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.