100% Cotton Also available in Big and TALL sizes! Officially licensed Muhammad Ali, born as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., made the decision to change his name for deeply personal and profound reasons. This change represented a significant transformation in his identity, reflecting his spiritual and cultural beliefs. In 1964, after winning the world heavyweight championship against Sonny Liston, Ali publicly announced his conversion to Islam and joined the Nation of Islam, an African-American religious and political movement. As a follower of this faith, Ali embraced the teachings of the movement's leader, Elijah Muhammad, and adopted a new name that held great symbolic meaning. His new name, Muhammad Ali, was carefully chosen. "Muhammad" refers to the Prophet Muhammad, the central figure of Islam, and symbolizes Ali's spiritual journey and devotion to his faith. "Ali" holds historical significance as it was the name of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and represents strength, nobility, and resistance. Ali's decision to change his name was a powerful statement of cultural pride and defiance against a society that often marginalized African-Americans. It was a rejection of his birth name, which he considered to be a remnant of a history marred by slavery and oppression. The name change sparked controversy and ignited debates across the nation. Many people were resistant to accepting his new identity, and the media often referred to him by his former name, Cassius Clay, in an attempt to undermine his decision. However, Ali remained steadfast, asserting his right to be called by the name he had chosen. By changing his name to Muhammad Ali, he not only aligned himself with his faith and heritage but also inspired countless others to embrace their own cultural and religious identities. He became a powerful symbol of black pride, social activism, and resistance against injustice. Muhammad Ali's name change was a deeply personal and transformative decision, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his faith and his desire to challenge the status quo. It was an act of self-definition, reclaiming his identity and asserting his place in the world on his own terms.