gumbel; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and King Abdullah II of Jordan. President Bill Clinton will deliver a eulogy. The Dalai Lama was invited, but sent regrets that he will be unable to attend.

AP/PTI