The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life's Journey

Another great publication of one of the greatest men of all times. A must read for true fans.

Love the story told at his memorial byRabbi Joe Rapport of Congregation Adath Israel Brith Sholom in Louisville gave a moving account of the boxing great's encounter with a Christian man who needed a ride.It's a story Hana [Ali] tells about her father towards the end of his book, "The Soul of a Butterfly".Hana is driving her father to a bookstore on one Sunday to pick up some Bibles and Qurans for a project that he's working on. They pass an elderly man standing by the road with a Bible in one hand and his thumb in the air with another. They offer him a ride.And he thanks them, saying that he's on his way home from church, he only needs to go a few miles down the street... Hana asked where he lives. He doesn't want to trouble them or go out of their way. He has no idea who is sitting in the front seat of this car.Until Muhammad Ali turns around and says, 'It's no trouble at all. We're just on our way to a bookstore to buy some Bibles and Qurans.'Once the man gets over meeting the greatest of all time, he insists that he has three Bibles in his house and he'd be pleased to give them to Ali in appreciation for the ride. Ali thanks him but says he wants to pay for the Bibles. The man says, no, the Bibles were meant as a gift. Ali asked him what he does for a living and it turns out that the man had a stroke and he's been forced into retirement. Ali then tries to hand him a big pile of money for the Bibles.But the man refuses and this is where things get interesting. Ali says, 'Take the money, man, I'm trying to get into heaven.' And the man replies, 'So am I.'Ali is not taking 'no' for an answer. He says, 'If you don't take the money, I might not get in.' And the man replies, 'If I do take your money, I might not get in.'They arrive at his home and the man invites him in to meet his wife of 30 years. He gives Ali the Bibles. Ali slips the money under a napkin on the kitchen table. They are about to leave and Hana gives the man her phone number and tells him to call her if he ever needs a ride home from church again.Sitting in the car, Ali turns to his daughter and asks, 'Would you really go out of your way and pick him up, drive him all the way home?' And she says yes. And with tears in his eyes, he says, 'That's me in you.'He says, 'You're on the road to heaven.'"

This is the best book that I have read so far. He had so many important things to say and we can all learn from him. There's not enough words to describe how wonderful a read this was. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. 💓

This order arrived very quickly. Unfortunately, although the condition is listed as new, the book's print is defective. Most of the pages contain faded out print that you can barely see. It will be a strain to try to read this. I dont know if I want to exert the effort to return it. The little that was intelligible seemed very interesting. Oh well.

This is a very well written and humorous book of Ali’s life from his perspective of a real human being. It is written in a very loving and heartfelt manner with his daughter. Many of the pages have his rhythms, and stories with larger letters used for readability. I was fortunate to know him and his wife Lonnie in AZ and believe this was the real Mohammad. Many stories will bring a smile to your face with a few laugh out loud moments. He truly is my lifetime idle and I recommend this book for all ages! Our young people and old people can really learn from his life and outlook on world humanity. I am buying a copy for both my sons to share with their families. Highly recommend!

Since Muhammad Ali was arguably the most famous American Muslim, I chose this book in hopes of a better understanding of Islam. In it, he details the highlights of his life and his spirituality in a series of very simple and sincere short stories. I think anyone who has admired him will only find their admiration multiplied many times by reading these "Reflections". While he makes it clear how and why Islam served him from the time of his conversion, he is also clear about respecting the equivalence and value of all religions. His roles as a boxer and an entertainer were just the beginning of his greatness. As an inspiration for a more peaceful and loving life, he is at least among The Very Greatest!

My heartfelt thanks to Hana Yasmeen Ali and her father for this beautiful work of love and hope. While an high school student I became aware of "The Greatest" and fell in love with him. I was a student at a predominately white school run by the Christian Bros. Everyone seemed to hate Ali for his brashness - not me. When I watched his fights I knew that I was witnessing an incredible man. I knew that I would not live to see anyone like him again. I won many lunches at school from fellow students who wanted to see him loose in the worst way possible. Evidently we were not experiencing the same fighter. Ali used to give the credit to God after winning or loosing. When Ali refused the government draft into the military on religious grounds I prayed for his safety. The courage he exhibited outside the ring surpassed any other effort. So many turned their backs to him it was a shame. There is a beautiful family picture included with this book. May I become the loving father to my children which Ali is to his.

A little repetitive, but wonderful insight into a great man and a true ambassador for his country. Ali was a man of exceptional grace.

An exceptional book from an exceptional human being

Ali's story can inspire ours! Great book to read!!

Loved loved this book..must buy

It is always great to hear about amazing people. He truly lived a honorable life despite all. And with his recent passing, I will cherish the book even more.

un libro che può cambiare la propria vita. scritto con il cuore. un campione della boxe un campione nella vita. è il suo testamento spirituale.