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.