When where why how did CASSIUS CLAY become MUHAMMAD ALI?

Question

When where why how did CASSIUS CLAY become MUHAMMAD ALI?

Answer 1

Ali changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964, subsequently converted to Sunni Islam in 1975 and then Sufism.Only a few journalists accepted it at that time. Venerable boxing announcer Don Dunphy addressed the champion by his adopted name, as did British reporters. The adoption of this name symbolized his new identity as a member of the Nation of Islam.

Answer 2

He changed his name when he became a Muslim.

Answer 3

The only part of this question that is important is the "When" and the "Why"  They answer the "Where and How".

When:  Clay actually converted and changed his name BEFORE his 1964 fight with Liston.  Because of the dirty politics that infested American society at that time  (not that it still DOES NT today),  Clay could not go public with his conversion or he would Never have gotten a shot at the hvt. title.  

Weather one believes in another's religion or not, you must recognize the fact that religious leaders often "Preach".  100times more people will listen to the Heavyweight Champion of the World.   At 22 he was able to convince Elijah Muhammad, who wanted him to quit boxing, that being champ would strengthen his cause.  

WHY:  The Nation of Islam,  at it was called here in the US, was a very misunderstood organization.  Part of it is their own doing.   Their original message was to boost the self esteem of Black Americans.  Blacks began to seek better ways of life instead of the meger ways of living in societies where you see "Whites Only"  signs any time you attempt to patronize any business.  The FEW public places where Blacks were allowed to patronize weren't fit for humans.   If you're young its very hard for you to imagine how life was in the US for non-whites at the time.

Though their message was in good intention, there were a few who abused it and chose to practice Islam in ways other than True Islam, at it was practiced long before.  Some did this for personal gain.  Others did it because they thought it would give Black Americans a much needed boost.  In any case religion should not be changed for anyone's personal gain.  It should remain spirital and true to form from its roots.  

ALI attempted to prevent the "Rift" that developed within the NOI.  His attempts were not successful.  Part of this gave the US govt. (or members within) the leverage it needed to paint the NOI as a violent militant hate group and convince the public likewise.   It was anything but that.  

They were out spoken, as many Blacks just "accepted" their poor way of life, but they were taught to remain respectful in society.   Its a shame that a few within decided to do their own thing.  This gave those who would see them destroyed, the leverage they needed to do just that.

ALI tried to prevent much of this.  He was all for  "Preserve  and improve the quality of life for Blacks".  He was against the build up of tention between the NOI and the rest of society.  

The biggest problem with the NOI is that it was an All Black organization.  True Islam is not practiced that way.  If you go to Mecca you will see MANY different races.  This is part of what they teach.  IF someone were to attempt to change Christianity or another religion to All White, they would have the same problems.   Religion is "The way you choose to worship God".  NOT the Exclusion of your fellow man.